Watch it wiggle, see it jiggle, it’s Jello brand gelatin.
Jello is such a fun and easy dessert. Fancy Jello desserts make their appearance every year during the holidays but they are sometimes forgotten the rest of the year in our house. If you’re looking to get your kids involved in the kitchen, making Jello together is a great start.
If you haven’t checked out the Kraft recipes website, you should. It’s filled with everyday and seasonal recipes. That’s where I found this little gem. I was looking for something on the lighter side for a July 4th party dessert a many years ago. Since summers in the Phoenix metro area can be crazy hot, I wanted it to be a cool dessert. I hit the jackpot. Only one problem; I couldn’t find blue Jello anywhere. Seriously, I went to five stores and totally struck out. It was time for Plan B. We’ll just flip the colors since red Jello is everywhere. Our patriotic dessert was going to have to be viewed bottom to top for the correct red, white and blue order.
As I’ve made this over the years, I can’t help but think of other fun color combinations. Purple Jello with sliced kiwi on top is a fun Halloween color combination. You can even work in some college colors. For Arizona State University you could do red Jello on the bottom with sliced bananas on top. Northern Arizona University could be yellow Jello on the bottom with blueberries on top. University of Oklahoma is a little easier, dark cherry Jello with sliced strawberries on top. I bet you can guess what schools our kids are a part of. The combinations are endless and so is the fun in the kitchen making them.
You can make it as one giant dessert in a trifle dish as I did once. My Jello to Cool Whip ratio was way off. Full disclosure, it’s much better as individual parfait.
Start by making the Jello. I used my handy-dandy Tupperware pancake pitcher. It’s ideal for this recipe because it makes pouring the jello mixture into the dessert cups a snap. Follow the directions on the box and stir the boiling water and Jello mix for the full two minutes. This will completely and totally dissolve the gelatin. If little ones are helping you make this recipe, obviously you’ll do this part while they watch the colors twirl in the container.
Add the cold water and stir until completely combined.
Pour into clear dessert cups and place in the refrigerator. Chill four hours or until firm. I dare you not to shake the cup and sing the Jello song.
Spoon Cool Whip on and top with blueberries. You can add as much or as little of both as you want. Viola! Your beautiful dessert is ready to serve.
Click to print recipe
Mini Jello Parfaits
- One 6-ounce package Jello *see note below
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups cold water
- Cool Whip
- Blueberries
Make Jello per package directions. Stir boiling water with Jello mix in large bowl or spouted container for two minutes. Add cold water and stir until combined. Pour into dessert glasses and refrigerate until firm, up to four hours.
Top with Cool Whip and fruit and serve.
Share your different versions on my Facebook Page, M & M Hit The Road. I can’t wait to see your creativity!
NOTES: You can choose the color combination you’d like. If you can find blue Jello, then reverse color top with sliced strawberries.
These can also be made in the RV. No changes except don’t drive while the Jello is still setting. I’d hate for you to have a huge Jello mess on your hands.