Description

This Easy Layered Christmas Jello recipe is a festive and visually stunning dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. It features vibrant layers of lime and cherry gelatin, a creamy middle layer of cream cheese and whipped topping, and optional garnishes of whipped cream and chopped pistachios or candied cherries. Ready in just under 4 hours, this no-bake treat is simple yet impressive, making it a great choice for a holiday party or family dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Gelatin Layers

1 package lime gelatin mix (3 oz)
1 cup boiling water (for lime gelatin)
1 cup cold water (for lime gelatin)
1 package cherry or strawberry gelatin mix (3 oz)
1 cup boiling water (for cherry gelatin)
1 cup cold water (for cherry gelatin)

Creamy Middle Layer

8 oz cream cheese, softened
8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Optional Garnishes

Whipped cream, for garnish
2 tablespoons chopped pistachios or candied cherries

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Instructions

Dissolve Lime Gelatin: In a bowl, dissolve the lime gelatin mix in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir thoroughly until the gelatin is fully dissolved, then stir in 1 cup of cold water to cool the mixture.
Set Lime Gelatin Layer: Pour the prepared lime gelatin into a 9×13-inch glass dish and refrigerate for 1.5 hours or until it is fully set and firm.
Prepare Creamy Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping to combine without deflating the mixture.
Spread Creamy Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the set green gelatin layer. Refrigerate the dish for 30 minutes to allow this creamy layer to firm up slightly.
Dissolve Cherry Gelatin: Dissolve the cherry or strawberry gelatin mix in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Add 1 cup of cold water and let the mixture cool slightly to avoid melting the creamy layer.
Pour Cherry Gelatin Layer: Using a spoon, slowly pour the cooled red gelatin over the cream layer to prevent mixing and maintain distinct layers. Return the dish to the refrigerator and chill for 1.5 hours until set.
Serve: Once set, slice the dessert into squares. Optionally, top each serving with whipped cream and garnish with chopped pistachios or candied cherries for extra festive flair. Serve chilled.

Notes

Use a spoon to gently pour the top gelatin layer to maintain separation between layers.
Ensure gelatin mixtures have cooled adequately before layering to prevent mixing.
Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly when at room temperature.
Refrigerate each layer fully to achieve clean, distinct layers.
Can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.