Holiday Cranberry pineapple jello with whipped cream cheese topping

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 04:42:16 GMT

Step 1

START AT LEAST 24 HRS AHEAD OF TIME! The hardest part of this jello is timing and allowing the components to set properly. Allowing things to set a bit longer is a lot better than letting it under set.

Step 2

Start by taking the crushed pineapple and straining the living crap out of it. ( I use a metal spoon to smash the pineapple into the strainer). SAVE ALL THE JUICE! It is VERY important to strain it as well as possible, even patting it dry after with a paper towel would be good. Set the pineapple aside

Step 3

Then make your lemon jello according to the box EXCEPT substitute the water for that pineapple juice you saved, mix it with ginger ale until you have the measurements you need. DO NOT ADD WATER

Step 4

This is the hard part. Let the jello set in the fridge until its about 60% set. It should be gooey and resemble a sludge like consistency, when you mix, it needs to be able to incorporate without chunks of jello, yet not be watery. Imagine a thick paste. I would wait at least 1 hour then check on it every 20 minutes. If the jello is to loose your final product will be runny, if it is too set you'll have chunks of jello. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART

Step 5

When the jello reaches that sludge like consistency add in the 2 cans of cranberry sauce as well as your EXTREMELY strained pineapple. (If the pineapple has too much moisture it will make your jello runny.) Mix extremely well until everything is incorporated evenly. Empty into a 9"x13" serving dish i use a pyrex (high walls would be prefferred but need at least 1" of clearance from jello to top of dish for the topping") make sure everything is nicely levelled and flat

Step 6

Let it sit in the fridge for a MINIMUM of 12 hours. You need it to be firm before you add topping.

Step 7

Once your jello has become firm you want to make your 2 packets of dream whip according to the directions on the box. Without letting it chill

Step 8

Add 2 blocks of softened cream cheese and 2 tsp of vanilla extract to your finished dream whip and mix well. Layer ontop of your Jello evenly making a nice smooth flat top. Let rest a MINIMUM of 6 hours in fridge. (Overnight is better)

Step 9

Congratulations now pray everything had time to set up properly sprinkle LIGHTLY with nutmeg or cinnamon (this is for aesthetic and aroma only) cut into squares and enjoy. Serve cold

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