Jello 123 Layered Jello Cups

Layered Jello Cups are so fun to make! Similar to the vintage Jello 123 Layered Dessert, this fun dessert recipe comes together with just three ingredients: hot water, gelatin, and whipped topping. It’s so fun and easy to make!

This Jello 123 layered dessert is great to serve for a special Valentine’s Day dessert. Serve it with Stable Whipped Cream and a fresh fruit garnish for an elegant end to your meal. This is top on our list Easy No Bake Dessert Recipes!

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Everything 70s is new again, including this easy Layered Jello recipe! By combining hot water, powdered gelatin, and whipped topping, you can quickly and easily create these cool ombre layered jello cups, similar to the product Jello 123 that was discontinued by Kraft long ago.

When we were paying off debt, I had to get creative in making fun food on a budget. These Layered Jello Cups are so fun and so tasty — without costing a fortune. 

Pro tip: I used repurposed yogurt glasses for the ramekins!

Why Make This

It’s super versatile for whatever occasion and your favorite flavor Jello. Match the color of jello you use for a special event. Use whatever flavor gelatin you like to vary up the color: lime jello for green, pineapple or lemon for yellow, raspberry or strawberry for different red and pink hues, grape for purple, berry blue for blue, and orange, of course, for orange. Whatever color you choose, will separate into ombre colors like Jello 123.

It’s elegant without any effort. Serve these Jello 123 Cups in glass ramekins or even wine glasses for a beautiful presentation. While not a finger jello, they’re super delicious and a little bit special. It may even top your list of Romantic Dinner Ideas to Cook at Home.

It’s yummy. Who doesn’t like jello? This dessert is super delicious without being too sweet. If you loved Jello 123, you are going to love this layered Jello dessert recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s what we used to make Layered Jello Cups, or Jello 123:

raspberry gelatin – I love raspberry jello, but you can use whatever flavor or brand gelatin you prefer.

boiling water – To get the gelatin to dissolve, you’ll need very hot water. Cold water will not work.

frozen whipped topping – This can be Cool Whip brand or any other brand whipped topping. I used coconut because that’s what I found on clearance at the store.

extra whipped topping and fruit for garnish – Adding additional whipped topping or whipped cream as well as a corresponding fruit makes this dessert extra special. Scroll down for some options.

Variations

To make vegan Layered Jello Cups – use a plant-based gelatin like Simply Delish as well as a vegan whipped topping like So Delicious.

For fruit garnishes – We matched our fruit to the color and flavor of the gelatin. Not all flavors have a corresponding matching fruit. Consider these garnishes for your Layered Jello Cups:

• lime jello – green grapes or chopped kiwi
• pineapple or lemon jello – chopped pineapple
• raspberry or strawberry jello – fresh red berries
• grape jello – fresh purple grapes
• blue jello – blueberries
• orange – drained, canned mandarin orange segments

This is a great dessert to add to your table of Easter Dessert Recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Jello 123 Layered Dessert Cups:

In a glass mixing bowl, combine the gelatin and water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

Spoon in ? of the container of frozen Cool Whip or whipped topping, stirring as it melts.

Pour the mixture into glasses. The mixture will separate and form distinct ombre layers. Chill for several hours in the fridge. Thaw the remainder of the topping in the fridge if desired for garnish.

When ready to serve, dollop more whipped topping or whipped cream on the top of the cups and add the fruit garnish.

If you’d like to make these as individual snack cups for packing in lunches, be sure to use unbreakable containers with lids. Omit the whipped topping as a garnish.

FAQs

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