12 Layer Christmas Jello Salad Recipe (2024)

I love Christmas Dinner! One of my favorite things my mom would make when we were growing up is her famous 12 Layer Jello Salad. We would often have it for any holiday dinner or special occasions. This jello salad not only tastes amazing, but it looks awesome too! And the kids will LOVE it! Just give yourself a few hours to make! But so worth it!

Serves: 20

Serves: 20

12-Layer Christmas Jello Salad Recipe

One of my favorite things my mom would make when we were growing up is her famous 12 Layer Jello Salad. We would often have it for any holiday dinner or special occasions. This jello salad not only tastes amazing, but it looks awesome too!

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Ingredients

  • 3 ounces lime Jello 1 box
  • 3 ounces lemon Jello 1 box
  • 3 ounces orange Jello 1 box
  • 3 ounces strawberry Jello 1 box
  • 3 ounces raspberry Jello 1 box
  • 3 ounces black cherry Jello 1 box
  • 16 ounces sour cream
  • 8 ounces cool whip 1 tub
  • 1 cup water divided

Instructions

  • Take a glass measuring cup and fill it with 1 cup of water. Boil the water in the microwave. After it is done boiling add one box of jello and stir with a fork until dissolved. Layer the jello in order listed in the ingredients starting with the lime.

Pour the jello into 2 bowls with equal amounts in each bowl.

  • Add 1/3 cup sour cream to one bowl and mix well. Then add 3 Tablespoons of Cold water to the other bowl and mix well.

  • After both are mixed pour the “sour cream mixture” into a 9X13 pan and put in the fridge. Leave the “water mixture” on the counter.

  • It usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 45 minutes for the first layer to set up. After it is set slowly spoon the “water mixture” that was on the counter over the cloudy layer in the 9X13 pan. Put it in back in the fridge to set up.

  • After that layer is set, begin steps 1 through 5 again with the next color. The refrigeration time between layers is a lot less after the first 2 layers because it is colder.

  • Once you have completed all the jello layers and they are all set, spread the cool whip over the top and put in the fridge until ready to serve.This jello can stay in the fridge for a few days, keep covered.

Notes

Tips:

1. This jello looks best in the order listed in the ingredients..lime, lemon, orange, strawberry, raspberry, and black cherry. Black cherry is difficult to find, so just get a flavor that is darker than the raspberry red color. Maybe grape or blackberry fusion.

2. I have tried making this jello in all the flavors of red… and it didn’t taste very good. Just FYI. 🙂

3. I have used Walmart Brand Jello and it just doesn’t set up quite the same. So I suggest paying a little bit more for the Jello brand.

Happy Cooking!!!

Nutrition

Calories: 150 kcal · Carbohydrates: 26 g · Protein: 3 g · Fat: 5 g · Saturated Fat: 3 g · Cholesterol: 14 mg · Sodium: 163 mg · Potassium: 46 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 21 g · Vitamin A: 161 IU · Vitamin C: 1 mg · Calcium: 39 mg · Iron: 1 mg

Equipment

Recipe Details

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Ingredients:

6 (3 oz) small boxes of Jello, use the following flavors/colors: lime, lemon, orange, strawberry, raspberry, black cherry
16 ounces sour cream

8 oz tub of cool whip

1 cup water, divided

Directions:

1. Take a glass measuring cup and fill it with 1 cup of water. Boil the water in the microwave. After it is done boiling add one box of jello and stir with a fork until dissolved. Layer the jello in order listed in the ingredients starting with the lime.

2. Pour the jello into 2 bowls with equal amounts in each bowl.

12 Layer Christmas Jello Salad Recipe (1)

3. Add 1/3 cup sour cream to one bowl and mix well. Then add 3 Tablespoons of Cold water to the other bowl and mix well.

12 Layer Christmas Jello Salad Recipe (2)

4. After both are mixed pour the “sour cream mixture” into a 9X13 pan and put in the fridge. Leave the “water mixture” on the counter.

5. It usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 45 minutes for the first layer to set up. After it is set slowly spoon the “water mixture” that was on the counter over the cloudy layer in the 9X13 pan. Put it in back in the fridge to set up.

After that layer is set, begin steps 1 through 5 again with the next color. The refrigeration time between layers is a lot less after the first 2 layers because it is colder.

12 Layer Christmas Jello Salad Recipe (3)

Once you have completed all the jello layers and they are all set, spread the cool whip over the top and put in the fridge until ready to serve.

This jello can stay in the fridge for a few days, keep covered.

*just a couple of sidenotes*

1. This jello looks best in the order listed in the ingredients..lime, lemon, orange, strawberry, raspberry, and black cherry. Black cherry is difficult to find, so just get a flavor that is darker than the raspberry red color. Maybe grape or blackberry fusion.

2. I have tried making this jello in all the flavors of red… and it didn’t taste very good. Just FYI. 🙂

3. I have used Walmart Brand Jello and it just doesn’t set up quite the same. So I suggest paying a little bit more for the Jello brand.

