Julie Clark
Updated:
Frozen Cranberry Dessert
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Serve this creamy frozen cranberry dessert for a light, refreshing dessert to family and friends this season. Topped with fluffy Cool Whip and chopped pecans, it’s a welcome change from the ordinary Christmas or Thanksgiving dessert.
It seems strange to share a “frosted” icebox dessert when it is like an icebox outside. For those of you who don’t live in Ohio, let me fill you in on what Ohio winters are like: Ohio Winters = Dreadful. Dark. Long.
Now there are maybe 10 days each winter that I look outside and am able to say “Wow” to the beauty of a pure white snow or ice that covers every single tree branch. But mostly? Ohio winters are long for me without the sun.
Whatever the temperature, you can enjoy this frozen cranberry dessert. It’s creamy, full of tart cranberries and lightly crunchy pecans. You’ll love the tangy flavor and the bright color that fresh cranberries add to the top.
Ingredients for Frozen Cranberry Dessert
6 simple ingredients.
- Sweetened condensed milk. 1 whole can, so no waste
- Lemon juice. Fresh lemons or concentrated lemon juice will work.
- Cranberry sauce. Choose whole cranberry sauce rather than the jellied sauce.
- Crushed pineapple. For this cranberry dessert to set properly, drain the pineapple.
- Chopped pecans. Or walnuts or almonds. Whatever type of nut you like best.
- Cool Whip. Make your own homemade whipped cream if you prefer, but I use whipped topping to keep this cranberry dessert recipe easy.
Often times no bake creamy desserts have cream cheese, but this one does not. If you don’t like cheesecake, don’t worry! It does not have that flavor.
How to Make Frozen Cranberry Dessert
This dessert literally takes minutes to whip up. Yes, you’ll have to let it freeze but it’s worth the wait. Another great dessert that you can make up in advance. Before holiday guests invade your home.
- Stir the mixture. In a large bowl, mix the condensed milk and the lemon juice. Stir in the cranberry sauce, pineapple and 1 cup of pecans.
- Assemble and freeze. Fold in 8 ounces of whipped topping. Spread the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish. Freeze for 2 hours or until firm.
- Top the dessert. Frost with the remaining whipped topping and sprinkle with remaining ½ cup pecans. Return to the freezer.
- Serve the dessert. Remove the dessert 10 minutes before serving. Then slice and serve.
Recipe Variations
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to warm up the flavors of this frozen cranberry dessert.
- Don’t want nuts? Add shredded coconut instead. Use the same amount.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries, and serve it with this cranberry punch.
- Love cranberry orange flavor? Add orange-zest and a tablespoon or two of orange juice to achieve that. Or you could drizzle with a powdered sugar orange glaze for added sweetness.
Let me know if you enjoy this frozen cranberry dessert while sitting on your deck, feeling the warmth of the sun on your back. And think of me while I eat it under blankets, in front of the fire. 🙂
Frozen Cranberry Dessert
Serve this creamy frozen cranberry dessert for a light, refreshing dessert to family and friends this season. Topped with fluffy Cool Whip and chopped pecans, it's a welcome change from the ordinary holiday dessert.
Servings 15
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup lemon juice 2 ounces
- 16 ounces whole cranberry sauce
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple drained
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans divided
- 16 ounces whipped topping thawed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the condensed milk and the lemon juice. Stir in the cranberry sauce, pineapple and 1 cup of pecans. 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, ¼ cup lemon juice, 16 ounces whole cranberry sauce, 20 ounces crushed pineapple, 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- Fold in 8 ounces of whipped topping. Spread the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish. Freeze for 2 hours or until firm. 16 ounces whipped topping
- Frost with the remaining whipped topping and sprinkle with remaining ½ cup pecans. Return to the freezer.
- Remove the dessert 10 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
The calories shown are based on the recipe being divided into 15 pieces, with 1 serving being 1 piece. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the calories shown are just an estimate.
Nutrition
Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 232mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Vitamin C: 6.5mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Very good & easy to make!
So is this with walnuts or pecans?
I could see this being a HUGE hit at Christmas! Looks delectable, ladies!!
This dessert looks so refreshing!!
I could always have a frozen treat no matter what the weather is outside 🙂 Especially if it looks this amazing! I love how easy this is to whip up too!
I hate winter as well! Being in WV isn’t as bad as Ohio, but it’s still cold and miserable. Love this treat! Pinned it!
How delicious is this frozen cranberry slice! I am just loving how simple and little ingredients it requires too. The perfect no fuss dessert for this Christmas!
I love desserts like this! With fruit and Cool Whip! Light and fruity! These are the kind of desserts that on holidays we call a ‘salad’ in my family. Lol! I do know Ohio winters and I’m happy to say that I no longer have to experience them. Whew! I pray your winter is not like last year! Stay warm up there! 🙂