This dessert-salad hybrid brings together sweet, fruity gelatin, crushed pineapple, blueberry pie filling, and a creamy topping into one nostalgic dish—I love how it balances simplicity with a festive flair. Thanksgiving Jello

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings back a classic holiday vibe while being incredibly easy to put together. The vibrant jelly paired with pineapple and blueberry filling gives a fun texture, and the cream cheese-and-sour-cream frosting on top adds richness without feeling heavy. It’s perfect for a holiday gathering when I want something cheerful yet low-stress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Jello layer:

2 boxes (3 oz each) black cherry flavored gelatin mix
2 cups boiling water
15 oz can crushed pineapple, undrained
21 oz can blueberry pie filling

Frosting layer:

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
8 oz sour cream
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions

In a 9×13-inch glass baking pan, mix the gelatin mix with the boiling water until dissolved.
Add in the crushed pineapple (undrained) and the blueberry pie filling, stirring until everything is combined.
Refrigerate the mixture until it is fully set (about 2 hours).
While the jello layer is setting, use an electric hand mixer to combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar until smooth.
Once the jello is set, spread the frosting mixture evenly over the top, then sprinkle the chopped nuts if using.
Chill the assembled dish in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep time: about 10 minutes
Chill / set time: about 2 hours
Total time: roughly 2 hours 10 minutes

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers by covering the pan with plastic wrap or a lid and keeping it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I do not recommend freezing this dish because the gelatin texture breaks down when frozen and it becomes mushy.

FAQs

How firm will the jello salad be?

The jello layer sets to a firm but yielding texture thanks to the gelatin mix and chilled time. It’s solid enough to slice into pieces yet still soft and moist.

Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?

Yes — I’ve seen substitutions like raspberry or regular cherry gelatin work well in place of the black cherry flavor if that’s easier to find.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered and chilled until serving.

What can I use instead of nuts on top?

If I skip the nuts (for allergy or preference reasons), I sometimes leave off the topping or sprinkle something crunchy like toasted coconut flakes instead. It still works nicely.

Does the texture change if I drain the pineapple?

Yes — draining the pineapple removes extra moisture, which can make the final dish slightly less juicy and more dense. I prefer leaving it undrained so that it remains moist and gives a bit of extra “juice” in each bite.

Conclusion

I enjoy making this Thanksgiving Jello salad because it’s a fun, vibrant addition to the holiday spread that’s easy to put together and brings a bit of retro charm. Whether I serve it alongside savory dishes or as a light dessert, it always adds a cheerful touch.