Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups (14-16 sheets / 168 g) honey graham crackers, finely crushed
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (14 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
Toppings
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 box (3 ounces) cranberry Jell-O mix
- 3 cups (360 g) whipped topping, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to include the sides for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed graham crackers and granulated sugar. Add the melted butter and mix thoroughly until the mixture is evenly moistened with no dry spots. Press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: In a small bowl, break up the whole berry cranberry sauce using a fork into smaller pieces for an even layer. Spread this cranberry sauce evenly over the graham cracker crust. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the toppings.
- Make the Cream Cheese Topping: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps. Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping gently, ensuring a light texture.
- Assemble Layers: Remove the crust with cranberry layer from the refrigerator. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cranberry layer. To the remaining cream cheese mixture, fold in the cranberry Jell-O mix until well combined. Spread this gelatin-cream cheese mixture on top of the previous cream cheese layer.
- Final Topping and Chill: Top the assembled layers with the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping, spreading it evenly. Cover and place the dessert in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the gelatin to set. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For easier slicing, chill the dessert overnight.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture and taste.
- To make ahead, assemble completely and store covered in the refrigerator up to 2 days before serving.
- If desired, garnish with fresh cranberries or mint leaves for a festive touch.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened before beating to avoid lumps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American