This red, white, and blue layered jello, also called finger jello, is a colorful jello dessert layered with all the patriotic colors. It’s a fun treat for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day.

Remember Jell-O jigglers – those thick-shaped jell-o creations? This is similar, but stacked and cut into squared.

You’ll have to try our Christmas version too!

red, white and light blue layers of jello squares stacked on plate

Layered Jello

Layered jello is a classic recipe that you may have had as a kid. We’ve updated the old fashioned recipe and developed a way to make it SUPER quick!

By getting the jello made ahead of time and cooling is in the freezer, each layer sets in 5 to 10 minutes, which cuts down the overall time.

Layered Jello Ingredients

bowls with jello powder and Knox gelatine packets with water

cherry jello – you can also use strawberry jello

berry blue jello – any blue jello will work

unflavored gelatin – we used Knox brand.

sweetened condensed milk – do not substitute evaporated milk. The sweetened condensed milk is needed for the sweetness.

water – be sure to pay attention to the hot (make sure it’s boiling water) and really, really, cold water. If you use luke warm water the jello won’t dissolve properly and you’ll have specs inside the finished jello layers

How Does It Work?

Making layered jello might seem difficult, but it’s really not hard. Having said that, it’s definitely a process that requires a bit of patience. With our recipe, we’ve sped up the process significantly, which makes it so much easier than the vintage versions of finger jello.

Be sure to carve out a flat space in your freezer before you start making the recipe.

How Long Does It Take for Jello to Set?

If you’re making a regular bowl of jello from a 3 ounce package of gelatin, it takes at least two minutes to set. You’ll then need to put it in the refrigerator to fully firm for several hours.

Can I Put Jello In the Freezer to Set Quicker?

Yes, this red, white, & blue jello uses the freezer to quickly set the jello so you can move swiftly with each layer.

Be sure you’re not freezing the jello when you use the freezer. Check on the jello layers after you pour each layer. We recommend freezing for 5 minutes for the jello layers, and up to 10 for the white cream layer.

How to Make Layered Jello

four photos: blue, red, white gelatin in bowls; glass pan with red jello; glass pan with white gelatin; glass pan with blue jello

Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and gently blot away excess oil. We recommend a glass pan.
Get out 5 small bowls to use for making the jello mixtures.
In the first small bowl, combine 1 box cherry jello, one package unflavored gelatin and one cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved and set aside to cool.
In the second small bowl, repeat with the second box of cherry jello. Having separate bowls allows the measurements to be even when pouring onto the layers.
In the third small bowl, combine 1 box lime jello, one package unflavored gelatin and one cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved and set aside to cool.
In the fourth small bowl, repeat with the second box of lime jello.
In the fifth small bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and one cup boiling water.
Mix 2 packages of unflavored gelatin into the ¼ cup cold water, then pour into the sweetened condensed milk mixture. Separate into three separate bowls so they are equally measured.
Pour one bowl of the lime jello into the baking dish. Place in the freezer for about 5 minutes, or until the gel is set.
Pour one bowl of the sweetened condensed milk mixture over the lime jello, and return to the freezer. The sweetened condensed milk layers will take slightly longer than the plain jello. Keep in the freezer until it is set.
Pour one bowl of red jello over the sweetened condensed milk layer and return to freezer. Continue this pattern, using white between each color until you end with a final layer of red.
When all the layers are set, you can gently separate the jello from the baking dish, and flip upside down to remove.
Cut into small squares. You can top with whipped cream or other decorations.

Layered Jello Tips

Flat pan – use a glass pan for this recipe to ensure it’s level. Metal pans tend to warp overtime which will leave you with uneven layers.
Freezer space – clean out a shelf in your freezer to lay the pan flat.
Pre-determine how many white layers you’ll use (we had three layers) and measure the white mixture into three separate bowls so you know you have equal amounts. This will ensure the white layers will be the same thickness.
Cool liquid – as you freeze a layer, immediately begin the jello for the next layer. This will allow for it to cool for a minute or two before you need to pour it on the set layer. If the jello is too hot it will melt the previous layer and the colors will mix together.
As you are pouring the jello layers, move the bowl/cup around the layer to evenly spread the jello.
Bubbles – if you see any bubbles in the jello, try to pop them with the tip of a knife or fork.

Layered Jello Variations

Valentine’s Day – red, white, and pink – use strawberry or watermelon, and cherry

St. Patrick’s Day – use lime and white

Halloween – Orange, white, and purple – use orange and grape

Christmas – red, white, and green – use strawberry, white, and lime

Rainbow – use blueberry, lime, lemon, orange, cherry or strawberry, grape with thin layers of white in between

hand holding a square piece of the red white and blue layered jello

How to Store Layered Jello

A layered jello dessert lasts about a week when stored in the refrigerator.

If serving at a party. Cut the jello into squares and keep refrigerated until ready for serve.

More Fun Patriotic Desserts

Red, White, and Blue Layered Jello

Author Alicia

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 1

Total Time 1

This red, white, and blue layered jello is a colorful jello dessert layered with all the patriotic colors. It's a fun treat for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day.

Ingredients

Instructions

Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and gently blot away excess oil.
Set out 5 small bowls.
In the first small bowl, combine 1 box cherry jello, one package unflavored gelatin, and one cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved. Set aside to cool.
2 boxes 3 oz. cherry jello, 6 packages gelatin unflavored, 6 cups boiling water
In the second small bowl, combine 1 box cherry jello, one package unflavored gelatin, and one cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved. Set aside to cool.
In the third small bowl, combine 1 box blue jello, one package unflavored gelatin, and one cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved. Set aside to cool.
2 3 ounces blue jello
In the fourth small bowl, combine 1 box blue jello, one package unflavored gelatin and one cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved. Set aside to cool.
In the fifth small bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and one cup boiling water.
1 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
Mix 2 packages of unflavored gelatin into the ¼ cup cold water, then pour into the sweetened condensed milk mixture. Separate this mixture into three equal amounts (more bowls!)
1/2 cup ice cold water
Wait until the jello mixes have cooled slightly before proceeding.
Pour one bowl of the blue jello into the baking dish. Place in the freezer for about 5 minutes, or until the gel is set.
Slowly pour a thin layer of the sweetened condensed milk mixture over the blue jello, and return to the freezer. The sweetened condensed milk layers will take slightly longer than the plain jello, about 10 minutes. Keep in the freezer until it is set.
Pour one bowl of red jello over the sweetened condensed milk layer and return to freezer. Continue this pattern, using white between each color until you end with a final layer of red.
When all the layers are set, you can gently separate the jello from the baking dish, and flip upside down to remove.
Cut into small squares and top with whipped cream and sprinkles if desired.