Layered Cranberry Dessert

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. + chilling

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Sep. 13, 2022
On occasion, I like to “fancy up” one of my favorite gelatin desserts with a buttery graham cracker crust and a layer of cream cheese filling. Mandarin oranges add color and pair well with the cranberry gelatin. —Margery Bryan, Moses Lake, Washington

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (3 ounces each) cranberry gelatin
  • 1-1/2 cups boiling water
  • 1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • 1-1/2 cups cold water
  • 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup sugar, divided
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 carton (16 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
  • 1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in cranberry sauce and cold water until blended. Refrigerate for 45 minutes or until partially set.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar and butter. Press into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. dish. Refrigerate until set.
  3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and remaining sugar until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping. Spread filling over crust.
  4. Fold oranges into gelatin mixture; spoon over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until firm. Cut into squares; dollop with remaining whipped topping.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 416 calories, 22g fat (15g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 223mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.