If there’s ever a time to play with your food in the most festive way possible, it’s the holidays. This Easy Layered Christmas Jello is a colorful, cheerful dessert that feels like a celebration all on its own. Each layer is bright and bold, with creamy and fruity textures alternating to create a bite that’s as joyful as it is delicious.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or looking for a fun dessert to bring to a potluck, this jello is guaranteed to turn heads. It’s vibrant, customizable, and kid-approved. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make with just a little patience and planning.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Layered Christmas Jello
This recipe is as nostalgic as it is show-stopping. The contrast of red, green, and white layers makes it a total eye-catcher, and each bite is a sweet combination of smooth and fruity goodness. It can be made ahead, it travels well, and you can even get creative with different molds or flavors. Best of all, it’s budget-friendly and only needs a handful of ingredients.
What Kind of Jello Should I Use for the Layers?
For the most classic Christmas look, stick to red (like cherry or strawberry) and green (lime) gelatin. These flavors not only deliver on color but also pair well with the creamy middle layers. If you prefer a different flavor combo, raspberry and green apple can work too. For the white creamy layer, sweetened condensed milk mixed with unflavored gelatin gives it a snowy contrast.
Ingredients for the Easy Layered Christmas Jello
This dessert is simple to pull together with a few boxes of gelatin and some pantry staples. The layering process just requires some time to let each layer chill before moving on to the next.
Red Jello: This brings the festive holiday color and a fruity pop of flavor. Cherry or strawberry works beautifully.
Green Jello: Lime gelatin gives that unmistakable Christmas green and balances the red with citrusy brightness.
Unflavored Gelatin: Used to help set the creamy white layers and keep them stable between the colored jello.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds richness and a snowy white color that pops between the vibrant layers.
Boiling Water: Essential for dissolving each gelatin packet and activating the setting process.
Cold Water: Helps cool the mixtures and set the jello with the right texture.

How To Make the Easy Layered Christmas Jello
Step 1: Prepare the First Red Layer
Dissolve one packet of red jello in one cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved, then add 1/2 cup of cold water. Pour into your glass dish and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes until just set but not firm.
Step 2: Make the White Creamy Layer
While the red layer sets, dissolve 2 packets of unflavored gelatin in 1/2 cup cold water. Let it bloom for a few minutes, then add 1.5 cups boiling water. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and let it cool to room temperature. Once cool, pour a layer gently over the red jello and refrigerate again until set.
Step 3: Add the Green Layer
Repeat the process from the red layer using green jello. Dissolve in hot water, add cold water, and carefully pour on top of the white layer once it’s firm. Chill again until set.
Step 4: Continue Layering
Repeat the layering process, alternating red, white, and green. Be sure to let each layer firm up before adding the next so they don’t blend together. Patience is key!
Step 5: Chill and Slice
Once all layers are set, refrigerate the full dessert for at least 2 more hours. Slice into squares or use festive cookie cutters for a fun twist before serving.
Serving and Storing Your Jello
This recipe feeds about 12 to 16 people depending on the size of the slices. Serve it chilled straight from the fridge for best texture. You can use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to make clean slices.
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s not recommended to freeze jello as the texture changes once thawed.
What to Serve With Easy Layered Christmas Jello?
Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows
The creamy warmth of hot cocoa is a dreamy contrast to the cool, fruity layers of jello.
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Add a soft and buttery crunch next to the jello. Bonus points if you match the colors!
Mini Cheesecakes
The richness of a mini cheesecake balances perfectly with the light and fruity jello.
Peppermint Bark
Bring in a little minty sparkle to your dessert table with this classic.
Holiday Fruit Platter
Fresh fruit like strawberries and kiwi echo the jello colors and bring natural sweetness.
Eggnog
If you’re feeling festive, a glass of eggnog on the side adds a creamy, spiced element.
Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Sweet, salty, and festive—these crunchy bites pair well with the soft texture of jello.
Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?
If you loved this layered Christmas jello, check out these other festive favorites:
- Easter Chocolate Lasagna for another layered no-bake treat.
- Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies for a gooey, chocolatey bite.
- Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies if you want warm spice and creamy sweetness.
- Classic French Butter Cookies when you want melt-in-your-mouth simplicity.
- Irresistible Blueberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes for a tart and sweet twist.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try different colors? Maybe use fun molds or sprinkles? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and desserts on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next festive favorite.
Conclusion
Easy Layered Christmas Jello is one of those recipes that brings joy from start to finish. It’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and the colors light up any holiday table. Whether you’re making it with kids or prepping it ahead for guests, it’s a recipe that invites creativity and celebration in every slice.

Easy Layered Christmas Jello
- Total Time: 5.5 hours
- Yield: 12 to 16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Layered Christmas Jello is a festive no-bake dessert featuring vibrant red, green, and white layers. Perfect for the holidays, it’s made with cherry and lime jello, creamy sweetened condensed milk, and unflavored gelatin. Ideal for Christmas potlucks and parties, this holiday jello dessert is colorful, kid-friendly, and easy to make ahead.
Ingredients
1 box (3 oz) red jello (cherry or strawberry)
1 box (3 oz) green jello (lime)
2 packets unflavored gelatin
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups boiling water (for each jello layer)
1.5 cups boiling water (for creamy layer)
1 cup cold water (for jello layers)
0.5 cup cold water (to bloom gelatin)
Instructions
1. Dissolve red jello in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then add 0.5 cup cold water. Pour into dish and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes until just set.
2. While the red layer chills, sprinkle 2 packets of unflavored gelatin over 0.5 cup cold water. Let bloom 5 minutes.
3. Add 1.5 cups boiling water to gelatin and stir to dissolve. Add the sweetened condensed milk. Let it cool to room temperature.
4. Gently pour the white layer over the set red layer. Chill again until firm.
5. Repeat the jello process with green jello: dissolve in 1 cup boiling water, add 0.5 cup cold water, let cool slightly, then pour over the white layer once set.
6. Continue alternating red, white, and green layers, letting each one set before adding the next.
7. Once all layers are done, refrigerate for at least 2 more hours to firm completely.
8. Slice into squares or cut with festive cookie cutters before serving.
Notes
Always let each layer set completely before pouring the next to prevent colors from mixing.
For clean layers, let mixtures cool to room temp before pouring.
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for smooth slicing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg

