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Easy Layered Christmas Jello

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A show-stopping holiday dessert doesn’t have to be complicated. This Easy Layered Christmas Jello is full of festive flair and fun texture, with bold layers of red and green jello, a creamy center, and a generous swirl of whipped topping sprinkled with lime zest for a pop of color and citrusy brightness.

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Each bite delivers a perfect balance: tart cherry, sweet cream, and that bouncy jello texture everyone loves. Whether you’re making this for a family gathering, school party, or just to light up your table with Christmas spirit, this dessert wins over kids and adults alike. Plus, it can be made ahead and sliced beautifully for stress-free serving.

What Kind of Jello Should I Use?

For the perfect Christmas color contrast, use cherry or strawberry jello for the red layer and lime jello for the green layer. Both pair deliciously with the creamy layer in between. You can also get creative with flavors, but make sure the colors stay true to the holiday palette for that iconic look.

Ingredients for the Easy Layered Christmas Jello

Lime Jello: Adds that vibrant green base and a zesty, slightly tart taste.

Crushed Pineapple: Mixed into the green layer for fruity flavor and added texture.

Cream Cheese: Creates the smooth, tangy middle layer that balances the sweetness.

Whipped Topping: Lightens up the creamy layer and adds that fluffy top finish.

Cherry Jello: Provides the festive red layer and a punch of bright, fruity flavor.

Chopped Cherries or Cranberries (optional): Stir into the red jello for texture and bursts of flavor.

Lime Zest: Optional garnish that adds a lovely visual pop and citrusy aroma.


How To Make the Easy Layered Christmas Jello

Step 1: Prepare the Green Base

Dissolve lime jello in hot water as per the package directions. Stir in crushed pineapple (drained) and pour into a 9×13 dish. Let it set in the fridge until firm.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Layer

Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Fold in whipped topping until fully combined. Once the green layer is set, gently spread the cream mixture on top. Chill again until firm.

Step 3: Add the Red Top Layer

Dissolve cherry jello in hot water. Let it cool to room temperature before pouring over the creamy layer. If using cherries or cranberries, stir them into the jello first. Pour gently and return to the fridge until fully set.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Before serving, slice into squares and top each with a swirl of whipped topping and a sprinkle of lime zest. Serve chilled.


How to Store and Serve Your Easy Layered Christmas Jello

To keep the layers vibrant and the texture firm, cover the jello tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It stores well for up to 4 days. For serving, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice clean edges. Add whipped topping right before serving so it stays fresh and perky.

What to Serve With Easy Layered Christmas Jello?

Holiday Sugar Cookies

Classic, buttery sugar cookies in festive shapes are the perfect complement.

Peppermint Bark

Crisp and minty, it pairs well with the creamy jello layers.

Hot Chocolate

A warm mug of cocoa offsets the chilled jello in the coziest way.

Mini Cheese Balls

Balance the sweet with a savory nibble on the side.

Gingerbread Muffins

Spicy, soft muffins add a warm contrast to the cool, fruity jello.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Fancy and fruity, these echo the berry notes of the top layer.

Mulled Wine or Cider

Add a festive drink to round out your dessert table.


Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If this Easy Layered Christmas Jello put you in the holiday mood, here are some other festive treats you’ll love:


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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can make it anytime the season calls for something bright and merry.

And when you do, let me know how it turned out. Did you stick with cherry and lime or try your own jello flavor combo? I’d love to hear what festive twist you brought to it.

Explore beautifully curated holiday and health-boosting treats on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest and discover your new go-to for festive feels and wholesome indulgence!


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Easy Layered Christmas Jello

Easy Layered Christmas Jello


  • Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
  • Total Time: 4 hours
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Bring instant holiday cheer to your dessert table with this Easy Layered Christmas Jello! This festive favorite features vibrant layers of lime and cherry jello with a creamy, dreamy middle and whipped topping on top. It’s a no-bake, colorful treat that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any Christmas celebration. With its make-ahead ease, this dish is as convenient as it is delightful. Whether you’re seeking quick dessert ideas, easy Christmas recipes, or colorful holiday food ideas, this layered jello dessert ticks all the boxes with flair and flavor.


Ingredients

1 box (3 oz) lime jello

1 cup boiling water (for lime layer)

1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup whipped topping (plus more for garnish)

1 box (3 oz) cherry jello

1 cup boiling water (for cherry layer)

1 cup cold water (for cherry layer)

1/2 cup chopped cherries or cranberries (optional)

1 teaspoon lime zest (for garnish)


Instructions

1. Dissolve lime jello in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in drained crushed pineapple. Pour into a 9×13 dish and refrigerate until set.

2. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread this creamy mixture over the set green jello layer and chill again.

3. Dissolve cherry jello in 1 cup boiling water, then add 1 cup cold water. Let it cool to room temperature. Stir in chopped cherries if using.

4. Gently pour the red jello mixture over the creamy layer. Chill until completely firm.

5. Slice into squares. Top with a dollop of whipped topping and a sprinkle of lime zest before serving.

Notes

Let the cherry jello cool before pouring to avoid melting the creamy layer.

For cleaner cuts, dip your knife in hot water between slices.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: holiday dessert, jello salad, Christmas dessert, easy recipe, colorful dessert

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