Raspberry Jell-O Salad
This vibrant Raspberry Jell-O Salad combines a sweet-tart raspberry gelatin base, studded with frozen berries, over a delicate graham cracker crust. It's crowned with a rich, fluffy cream cheese and whipped cream topping. Offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors, this layered dessert is perfect for gatherings or a refreshing treat.
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- 2 Large Mixing Bowls
- 1 Electric Mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- 1 Small Saucepan
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
Main
- 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
Instructions
- Finely crush graham crackers and combine with melted butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish to form the crust.
- In a large bowl, whisk the raspberry powdered gelatin with 2 cups of boiling water until completely dissolved, ensuring no granules remain.
- Add 2 cups of cold water to the dissolved gelatin, then stir in the frozen raspberries, lemon juice, and rac{3}{4} teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Pour the gelatin mixture carefully over the graham cracker crust in the prepared baking dish. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until fully set.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar and rac{1}{2} teaspoon of kosher salt until smooth and creamy.
- In another chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and light.
- Carefully spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the set raspberry gelatin layer.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 1-2 more hours, or until the topping is firm and chilled.
- Slice and serve cold, garnished with fresh raspberries if desired.
Notes
Achieving distinct layers is key for visual appeal; ensure the gelatin layer is fully set before adding the creamy topping to prevent muddling. For a perfectly smooth cream cheese layer, use room-temperature cream cheese and beat it thoroughly before incorporating the chilled heavy cream. Over-whipping the cream can lead to a grainy texture, so stop just as soft peaks form. The touch of salt in both the gelatin and the topping helps to balance the sweetness and brightens the overall fruit flavor. For a cleaner presentation, line your baking dish with parchment paper before adding the crust, leaving an overhang to easily lift the salad out for cutting.