10+ Jello Recipes to Brighten Up Your Party Table

Jello recipes have been around forever, and honestly, they’re still a hit. They’re colorful, playful, and you don’t need to be a pro baker to whip one up.

Whether you want something classic or a little more creative, jello can totally work for dessert or even just a snack. It’s one of those things that always seems to make people smile.

You can turn basic jello into way more interesting dishes—just takes a little imagination. Try out different flavors, colors, and see what feels right for your next get-together.

1) Layered Rainbow Jello Cubes

Layered rainbow jello cubes are a guaranteed way to brighten up any party table. You build colorful layers by mixing up different jello flavors, letting each set in the fridge before adding the next.

Start with one flavor mixed with boiling water and a bit of unflavored gelatin. Pour it in, chill, repeat with the next color, and so on.

Once everything’s set, just cut it into cubes. Honestly, it looks amazing and kids go wild for it.

Ingredients:

• 5 different jello flavors (3-ounce packets)
• 1 tsp Knox unflavored gelatin per layer
• Boiling water (1 cup per layer)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix one jello packet with 1 tsp unflavored gelatin and 1 cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved.
2. Pour into a pan and chill until firm, about 30-60 minutes.
3. Repeat for each flavor, pouring each new layer on top of the last.
4. After all layers are set, cut into cubes.
5. Serve cold.

For more details, see Layered Rainbow Jello recipes.

2) Strawberry-Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake

If you like that sweet-tart thing, this cake is for you. Rhubarb and strawberries go on the bottom of the pan with strawberry gelatin—it’s a combo that just works.

Once it’s baked, the cake rises over the fruit and, when you flip it, you get this gorgeous, glossy top. Perfect for spring or summer, especially if you can get fresh rhubarb.

The cake stays moist and soft, and the fruit layer gives it a little zing. It’s easy but looks like you tried way harder than you did.

Ingredients

• 4 to 5 cups fresh rhubarb, sliced
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 (6-ounce) package strawberry gelatin
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups cake mix (or your favorite yellow cake mix)
• Butter for greasing

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter.
3. Mix rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, and dry strawberry gelatin; spread in the pan.
4. Prepare cake batter as directed and pour over fruit.
5. Bake 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.

Check out Taste of Home Strawberry-Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake for a solid recipe.

3) Classic Seven-Layer Gelatin Salad

Seven-layer gelatin salad is a retro classic that still holds up. Each layer is a different color and flavor, some creamy with evaporated milk, and you chill each one before adding the next.

You have to pour carefully and wait for each to set—yeah, it takes a while, but it’s worth it. This is one of those desserts that looks like a party all on its own.

Pick your favorite flavors or match the colors to your theme. Top with whipped topping for that extra bit of fluff.

Ingredients

• 4 packages (3 ounces each) flavored gelatin, different colors
• 4 cups boiling water
• 1 package unflavored gelatin
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Whipped topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Dissolve each flavored gelatin in 1 cup boiling water.
2. Pour the first flavor into a dish and chill until firm.
3. For creamy layers, dissolve unflavored gelatin in 1/2 cup boiling water. Add cold water, evaporated milk, and sugar. Heat gently until sugar dissolves, then cool.
4. Gently pour the next layer over the chilled layer. Chill until firm before adding another.
5. Repeat with all layers.
6. Top with whipped topping.

More details at seven-layer gelatin salad recipe.

4) Strawberry Jello Fluff

Strawberry Jello Fluff is the kind of dessert you make when you want something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven. You just mix strawberry Jello with instant pudding, whipped cream, and a handful of marshmallows or fruit.

It comes together in minutes and tastes like summer. The blend of fruity and creamy is almost too easy.

If you want to lighten it up, try sugar-free gelatin or swap in fat-free cottage cheese. It’s a dessert that doesn’t make you feel guilty.

Ingredients

• 1 package strawberry Jello
• 1 package instant vanilla pudding
• 2 cups whipped cream or Cool Whip
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• Optional: 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix strawberry Jello and vanilla pudding in a big bowl.
2. Stir in whipped cream or Cool Whip until smooth.
3. Fold in mini marshmallows and strawberries.
4. Chill for at least 2 hours.
5. Serve cold.

Find the full Strawberry Jello Fluff Salad recipe here.

5) Vintage Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Salad is a sweet, fluffy fruit salad that brings back all the holiday vibes. No Jell-O in the traditional version—just whipped topping, canned fruit, marshmallows, and coconut.

You toss everything together, chill it, and let the flavors meld. It’s almost too easy.

If you want, add a handful of nuts or swap in some fresh fruit. This version keeps it old-school and simple.

