Rainbow Jello
- By Amy Dong
- Updated Jul. 25, 2024
This show-stopping Rainbow Jello is unbelievably fun to make and eat. You can change up the colors and flavors to suit any occasion throughout the year.
In This Article
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1 Minute Video: Layered Rainbow Jello
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Here are a few reasons why we love this Rainbow Jello:
- Festive: The vibrant, beautiful layers make this a show-stopping dessert. It’s perfect for parties and celebrations, one of our favorite recipes for 4th of July!
- Fruity Delicious: With a variety of fruity Jello flavors, this recipe is bursting with flavor.
- Rich Texture: The combination of Jello and condensed milk gives this dessert a rich, smooth texture that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Fun to Make: Making this Rainbow Jello is a fun project that the whole family can get involved in.
- Party Favorite: Jello may be known as a kids’ treat, but this layered version is loved by adults too – it’s great recipe for gatherings.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Gelatin Powder – We use two (3-oz) boxes of Jello gelatin powder in strawberry or raspberry flavor and two (3-oz) boxes in any other flavor to give our Rainbow Jello its vibrant colors.
- Knox Unflavored Gelatin – It helps the condensed milk layer set firmly, allowing for clean, beautiful slices.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – A can of sweetened condensed milk is mixed with boiling water to give the white layers their creamy, opaque look and a slightly sweet flavor.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS
Here are a few of our favorite variations and substitutions:
- Vary the Flavors: Experiment with different flavors to match a special occasion. For instance, you can use red and blue Jello for Independence Day or shades of green for St. Patrick’s Day. The possibilities are endless.
- Vary the Shapes: Instead of cutting the jello into squares, try using cookie cutters to make fun shapes. We bet this jello would look super cute in heart shapes for Valentine’s Day.
- Add Fruit: If you’re looking to add a fresh element to this recipe, consider adding canned fruit into your Jello.
STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
- Mix 2 envelopes of gelatin with boiling water in a bowl. Add sweetened condensed milk and mix well. Set aside.
- In separate bowls, dissolve each box of Jello with 1/2 envelope of gelatin and 1 cup of boiling water.
- Pour one bowl of Jello into the pan and place it in the freezer for 8-10 minutes.
- Pour 1 cup of condensed milk mixture on top of the set Jello layer and freeze for 7 minutes.
- Continue layer by layer, freezing the Jello for 7 minutes between each layer.
- Once all the layers are done, cover the pan and chill it in the fridge until fully set. Cut into squares and serve
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
HOW TO PREP AHEAD
Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:
- Make Entirely Ahead: It can be made up to 5 days in advance. Simply slice it into squares when you’re ready to serve.
Commonly Asked Questions
Why do I need to use Knox gelatin in addition to the Jello?
Knox gelatin is added to the Jello to give it a firmer, more stable texture. This is especially important when you’re making layered Jello, as it helps the different colors to hold together well.
Can I use fresh fruit in this Jello recipe?
While you can use certain kinds of fresh fruit in Jello, it’s best to stick with the canned variety for this particular recipe. Some fresh fruits such as pineapple or kiwi contain natural enzymes that can prevent the Jello from setting properly. Canned fruit has been heated, which destroys these enzymes, making it the better choice for Jello. Do be sure to drain fruits well prior to adding.
How long does Rainbow Jello keep?
Rainbow Jello can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Did you make this?
Please give us a rating and comment below. We love hearing from you!
Rainbow Jello
Rainbow Jello is incredibly fun to make and eat. Vary the flavors and colors to suit any occasion of the year.
Ingredients
- 2 (3-oz) boxes Jello, gelatin powder, strawberry or raspberry
- 2 (3-oz) boxes Jello, gelatin powder, blueberry or other flavor
- 1 oz Knox unflavored gelatin, from 4 envelopes
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 6 cups boiling water
- cooking spray, canola preferred
Instructions
- Dissolve 2 envelopes of Knox gelatin with 2 cups of boiling water in a bowl. Mix with sweetened condensed milk. Mix well, and set aside. Will be approximately 3 cups.
- Divide the 4 boxes of Jello into 4 separate bowls. Add 1/2 envelope of Knox gelatin to every bowl. Add 1 cup of boiling water to every bowl and stir the mixtures until well dissolved.
- Spray a 13×9 pan lightly with oil. Carefully pour 1 bowl of jello mixture into pan. Place pan in freezer, making sure it's level, 8-10 minutes for the first layer, just until there is a light fingerprint when you touch the top.
- Pour 1 cup condensed milk mixture on top, and freeze for 7 minutes.
- Continue layering and freezing for 7 minutes for each layer. Don’t freeze too long between layers or they will not stick together as well.
- If needed, microwave bowls of jello in 10-20 second increments, to keep from coagulation while you wait for each layer.
- Once layers are done, cover and chill in fridge until fully set. Slice into squares with a sharp knife and serve on a platter, if desired.
Notes
- This recipe requires a bit of patience, but the stunning result is worth it.
- Spraying your pan with cooking oil before pouring in the first Jello layer will help the dessert removes easily when it’s time to slice and serve.
- Microwaving the Jello in short increments can help prevent it from setting while you wait for the previous layer to chill.
- Make sure to cut the Jello into squares with a sharp knife for clean, neat edges when serving.
- Experiment with different flavors to match a special occasion. You can use red, white, and blue Jello for Independence Day or shades of green for St. Patrick’s Day, etc.
Nutrition (per serving)
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 43kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 17mg | Potassium: 49mg | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 0.03mg
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