This dessert isn’t just visually impressive—it’s also sweet, refreshing, and surprisingly simple to make. Each vibrant layer of fruity Jello is separated by a creamy white layer, giving it a beautiful rainbow appearance and a smooth texture contrast. It’s a great make-ahead recipe and loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Lightly spray a 9×13-inch dish with nonstick spray.
Choose your first Jello color. In a bowl, mix one 3-ounce box of flavored Jello with 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until dissolved.
Add 1/2 cup cold water and stir. Pour about half of the mixture into the pan and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes, until set.
While it sets, prepare the creamy layer: In a separate bowl, dissolve 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin in 1/2 cup cold water. Add 1 1/2 cups boiling water and stir until dissolved. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix well. Let cool to room temperature.
After the first Jello layer is set, pour a thin layer (about 1/4 cup) of the cream mixture on top. Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes until just set.
Repeat the process with each color, alternating Jello and cream layers, chilling each layer before adding the next.
Once all layers are complete, refrigerate the entire dish for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
Slice and serve cold.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20–24 servings. Prep time is about 1 hour (total layering and waiting time), plus at least 2 additional hours of chilling before serving.
Variations
Single-color Jello: Skip the layering for a quicker dessert with one creamy and one fruity layer.
Holiday themes: Use red and green for Christmas, or red, white, and blue for the 4th of July.
Molded version: Make in a Bundt pan for a fun shape—just be sure to grease well and chill thoroughly.
Tropical twist: Use pineapple, coconut, or mango flavored Jello for a summery variation.
Mini cups: Layer into clear plastic cups for individual servings, perfect for parties.
Storage/Reheating
Store Rainbow Jello covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not freeze, as gelatin breaks down and becomes watery when thawed. Serve chilled for best texture and appearance.
FAQs
Can I use sugar-free Jello?
Yes, sugar-free Jello works just as well and is a great lower-calorie option.
How long does each layer take to set?
Each Jello layer takes about 15–20 minutes to set in the fridge; the creamy layers take about 10–15 minutes.
Can I make this the day before?
Absolutely—Rainbow Jello is ideal for making ahead and tastes even better chilled overnight.
Why did my layers mix together?
Make sure each layer is fully set and the next layer is cooled to room temperature before pouring it on.
What can I use instead of condensed milk?
You can try using a dairy-free condensed milk alternative or a mix of yogurt and milk for a creamy layer, though texture may vary.
Can I skip the creamy layers?
Yes, you can make it with only Jello layers if you prefer a firmer, more traditional gelatin dessert.
What’s the best pan to use?
A 9×13-inch glass dish is perfect for even layers and easy slicing. Clear sides also showcase the rainbow effect.
Can I add fruit to the Jello?
Yes, but avoid fresh pineapple, kiwi, or papaya, as they contain enzymes that prevent Jello from setting. Use canned or pre-cooked fruit instead.
How do I cut it neatly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts for clean, smooth slices.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, most store-bought flavored gelatin is naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels to be sure.
Conclusion
Rainbow Jello is a nostalgic, cheerful dessert that delivers on both looks and flavor. Its vibrant colors, smooth layers, and fruity taste make it a favorite for celebrations of all kinds. Easy to customize and fun to make, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that adds a burst of color to any dessert table.
Rainbow Jello is a vibrant, layered gelatin dessert made with colorful fruit-flavored Jello and creamy white layers. Perfect for parties and holidays, it’s a fun, eye-catching treat that both kids and adults love.
Lightly spray a 9×13-inch dish with nonstick spray.
Prepare the first Jello color: mix one 3-ounce box of flavored Jello with 1 cup boiling water, stir until dissolved, then add 1/2 cup cold water. Pour half of this mixture into the dish and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes until set.
While it sets, prepare the cream layer: dissolve 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin in 1/2 cup cold water. Add 1 1/2 cups boiling water and stir until dissolved. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and let cool to room temperature.
After the first Jello layer sets, pour about 1/4 cup of the cream mixture over it. Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes until just set.
Repeat steps 2–4 with the remaining Jello colors, alternating with cream layers, making sure each layer is set before adding the next.
Once all layers are completed, refrigerate the dish for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
Slice and serve chilled. Clean knife between cuts for neat slices.
Notes
Make sure each layer is fully set before adding the next to avoid blending.Let cream layer cool to room temperature before pouring to prevent melting previous layers.Use a clear dish to show off the rainbow effect.Do not freeze, as gelatin breaks down when thawed.Can be made a day in advance for convenience.
