The holidays are a magical time filled with twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. Among the array of treats that grace our tables, one dessert that stands out for its vibrant colors, fun textures, and nostalgic charm is Jello. Whether it’s layered, molded, or served as a refreshing salad, Jello is the perfect addition to any Christmas celebration.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top five Jello Christmas desserts to make that will not only bring joy to your guests but also fill your home with festive cheer. So, grab your molds, get your mixing bowls ready, and let’s dive into these delicious and fun Jello creations!
1. Christmas Jello Poke Cake
Why It’s a Winner: Think of this as the love child of cake and Jello. A moist, fluffy cake soaked with colorful Jello creates a mesmerizing holiday dessert that is both visually stunning and incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a good dessert that’s both festive and fun.
Ingredients:
- 1 box white cake mix
- Eggs, oil, and water (as directed on the cake box)
- 1 box red Jello (like strawberry or cherry)
- 1 box green Jello (like lime or pistachio)
- 1 tub of whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
- Optional: Maraschino cherries and sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
- Bake the Cake: Start by baking the white cake as per the instructions on the box. Once it’s done, let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
- Poke the Cake: After the cake cools, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the cake. Be sure to make enough holes so the Jello will soak in. This step is key to making the cake absorb the vibrant Jello!
- Prepare the Jello: Dissolve both red and green Jello packets in separate bowls with boiling water (about 1 cup each). After they dissolve, stir in ½ cup of cold water for each color.
- Add the Jello: Slowly pour the red Jello over the cake, making sure it goes into the holes. Then, add the green Jello the same way. Let the Jello set in the cake for about 2 hours in the fridge.
- Finish and Serve: Top with whipped topping and, if you like, decorate with maraschino cherries or festive sprinkles for extra holiday flair.
This cake is a crowd-pleaser because it’s not only eye-catching but also packs a punch of flavor in every bite. Plus, the layers of Jello make it fun for kids (and adults!) to dig into.
2. Jello Fruit Salad
Why It’s a Winner: A Christmas classic with a colorful twist! Jello fruit salad has been a beloved side dish for generations, but when you dress it up with holiday colors and a festive fruit mix, it becomes a full-fledged dessert. This dessert is light, refreshing, and filled with seasonal fruits that balance the sweetness of Jello.
Ingredients:
- 1 box lime Jello
- 1 box raspberry Jello
- 1 cup boiling water (for each flavor of Jello)
- 1 cup cold water (for each flavor of Jello)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (drained)
- 1/2 cup mandarin oranges (drained)
- 1/2 cup grapes, halved
- Optional: Chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch
Instructions:
- Prepare the Jello: Dissolve the lime Jello in 1 cup of boiling water, and the raspberry Jello in another cup of boiling water. Stir each until completely dissolved, then add 1 cup of cold water to each bowl. Let them chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or until they are partially set (this step is key for that layered look).
- Create the Layers: Once the Jello begins to thicken, add a layer of the lime Jello into the bottom of a clear glass bowl. Allow this layer to set for 30 minutes, and then add a layer of raspberry Jello on top. Repeat until all the Jello is used up.
- Mix the Salad: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, marshmallows, and fruit. Once the Jello layers have fully set, fold this mixture gently into the layers of Jello, creating a marbled effect. Chill the salad for an additional 2 hours or until fully set.
- Serve and Enjoy: Just before serving, you can sprinkle chopped nuts on top for a nice crunch.
This Jello fruit salad is a holiday showstopper. The creamy, fruity goodness combined with the refreshing tang of Jello creates a texture everyone will love. The vibrant colors are perfect for a Christmas spread, and the combination of fruit and marshmallows adds a bit of nostalgia.
3. Christmas Jello Trifle
Why It’s a Winner: If you want a dessert that combines elegance with holiday flair, look no further than the Jello trifle. Layers of creamy Jello, cake, and whipped cream come together to create a beautiful dessert that looks like it took hours to make—though, in reality, it’s simple and quick.
