This Layered Christmas Jello is a tried and true family favorite that is festive, delicious, and makes the perfect addition to any Holiday meal! Also called Finger Jello, this classic Jello recipe is one that can be altered to fit any occasion throughout the year!
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Christmas Jello
This old-fashioned recipe is one that has been made in my family since I was a little girl, maybe even before. We have a Thanksgiving Jello and this Christmas Jello that are Holiday traditions and my mom makes each and every year. Yes, this Jello can be a bit time consuming to make, but the end result is well worth it! You can prepare this in a 9×13 baking dish, or make these in individual cups for parties, gatherings, and more!
Why You’ll Love Easy Layered Christmas Jello
- Festive– with the bright green, red, yellow, and white layers, this adds a splash of color
- Flavorful– with a creamy white layer in between the flavored Jello layers, the combination just can’t be beat
- Kid-Friendly– kids love this bright, festive treat and can even help prepare it
- Easy to make ahead of time– save time and prepare this one or two days before needed
Ingredients Needed to Make Layered Christmas Jello Salad
Using simple ingredients, this Christmas Layered Jello comes together for a festive sweet treat. See printable recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and step by step directions.
- Jello– you will need 4 boxes of Jello for this recipe, I use 2 cherry and 2 lime, but sometimes I like adding a lemon layer to change it up. Any flavors work and it will be the 3-ounce packages
- Hot Water– this needs to be boiling to dissolve the Jello mix
- Cold Water– make sure it is cold as this helps the Jello mix set up
- Milk– this adds creaminess to the filling layer, sweetened condensed milk works too
- Sugar– white granulated sugar is best
- Unflavored Gelatin– I use Knox unflavored gelatin, but any brand works, you will need 2 envelopes
- Sour Cream– this is for the white filling layers, cream cheese works, but I haven’t had great luck keeping it from lumping up, therefore sour cream is my go to
- Vanilla Extract– opt for pure vanilla extract versus imitation
How to make Christmas Layered Jello
- Butter or oil a 9 x 13 pan lightly.
- To make filling, bring the two cups of milk to a boil. Dissolve the 1 cup sugar into the milk.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup cold water with 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin.
- Add gelatin mixture to the milk while still warm. Pour sour cream into a bowl and add in the milk mixture.
- Add in 2 teaspoon vanilla extract and stir.
- Keep mixture covered on the counter as this is the white mixture for the layers.
- Make first package of jello according to box directions using boiling water and cold water. Pour into the cake pan. Place pan into the fridge.
- Allow to set up, but make sure it is still a bit tacky to touch as this helps the next layer stick to it.
- Add 1 1/2 cups white filling over the Jello for the next layer. Put back into fridge until set.
- Repeat by making next package of Jello, then 1 1/2 cups filling, and so on until all layers have been prepared.
- Keep in fridge until ready to eat! Enjoy!!
Recipe Variations
- Feel free to add as many layers as desired. Some prefer 2 layers, others prefer 4 layers, completely up to you.
- Have fun with flavors! You can use cherry jello, strawberry, lime, lemon, black cherry, and more. So many fun options to change this up for any occasion and Holiday.
- You can use cookie cutters to cut out shapes to make this more into Finger Jello.
- Use sugar free Jello to cut down on calories.
- Don’t rush the layers because if the layer isn’t set perfectly before adding the next, they will combine and not look as pretty.
- Vanilla Yogurt can be used in place of the sour cream if desired.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Christmas Jello Recipe FAQ’s
How long does each layer take to set up?
Each layer should take roughly 20-30 minutes to set up. If you are using a larger pan, it won’t take as long as it is thinner. The smaller, the longer.
Is it hard to make layered Jello?
It isn’t hard; however, it is definitely a process and requires patience. You can’t rush the layers and because there are so many layers, it can take several hours before this recipe is ready to set in refrigerator. I recommend making this 1-2 days before you are ready to serve it.
Can I freeze the jello to help it set faster?
Yes, however, be careful doing so. You want to chill it to set up, however, you do not want to freeze it. If you choose to freeze it for faster results, check on it every 5 minutes while in freezer.
How can I ensure each white layer is the same thickness?
I measure mine out (1 1/2 cups) so all is equal, however, I have also heard from others that they use 3 small bowls and portion theirs out that way. Simply use one bowl each time you are ready until they are gone.
Why do I have bubbles in my layers?
These are air bubbles. As you are pouring, you may notice them. If you do see them, pop them gently with a knife or fork before the Jello has set up.
How to store this Layered Jello Recipe
Cover the pan with a lid or plastic wrap and place in refrigerator up to 1 week. You can store in the pan or cut individual pieces and store in airtight containers.
Layered Jello Variations
- Valentine’s Day– red, pink, and white (cherry, strawberry, and watermelon)
- St. Patrick’s Day– green and white layers ( lime jello)
- Rainbow Jello– blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and white (blueberry, lime, lemon, orange, grape, cherry, etc.)
- Fourth of July– red, white, and blue (cherry and blueberry or blue raspberry)
- Halloween– orange and white layers
More Holiday Recipes to try
Thanksgiving Jello– Black Cherry Jell-O with pineapple chunks throughout and an incredible cream cheese frosting! Perfect for any occasion!
Buckeye Balls– The classic recipe of peanut butter balls dipped in melted chocolate. Incredibly simple to make, no-bake, and packed with flavor, this is a great treat during the Holiday season or anytime of year!
Macaroon Kiss Cookies– Combine flaky sweetened coconut flakes and cream cheese for a chewy cookie everyone will enjoy!
Christmas M & M Cookie Bars– Soft, gooey, and loaded with both chocolate chips AND M&M’s throughout! Easy to make and perfect for cookie exchanges or goodie trays!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Fudge– A double-layered fudge that combines rich chocolate fudge and creamy peanut butter fudge into one smooth and creamy treat! You can’t go wrong combining these two classic flavors!
Layered Christmas Jello is a delightful treat that adds a festive touch to any Holiday gathering. With its vibrant colors and playful textures, it captures the joy and spirit of the season in every bite. Whether you choose to make it as a centerpiece dessert or serve it as individual servings, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress your guests. So why not add some extra cheer to your holiday table this year with the delightful layers of Christmas Jello? Happy holidays! If you try this, be sure to comment below and let me know what you think!
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Layered Christmas Jello Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 boxes Jello (3 oz size boxes) *any flavor desired
- 1 cup hot water(per box)
- 1/2 cup cold water (per box)
- FILLING
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
- 1 pint sour cream
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Butter or oil a 9 x 13 pan lightly.
- To make filling, bring the two cups of milk to a boil. Dissolve the 1 cup sugar into the milk.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup cold water with 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin.
- Add gelatin mixture to the milk while still warm. Pour sour cream into a bowl and add in the gelatin/milk mixture.
- Add in 2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Keep mixture covered on the counter.
- Make first package of jello. Pour into the cake pan. Place pan into the fridge.
- Allow to set up, but make sure it is still a bit tacky to touch as this helps the next layer stick to it.
- Add 1 1/2 cups filling for the next layer. Put back into fridge until set.
- Repeat by making next package of jello, then 1 1/2 cups filling, and so on.
- Keep in fridge until ready to eat! Enjoy!!
Nutrition
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