Festive, colorful, and fun to eat, Easy Layered Christmas Jello is the ultimate holiday treat that brings joy to both the table and the taste buds. With its vibrant layers of green and red jello, creamy white middle, and a dollop of whipped topping with cranberries or sprinkles, this no-bake dessert is as merry as it is easy to make. Perfect for family gatherings, classroom parties, or just a cozy night in by the Christmas tree, this dessert is sure to become a seasonal staple.

Each layer offers a different texture and flavor, creating a delightful contrast that’s light, sweet, and satisfying. Whether you’re entertaining or prepping snacks for the kids, this recipe offers a visually striking and irresistibly tasty experience that captures the spirit of the season.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Layered Christmas Jello

Visually Stunning: The red, white, and green layers are eye-catching and festive.
Kid-Friendly: Children love the bright colors and jiggly texture.
Customizable: Use your favorite jello flavors or holiday sprinkles.
Make-Ahead: Can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge.
No-Bake Simplicity: No oven required—just chill and layer!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating this layered jello treat doesn’t require any special culinary skills, but having the right tools makes the process much smoother:

Glass Baking Dish (9×13-inch): Essential for showcasing the beautiful layers and cutting clean slices.
Mixing Bowls: At least three for each color/flavor of gelatin.
Whisk: Helps ensure your jello dissolves completely and avoids clumps.
Measuring Cups: For precise water measurements when mixing gelatin.
Refrigerator: Crucial for setting each layer before adding the next.

By preparing these tools ahead of time, you’ll breeze through each step and end up with a layered masterpiece worthy of any holiday celebration.

Ingredients for the Easy Layered Christmas Jello

Green Lime Jello Mix: Forms the festive bottom layer and brings a tangy flavor.
Red Cherry or Strawberry Jello Mix: Adds vibrant color and sweet fruitiness to the top.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Makes the creamy middle layer that balances out the fruity jello.
Unflavored Gelatin Packets: Helps the milk layer set firmly between jello layers.
Water (Boiling and Cold): Needed to dissolve and prepare each gelatin layer properly.
Whipped Cream (Optional): For topping—adds a creamy, festive finish.
Cranberries or Holiday Sprinkles: Decorative garnish for an extra pop of color.

How To Make the Easy Layered Christmas Jello

Step 1: Prepare the Green Jello Layer

Dissolve the green jello in boiling water (typically 1 cup). Add 1 cup of cold water, stir, and pour into your 9×13-inch dish. Refrigerate for about 1 hour or until fully set.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Middle Layer

In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup boiling water with 2 packets of unflavored gelatin. Stir until dissolved. Add the sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup cold water. Let it cool to room temperature before pouring over the green layer. Chill until firm, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 3: Add the Red Jello Layer

Prepare red jello the same way as the green: dissolve in 1 cup boiling water and mix in 1 cup cold water. Let it cool slightly before gently pouring it over the creamy white layer. Chill again for at least 2-3 hours until fully set.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, top with whipped cream, cranberries, or festive sprinkles. Slice into squares and enjoy the burst of color and flavor in each bite.

Serving and Storing Your Layered Christmas Jello

This jello is best served chilled, right out of the fridge. Use a sharp knife to slice clean squares, and a spatula to lift them from the glass dish. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a cranberry on top of each square for a gorgeous presentation.

To store, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Avoid freezing, as the gelatin texture doesn’t hold up well to freezing and thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different jello flavors?

Absolutely! Raspberry, cranberry, or even watermelon work great for the red layer. Just make sure to pick flavors with contrasting colors.

How long does each layer take to set?

Each layer takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to fully firm. Be patient and chill between layers to get clean, distinct lines.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is ideal for making a day ahead. Just store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?

You can use a mix of heavy cream and sugar, but sweetened condensed milk offers the best texture and sweetness for the middle layer.

How do I prevent the layers from mixing?

Make sure each layer is fully set before pouring the next one. Also, let the next layer cool to room temperature before adding to avoid melting the one underneath.

Can I make this in individual cups?

Definitely! Use clear plastic cups or glass jars to make adorable single servings perfect for parties or kids.

Want More Dessert Ideas with Holiday Vibes?

If you love this Easy Layered Christmas Jello, here are a few more sweet treats to light up your season:

Winter Brittle for a crunchy, nutty bite of holiday cheer.
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake for a fusion of creamy and spiced deliciousness.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Brownie Refrigerator Cake if you’re into chocolatey layers that chill just right.
Gooey Strawberry Earthquake Cake for a messy, magical dessert experience.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time. Follow me on Pinterest at Kitchen By Kate to discover more festive no-bake desserts and creative holiday treats.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with cherry or strawberry? Add sprinkles or cranberries? I love hearing how others bring their own twist to this colorful classic. Questions are welcome too—let’s make this the jolliest dessert of the season!