Description
This Easy Layered Christmas Jello is a festive, colorful dessert perfect for holiday celebrations. Featuring vibrant lime and cherry or strawberry gelatin layers separated by a creamy, whipped cream cheese layer, this jello dish is both visually appealing and deliciously refreshing. It requires minimal preparation and sets beautifully after chilling, making it an ideal make-ahead treat for Christmas parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Gelatin Layers
- 1 box lime Jello (3 oz)
- 1 box cherry or strawberry Jello (3 oz)
- 2 cups boiling water (1 cup per Jello layer)
- 2 cups cold water (1 cup per Jello layer)
Cream Layer
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin (0.25 oz)
- 1 cup boiling water (for the unflavored gelatin layer)
- 1/4 cup cold water (for blooming unflavored gelatin)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Optional Toppings
- Crushed peppermint
- Festive sprinkles
- Red candies
Instructions
- Prepare Lime Jello Layer: Dissolve the lime Jello powder in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Next, add 1 cup cold water and stir. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish and refrigerate for 1 hour or until fully set.
- Bloom Unflavored Gelatin: Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 1/4 cup cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom. After blooming, add 3/4 cup boiling water and stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the dissolved gelatin mixture, blending thoroughly to combine. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is uniform and fluffy.
- Assemble Cream Layer: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the set lime Jello layer. Place the dish back in the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour or until the cream layer is firm.
- Prepare Cherry or Strawberry Jello Layer: Dissolve the cherry or strawberry Jello powder in 1 cup boiling water, stirring fully. Add 1 cup cold water and stir. Allow the mixture to cool slightly but not set, then gently pour it over the cream layer. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until completely firm.
- Serve: Once fully set, cut the layered Jello into squares and optionally garnish with crushed peppermint, festive sprinkles, or red candies before serving.
Notes
- Ensure each layer is fully set before adding the next to maintain distinct layers.
- Softened cream cheese makes blending easier and smoother; bring it to room temperature before preparing.
- If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can adjust the amount of boiling water slightly by reducing it to make more concentrated Jello layers.
- Use a spatula to gently spread the cream layer to avoid mixing it with the bottom layer.
- This recipe can be made one day ahead and refrigerated until serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese and whipped topping with suitable nondairy alternatives, but texture may vary.