Ingredients

• 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, and coconut.
2. Gently fold in whipped topping.
3. Add walnuts if you want.
4. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

6) Mello Holiday Jello with Mandarin Oranges

Mello Holiday Jello is one of those easy, creamy treats that just feels festive. Orange Jello, lemon pudding, whipped cream, and mandarin oranges—can’t really go wrong.

The texture is smooth and the mandarin oranges give it a fresh pop. Super easy, great for holidays, but honestly, you could make it any time.

Just make sure you chill it enough so it sets and gets that fluffy texture. The tangy-sweet combo is pretty addictive.

Ingredients

• 1 package orange Jello
• 1 package instant lemon pudding
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1 can mandarin oranges, drained

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare orange Jello as directed.
2. Mix lemon pudding with whipped cream until smooth.
3. Fold in mandarin oranges.
4. Combine Jello and pudding mixture.
5. Chill for at least 2 hours.

7) Stained Glass Jello Cake

Stained Glass Jello Cake is just plain fun. You make different flavors of jello, cut them into cubes, and mix them with a creamy base—when you slice it, it really does look like stained glass.

Make each flavor in a separate tray, then cut into small cubes. Fold them into a mix of sweetened condensed milk and cream or gelatin.

You can use any colors or flavors you want. It’s a showstopper for parties, and honestly, it’s not hard at all.

Find a shortcut recipe for Stained Glass Jello Salad here.

Ingredients

• 4-5 boxes of flavored gelatin (different colors)
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 package (3 oz) unflavored gelatin
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare each flavored gelatin with half the water on the box. Chill until firm, then cut into cubes.
2. Dissolve unflavored gelatin in 2 cups boiling water.
3. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and cold water.
4. Add cream to the mixture.
5. Gently fold in the jello cubes.
6. Pour into a mold or pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

8) Easy Poke Cake with Jello

Poke cake is as simple as it sounds. Bake a white or yellow cake, poke holes all over it, and pour your favorite Jello flavor on top.

The Jello soaks into the cake, making it super moist and colorful. After it cools, spread whipped cream or pudding on top.

You can use any Jello flavor—strawberry, lime, lemon, whatever you love. It’s fun, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 white or yellow cake mix
• 1 box Jello (3 oz)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 container whipped topping or instant pudding

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake the cake as the package tells you, then let it cool down.

3. Mix Jello with boiling water. Stir until it’s dissolved.

4. Add cold water. Pour the mixture over the holes in the cake.

5. Chill the cake in the fridge for about 2 hours.

6. Spread whipped topping or pudding on top before serving.

For more ideas, check out this Jello Poke Cake recipe.

9) Savory Cream Cheese and Horseradish Jello Mold

Here’s a jello mold that’s straight out of a mid-century cookbook. You mix lime or lemon jello with cream cheese and a touch of horseradish for a tangy little kick.

The texture turns creamy and smooth, and honestly, it’s a bold choice for a side dish with fish or cold meats. Beat everything together until it’s totally smooth, then chill it until it thickens up.

Some folks like to add a spoonful of mayo or salad dressing for extra richness. It’s quirky, but it works at parties or family dinners if you’re feeling a bit retro.

Go easy on the horseradish—just enough for some bite, not so much that it takes over.

Ingredients

• 1 package lime or lemon jello
• 4 oz softened cream cheese
• 1-2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
• ½ cup cold water
• ½ cup boiling water
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or salad dressing (optional)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Dissolve jello in boiling water and give it a good stir.

2. Add cold water and mix again.

3. Beat in the softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth.

4. Stir in horseradish, mayo, and a pinch of salt.

5. Pour it into a lightly oiled mold—corn or canola oil does the trick.

6. Chill in the fridge until it’s firm, about 3-4 hours at 35°F (1.5°C) to 40°F (4°C).

7. Unmold gently and serve it cold.

10) 5 Minute Strawberry Jello Salad

This 5 Minute Strawberry Jello Salad is about as easy as it gets. You can whip it up for a potluck or just make it for a quick dessert at home.

Start by mixing strawberry jello powder with boiling water. Stir until it’s dissolved, then add cold water.

Let it cool off a bit. Fold in cool whip for a creamy, fluffy texture.

If you want, toss in some fresh or canned strawberries. It makes it sweeter and adds a pop of color.

Chill until set. That’s it—done.

Ingredients

• 1 package strawberry jello
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 cups cold water
• 1 cup cool whip
• Optional: fresh or canned strawberries

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour the jello powder into a bowl.
2. Add 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until everything dissolves.
3. Pour in 2 cups of cold water. Mix it up.
4. Let it cool off a bit—don’t rush this part.
5. Gently fold in the cool whip.
6. Toss in fruit if you want.
7. Stick it in the fridge. Wait about 2-3 hours until it firms up.

If you want to dig deeper, check out the 5 Minute Strawberry Jello Salad page.