why make this recipe
Raspberry Jell-O Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or even a simple family dinner. This vibrant dessert is not only visually appealing with its rich red color, but it also offers a wonderful combination of sweet and tart flavors. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a practical choice for busy cooks.
how to make Raspberry Jell-O Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 6-oz. package raspberry powdered gelatin
- 2 10-oz. bags frozen raspberries
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1¼ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt, divided
- 3 graham cracker sheets
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsp. sugar, divided
- 4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup chilled heavy cream
Directions:
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Prepare the Jell-O: Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Once boiling, remove it from heat and add the 6-oz. package of raspberry powdered gelatin. Stir until fully dissolved. Next, add the two bags of frozen raspberries, the fresh lemon juice, and ¼ tsp. of kosher salt. Mix everything together and pour it into a dish that holds 1½ to 2 quarts. Chill the mixture until it sets, which takes at least 2 hours.
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Make the crust: While the Jell-O is chilling, crush the graham crackers in a small bowl until they resemble coarse crumbs, about the size of lentils. Then, melt the unsalted butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the graham cracker crumbs, 1 Tbsp. of sugar, and ½ tsp. of kosher salt. Stir until the crumbs are golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a small plate and let it cool.
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Prepare the cream layer: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to beat the room temperature cream cheese with the remaining ½ tsp. of kosher salt until it’s smooth, which takes about 5 minutes. Then, stop the mixer and add the chilled heavy cream and the remaining 2 Tbsp. of sugar. Beat on medium-low speed until firm peaks form, which should take about 5 minutes.
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Assemble the salad: Once the Jell-O has set, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top. Use a spoon or an offset spatula to smooth the surface. Chill the entire dish for at least another 15 minutes.
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Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the top of the Jell-O salad.
Do Ahead:
You can prepare the Jell-O up to 2 days in advance; just cover it and keep it chilled. You can also assemble the Jell-O salad without the crumbs 2 hours ahead of time, keeping it chilled until serving.
how to serve Raspberry Jell-O Salad
Raspberry Jell-O Salad can be served as a refreshing dessert at the end of a meal. It’s ideal for summer barbecues, holiday potlucks, or birthday parties. Simply slice into squares and serve chilled for a light and pleasing treat.
how to store Raspberry Jell-O Salad
You can store leftover Raspberry Jell-O Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the graham cracker crumbs separate until you’re ready to serve, as they can become soggy when mixed with the Jell-O.
tips to make Raspberry Jell-O Salad
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Use a hand mixer for an easier whipping process if you don’t have a stand mixer.
- Experiment with other frozen fruits like strawberries or blueberries for different flavors.
variation
You can add a layer of chopped fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas between the Jell-O and the cream layer to create more texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can use a different flavor of Jell-O to match seasonal fruits.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh raspberries, but they might release more juice and change the texture slightly. -
How long does it take for the Jell-O to set?
The Jell-O typically takes at least 2 hours to set completely in the refrigerator. -
Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