Ingredients:
- 1 box red Jello (strawberry or cherry)
- 1 box green Jello (lime or pistachio)
- 1 box vanilla or angel food cake mix
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Fresh berries for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Jello: Dissolve the red and green Jello in separate bowls with 1 cup of boiling water each. Allow them to cool and set in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the vanilla or angel food cake according to the box instructions. Once baked, allow it to cool before cutting it into small cubes.
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a large glass trifle dish or a clear bowl, start by adding a layer of cake cubes at the bottom. Next, pour a layer of one color Jello (let it slightly set first for better layering). Then add a layer of whipped cream. Repeat this process, alternating between cake, Jello, and whipped cream, until the bowl is filled. Finish off with a layer of whipped cream and top with fresh berries or holiday sprinkles.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set properly.
This Christmas Jello trifle is as delicious as it is beautiful. The layers of colorful Jello, soft cake, and fluffy whipped cream are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Plus, you can customize the flavor by switching up the cake and Jello combinations—this recipe is versatile enough to suit any holiday flavor profile!
4. Red and Green Jello Molds
Why It’s a Winner: Let’s talk retro! Jello molds might remind you of the past, but they’re still one of the best ways to make a holiday dessert both interactive and fun. This dessert is an instant crowd-pleaser, especially when you layer red and green Jello in festive molds. The added bonus? You get to use the classic gelatin flavors that scream “Christmas!”
Ingredients:
- 1 box cherry Jello
- 1 box lime Jello
- 1 box unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Jello: Dissolve the cherry Jello in 1 cup of boiling water and the lime Jello in another cup of boiling water. Once dissolved, stir in 1/2 cup of cold water into each bowl and let them set in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
- Layer the Molds: In a separate bowl, dissolve the unflavored gelatin in boiling water. Mix it with cold water and sour cream and sugar. Let this mixture cool slightly.
- Create Layers: In a Jello mold, pour a thin layer of the cherry Jello and let it set. Once it has firmed up, pour a layer of the sour cream mixture over the cherry layer, and then a layer of lime Jello. Continue alternating layers until you’ve used up all the Jello and sour cream mixture. Refrigerate until fully set.
- Unmold and Serve: Once the Jello has set, gently loosen it from the sides of the mold with a butter knife and invert onto a serving platter. This dramatic unmolding is what makes this dessert so fun and impressive!
These Jello molds bring the perfect holiday touch to your dessert table. They are fun to make, especially if you’re a fan of layered gelatin, and they can be customized with different flavors and colors. Your guests will be wowed by the festive look and the creamy texture of the sour cream layers.
5. Jello Cheesecake Parfaits
Why It’s a Winner: Jello and cheesecake? Yes, please! These Jello cheesecake parfaits combine the smooth, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the bright, colorful fun of Jello, making them the ideal individual dessert for your Christmas feast. Plus, they’re served in cute individual cups, making them easy to distribute and serve.
Ingredients:
- 1 box strawberry Jello
- 1 box lime Jello
- 1 box cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions:
- Prepare the Jello: Dissolve both the strawberry and lime Jello in separate bowls with 1 cup of boiling water each. Allow them to chill in the fridge until they begin to set (about 1 hour).
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, whip the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Parfaits: In individual serving glasses or jars, add a spoonful of graham cracker crumbs at the bottom. Then, layer in the Jello (alternating between the strawberry and lime layers), followed by a dollop of the cheesecake filling. Repeat the layers until the glass is full.
- Chill and Serve: Let the parfaits chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
These Jello cheesecake parfaits offer a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. They’re an easy, no-bake dessert that you can prepare ahead of time, making them perfect for the busy holiday season.
Simple Jello Christmas Desserts to Make
Whether you’re looking for a showstopping dessert or a simple treat to share with loved ones, these top five Jello Christmas desserts to make will surely bring joy to your holiday table. From cakes and salads to trifles and parfaits, each recipe is designed to make your Christmas celebrations a little sweeter—and a lot more colorful.
So, roll up your sleeves, get your ingredients ready, and let the holiday magic unfold with these festive, Jello-inspired treats. Your guests will be begging for the recipe, and you’ll be the star of the party!