Happy Cooking!!!

Here are some more great salad recipes!
5 Minute Jello Salad
Mandarin Orange Cookie Dessert Salad
Orange Fluff Jello Salad
Snicker Apple Pudding Salad
Barbecue Macaroni Salad

If you like our recipes then you will LOVE ourCookbook!!!

12 Layer Christmas Jello Salad Recipe (4)

Our cookbook makes a wonderful gift (and it’s priced right at less than $18!) . . . you can check it outHERE.

12 Layer Christmas Jello Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the ratio of Jell-O powder to water? ›

Whisk together 1 cup (240 milliliters) of hot water with 1 packet of jello in a large bowl. Keep whisking until no powdery granules remain, about 2 to 3 minutes. If you are using a larger, 6-ounce (170 grams) packet of jello, use 2 cups (475 milliliters) of hot water instead.

What can I use as a Jell-O mold? ›

Plastic, metal, ceramic, stoneware, porcelain, glass and silicone are all suitable materials for molding Jello.

Why did people make Jell-O salads? ›

As World War II began, they were a way to "prove to you and your friends that you can still do luscious entertaining in spite of shortages and rations," as one wartime recipe for "Olive Relish" (olives, pickles, celery, and vinegar in lime Jell-O) declared.

How to make 6 oz box of Jell-O? ›

Simply add 2 cups boiling water to the gelatin mix, stir for 2 minutes until completely dissolved, stir in 2 cups cold water, then refrigerate for 4 hours or until firm. Each family size Jell-O gelatin dessert mix is individually packaged in a 6-ounce sealed pouch and makes 8, 1/2-cup servings.

How much Jello powder for 2 cups of water? ›

One tablespoon of unflavored gelatin(like the Knox brand) will gell 2 cups of liquid.

How much gelatin powder for 2 cups of water? ›

Here's a basic guide for using powdered gelatin: Sprinkle the desired amount of gelatin powder evenly over the surface of cold liquid. A good ratio is 1 tablespoon (9 grams) of powdered gelatin to 2 cups (500 ml) of liquid.

How do you layer Jello without mixing it? ›

Mix the gelatins in different bowls, allow to cool until they start to jell, but are still somewhat pourable, than carefully pour the layers without allowing them to mix.

Should I spray my Jello mold? ›

Spray your mold: Make sure you spray your mold—no matter what type you use—with cooking spray before filling. This will make removing the gelatin easier. Take your time: Multi-layer molds take time to create. Each layer needs to set for about 45 minutes before adding the next.

Why do hospitals always serve Jell-O? ›

There are a few reasons: Jell-O is easy to swallow and digest, making it suitable for patients who have difficulty eating solid foods or have digestive issues. It's smooth texture and mild flavor make it more tolerable for those with sensitive stomachs or who are recovering from surgery.

Why wouldn t you want to use pineapple in a Jell-O salad? ›

Bromolain in pineapple, papain in papaya and actinidin in kiwi are all enzymes capable of breaking down proteins, hence the warning that these fruits cannot be used in Jell-O. But canned fruits are fine because the pasteurization process they undergo destroys the proteolytic enzymes.

Why not put pineapple in Jell-O? ›

Gelatine is derived from the protein collagen. The enzyme in fresh* pineapple, bromelin, breaks down collagen and this prevents the jelly from setting.

What happens if you don't use cold water for Jell-O? ›

The boiling water is important because it helps to fully dissolve the Jello powder and ensures that it will set properly. On the other hand, if you were to use only cold water, it would not dissolve the Jello powder as effectively and could result in a mixture that doesn't set properly or has lumps in it.

How much does a 3 oz box of Jell-O make? ›

This 3 ounce package makes four 1/2-cup servings so you can prepare enough for the whole family. It's easy to make a tasty dessert for kids or adults Simply mix the gelatin with boiling water, stir in cold water, and refrigerate until set.

How to make Jell-O better? ›

It's important to use the right amount of water, as using too much or too little can affect the taste and texture of the Jell-O. Additionally, you can add fruit, whipped cream, or other ingredients to enhance the flavor.

How much water for 1 tsp gelatin powder? ›

As an approximate guide, 1 tsp of McKenzie's Gelatine Powder is the equivalent of 2 McKenzie's Gelatine Leaves. To use gelatine powder, sprinkle 2 tsps of powder in 2 tbs cold water .

Can Jello powder be used as a drink mix? ›

Mix prepared Jello and milk in a blender for about 5 seconds. Pour in to two glasses and enjoy.

How do you measure Jello powder? ›

– One envelope of powdered gelatin (about 1/4 ounce) is about 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 teaspoons. -If the recipe calls for packets (ie; 2 packets), use packets of gelatin for measuring. -If the recipe calls for a specific amount (ie: 2 teaspoons gelatin), open the packets and measure the gelatin granules with a measuring spoon.

References

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