Cranberry Dessert
A delightful layered dessert featuring fresh cranberries, cream cheese, and whipped cream, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingrédients
For the Cranberry Sauce
- 2 cups fresh cranberries Can substitute with frozen cranberries, thawed and drained.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Can substitute with brown sugar or coconut sugar.
- 1 cup water
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened Can use dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembly and Topping
- 1 cup whipped cream Can use dairy-free whipped cream for a dairy-free option.
- 1 crust graham cracker crust (optional) For gluten-free, replace with gluten-free cookie crust or omit.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse and sort the fresh cranberries, removing any soft or damaged ones. Measure out the sugar and water.
Cooking the Base
- Place the cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the cranberries burst, about 10-15 minutes.
Mixing the Cream Cheese
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Incorporate the vanilla extract until well combined.
Assembling the Dessert
- Layer the graham cracker crust in the bottom of a serving dish or individual cups.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
- Once the cranberry mixture has cooled slightly, pour it over the cream cheese layer.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Finishing Touch
- Before serving, top with whipped cream and optionally sprinkle crushed graham crackers.
- Slice or scoop portions to serve and enjoy.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, add cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry mixture. Can freeze portions for up to a month.