Raspberry Snow Salad Recipe with Shortbread Crust

Name: Swirled Raspberry Snow Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 packages (10.6 oz total) Walker Shortbread Cookies; 8 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter; 1 Envelope Unflavored Gelatin; ¼ Cup Cold Water; 1 Cup Boiling Water; 1 Teaspoon Vanilla; ⅔ Cup Sugar; 10 ounces Sour Cream; 8 ounces Cool Whip; 3 ounces Raspberry Jello; 1 Cup Boiling Water; 12 ounces Raspberries (Frozen but thawed)

This raspberry Jell-O salad is an excellent make-ahead dessert for holidays or weeknight dinners.

Prep 30

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Raspberry Snow Salad is a pretty, old-fashioned dessert that looks much more complicated than it is. A buttery shortbread crust is topped with a creamy white layer, swirled with raspberry gelatin. The result is a soft, creamy raspberry dessert with a little crunch from the cookie crust.

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Looking for more easy dessert recipes and no-bake desserts? Be sure to browse the 30-minute dinner collection and berry favorites on Call Me PMc.

A close-up of a dessert bar with a cookie crust, a red berry filling and a pink and white creamy layer on top, being lifted from a pan.

Raspberry Snow Salad

This raspberry Jell-O salad is an excellent make-ahead dessert for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, church suppers, potlucks, and family gatherings. It makes a large 9×13-inch pan, so there is plenty to share.

The best part is the raspberry swirl. You don’t need perfect layers. In fact, the slightly messy swirls are what make this dessert so pretty.

Why You’ll Love Raspberry Snow Salad

Easy to make. The recipe uses simple ingredients and doesn’t require baking.
Makes a large pan. One 9×13-inch pan serves 12 to 16 people.
Make-ahead friendly. It needs several hours to chill, making it a great dessert for entertaining.
Pretty on a holiday table. The white and raspberry layers look especially festive with fresh raspberries and a little greenery.
A fun change from traditional gelatin salad. The shortbread cookie crust gives this dessert a buttery base instead of the usual graham cracker or pretzel crust.

What Is Raspberry Snow Salad?

Raspberry Snow Salad is a chilled gelatin dessert made with three layers: a shortbread cookie crust, a creamy white gelatin layer, and raspberry gelatin with frozen raspberries.

The white layer is what gives the dessert its “snow” appearance. Gently swirl raspberry Jell-O through it before the dessert finishes chilling. This creates a pretty marbled effect instead of separate layers.

It’s sometimes served as a salad, but this version is definitely sweet enough to serve as a dessert.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust

Shortbread cookies: Use about 10.6 ounces of shortbread cookies. The cookies create a buttery, tender crust.

Unsalted butter: Melt the butter before combining it with the cookie crumbs. Unsalted butter lets you control the amount of salt in the dessert.

For the Snow Layer

Unflavored gelatin: This gives the creamy layer enough structure to hold its shape.

Cold water: Dissolve the gelatin in cold water before adding hot water.

Boiling water: This helps dissolve the gelatin and sugar completely.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to the creamy layer.

Vanilla: A little vanilla rounds out the flavor.

Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that keeps the dessert from being overly sweet.

Cool Whip: Makes the snow layer light and creamy.

For the Raspberry Layer

Raspberry Jell-O Gelatin: Provides the raspberry flavor and beautiful pink-red color.

Boiling water: Dissolves the raspberry gelatin.

Frozen raspberries: Thaw them before adding them to the gelatin. They add real raspberry flavor and texture.

Optional Garnish

Fresh raspberries, whipped cream, mint leaves, or rosemary make individual servings look extra festive.

A white spatula with a wooden handle stirs a pink and red swirled creamy mixture with berry pieces in a metal pan.

How to Make Raspberry Snow Salad

Full, printable recipe at the bottom of the post.

Make the shortbread crust.
Process the cookies in a food processor for about 30 seconds, or until the cookies are finely crumbled and the butter is evenly incorporated.
Pour the cookie mixture into a 9×13 pan and press it firmly into an even layer.
Make the snow layer.
Add the unflavored gelatin and 1/4 cup cold water to a large bowl. Whisk until dissolved.
Add the sugar, vanilla, and 1 cup boiling water. Whisk, then allow the mixture to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Add the sour cream and Cool Whip.
Chill the snow layer.
Pour the creamy mixture over the shortbread crust and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Make the raspberry layer.
Add the raspberry Jell-O to a medium bowl. Pour in 1 cup of boiling water and stir until the gelatin dissolves.
Add the thawed frozen raspberries and stir gently to combine.
Create the raspberry swirl.
Remove the pan from the refrigerator. Carefully spoon or pour the raspberry mixture over the snow layer.
Use a rubber spatula to slowly swirl the raspberry mixture through the white layer.
Don’t overmix. A few swirls create the prettiest marbled effect.
Chill until firm.
Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for about 2 and 1/2 hours, or until the dessert is firm enough to cut.
Garnish and serve.
Cut into squares and top each serving with a little whipped cream, a fresh raspberry, and a small mint leaf or sprig of rosemary, if desired.

A close-up of a square raspberry swirl cheesecake bar, its pink and white marbled patterns reminiscent of Raspberry Snow Salad, being lifted from a tray of similar bars.

Tips for the Best Raspberry Snow Salad

Let the raspberry mixture cool slightly. Don’t pour piping-hot gelatin directly over the creamy layer. Let the raspberry gelatin cool for a few minutes after dissolving.

Don’t over-swirl. This is one recipe where less is more. A few gentle passes with a rubber spatula create defined raspberry ribbons. If you stir too much, the white layer can turn completely pink.

Press the crust firmly. A firmly packed crust makes the dessert much easier to cut and serve.

Thaw the raspberries first. Thaw frozen raspberries before adding them to the gelatin. Excess ice can change the consistency of the raspberry layer.

Make it ahead.

This dessert needs several hours in the refrigerator, so it works well when you need to prepare dessert before guests arrive.

Can I Make Raspberry Snow Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes. Raspberry Snow Salad is a great make-ahead dessert.

Prepare it the day before serving, cover the pan, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.

Wait to add fresh raspberries, whipped cream, mint, or rosemary until just before serving.

How Do I Store Raspberry Snow Salad?

Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate leftovers.

For best quality, plan to eat the dessert within 3 to 4 days. USDA guidance recommends using refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days.

Because this dessert contains sour cream and whipped topping, keep it refrigerated and don’t leave it at room temperature for long.

Can I Freeze Raspberry Snow Salad?

I don’t recommend freezing this dessert.

The gelatin may freeze, but the sour cream and whipped topping can change texture after thawing. The shortbread crust can also lose some of its crisp texture.

For the best texture, make Raspberry Snow Salad a day in advance and refrigerate it.

Can I Use Fresh Raspberries?

Yes, but frozen raspberries are especially convenient for this recipe.

Frozen raspberries are available year-round and thaw easily before adding them to the raspberry gelatin. You can also use fresh raspberries if they are available and reasonably priced.

A slice of Raspberry Snow Salad dessert with whipped cream, a raspberry, and a mint leaf on top sits on a plate. A bite has been taken out, and fresh raspberries are scattered nearby.

What Can I Use Instead of Shortbread Cookies?

Shortbread gives this dessert its buttery flavor, but you can experiment with other cookie crumbs.

Good options include:

Vanilla wafer cookies
Graham crackers
Butter cookies
Shortbread-style cookies

Keep in mind that changing the cookie will change the flavor and texture of the crust.

How to Get Pretty Raspberry Swirls

The raspberry swirl is the signature of this dessert.

For distinct swirls:

Pour the raspberry mixture over the chilled snow layer.
Use the tip of a rubber spatula.
Make slow, gentle S-shaped movements.
Stop as soon as you like the pattern.
Don’t stir the entire dessert together.

You want ribbons of raspberry throughout the white layer rather than a completely pink dessert.

Raspberry Snow Salad Serving Ideas

This dessert is especially pretty for holiday meals.

Serve it for:

For Christmas, garnish individual pieces with a raspberry and a tiny sprig of rosemary or mint. The red, white, and green combination makes a simple dessert look festive.

A fork holds a creamy pink and white Raspberry Snow Salad dessert with a crumbly crust and raspberry topping, with whipped cream, a raspberry, and a mint leaf blurred in the background.

More Holiday Desserts You’ll Love

If you like easy make-ahead desserts, try these next:

FAQ

Can I make this salad up ahead of time?

Yes, It’s the perfect dessert to make ahead. You can store this salad in the refrigerator overnight. You can cover it with foil. Just add a few toothpicks to keep the foil off the raspberry layer; otherwise, it can stick.

How do I store leftovers?

Cover the salad with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The crust may begin to get soggy after this.

Do I have to use Walker’s shortbread cookies?

The butter content varies widely depending on the brand of shortbread cookies. If you use a different brand, the amount of butter you add to make the crust may also vary. This recipe was specifically made for this brand of shortbread cookies. You are welcome to substitute; just consider the butter content, or the crust may not stick together when serving.

What is Raspberry Snow Salad made of?

Raspberry Snow Salad is made with a shortbread cookie crust, butter, unflavored gelatin, sugar, vanilla, sour cream, Cool Whip, raspberry Jell-O, and frozen raspberries.

How long does Raspberry Snow Salad need to chill?

The dessert needs about 3 hours of total chilling time. The snow layer chills for about 30 minutes before you add the raspberry mixture, then chills for another 2 and 1/2 hours, or until firm.

Why is my Raspberry Snow Salad not firm?

The gelatin needs enough time to set. Make sure the gelatin is completely dissolved before adding the other ingredients, and allow the finished dessert enough time to chill.

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?

Yes. You can substitute fresh raspberries for frozen raspberries, although frozen berries work well and are convenient for this recipe.

A slice of creamy pink Raspberry Snow Salad topped with whipped cream, mint, and a raspberry, shown on a plate with a fork. Text reads: “Raspberry Snow Salad - Creamy, Swirled, Easy.”.

A slice of pink Raspberry Snow Salad rests on a white plate, topped with whipped cream, a fresh raspberry, and mint, while the buttery shortbread crust peeks through. Fresh raspberries and sprigs of mint garnish the plate. Text: “Raspberry Snow Salad with Shortbread Crust.”.

Final Thoughts

Raspberry Snow Salad is one of those recipes you’ll want for holidays and family gatherings. The shortbread crust gives it a buttery base, the creamy snow layer keeps it soft and light, and the raspberry gelatin is tart and creates those pretty swirls across the top. And don’t worry about making the swirls perfect. That’s part of the charm.

It’s easy to make, serves a crowd, and can be prepared ahead of time.

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