The Jello dessert – a classic! Who didn’t grow up with a Jello mold at family gatherings or holiday parties? I mean, what’s not to love? It’s easy, colorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. But, let’s be real, Jello desserts have gotten a bad rep over the years. They’re often seen as outdated or, dare I say, tacky. But, trust me, it’s time to give Jello desserts another chance. With these 10 retro recipes, you’ll be hooked all over again. So, are you ready to join the Jello dessert comeback?
1. Strawberry Sunshine Jello Salad
This recipe rocks because it’s a perfect blend of sweet and tangy. It’s like a taste of summer in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of strawberry Jello
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1 cup of mixed berries
- 1 cup of whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Dissolve the Jello in boiling water.
2. Add cold water and stir well.
3. Refrigerate until set.
4. Top with mixed berries and whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a kid-friendly dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days. The combination of strawberry Jello and mixed berries is a match made in heaven. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make!
2. Lemon Lime Jello Parfaits
These parfaits are a game-changer. They’re layered with gelatin desserts, fruit, and whipped cream – what’s not to love?
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of lemon Jello
- 1 cup of lime Jello
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1 cup of mixed fruit
- 1 cup of whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Dissolve the Jello in boiling water.
2. Add cold water and stir well.
3. Refrigerate until set.
4. Layer Jello, fruit, and whipped cream in a glass.
Why You’ll Love It
These parfaits are a retro holiday salad turned dessert. They’re perfect for special occasions or potlucks. Plus, you can customize the layers to your liking!
3. Raspberry Jello Poke Cake
This cake is a Jello mold game-changer. It’s moist, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of white cake mix
- 1 cup of raspberry Jello
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 cup of cold water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the cake according to package instructions.
2. Dissolve the Jello in boiling water.
3. Poke holes in the cake and pour in Jello mixture.
4. Refrigerate until set.
Why You’ll Love It
This cake is a gelatin dessert lover’s dream. The raspberry Jello adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the moist cake. Plus, it’s perfect for potlucks or parties!
4. Orange Creamsicle Jello Dessert
This dessert is a creamy, dreamy Jello dessert. It’s like a taste of childhood in a bowl!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of orange Jello
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1 cup of vanilla pudding
- 1 cup of whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Dissolve the Jello in boiling water.
2. Add cold water and stir well.
3. Refrigerate until set.
4. Top with vanilla pudding and whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love It
This dessert is a kid-friendly treat that’s perfect for hot summer days. The combination of orange Jello and vanilla pudding is a match made in heaven. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make!
5. Grape Jello Pretzel Salad
This salad is a sweet and salty retro holiday salad. It’s perfect for potlucks or parties!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of grape Jello
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1 cup of pretzels
- 1 cup of mixed fruit
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Dissolve the Jello in boiling water.
2. Add cold water and stir well.
3. Refrigerate until set.
4. Top with pretzels and mixed fruit.
Why You’ll Love It
This salad is a gelatin dessert lover’s dream. The combination of grape Jello and pretzels is a surprisingly great combination. Plus, it’s perfect for special occasions!
6. Pineapple Upside-Down Jello Mold
This mold is a Jello dessert showstopper. It’s perfect for special occasions or potlucks!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of pineapple Jello
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1 cup of pineapple rings
- 1 cup of cherry
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Dissolve the Jello in boiling water.
2. Add cold water and stir well.
3. Refrigerate until set.
4. Top with pineapple rings and cherry.
Why You’ll Love It
This mold is a retro holiday salad turned dessert. It’s perfect for special occasions or potlucks. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make!
7. Strawberry Jello Cheesecake Bars
These bars are a Jello dessert game-changer. They’re creamy, dreamy, and ridiculously easy to make!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of strawberry Jello
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1 package of cream cheese
- 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Dissolve the Jello in boiling water.
2. Add cold water and stir well.
3. Refrigerate until set.
4. Mix with cream cheese and graham cracker crumbs.
Why You’ll Love It
These bars are a kid-friendly treat that’s perfect for hot summer days. The combination of strawberry Jello and cream cheese is a match made in heaven. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make!
8. Lemon Jello Panna Cotta
This panna cotta is a gelatin dessert lover’s dream. It’s creamy, dreamy, and ridiculously easy to make!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of lemon Jello
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Dissolve the Jello in boiling water.
2. Add cold water and stir well.
3. Refrigerate until set.
4. Mix with heavy cream and sugar.
Why You’ll Love It
This panna cotta is a retro holiday salad turned dessert. It’s perfect for special occasions or potlucks. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make!
9. Raspberry Jello Trifle
This trifle is a Jello dessert showstopper. It’s perfect for special occasions or potlucks!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of raspberry Jello
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1 cup of mixed fruit
- 1 cup of whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Dissolve the Jello in boiling water.
2. Add cold water and stir well.
3. Refrigerate until set.
4. Layer Jello, fruit, and whipped cream in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love It
This trifle is a kid-friendly treat that’s perfect for hot summer days. The combination of raspberry Jello and mixed fruit is a match made in heaven. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make!
10. Orange Jello Flan
This flan is a gelatin dessert lover’s dream. It’s creamy, dreamy, and ridiculously easy to make!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of orange Jello
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1 cup of evaporated milk
- 1 cup of sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Dissolve the Jello in boiling water.
2. Add cold water and stir well.
3. Refrigerate until set.
4. Mix with evaporated milk and sugar.
Why You’ll Love It
This flan is a retro holiday salad turned dessert. It’s perfect for special occasions or potlucks. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make!

In conclusion, these 10 Jello dessert recipes are a must-try for any gelatin dessert lover. They’re easy, convenient, and ridiculously delicious. Whether you’re a fan of classic Jello molds or retro holiday salads, there’s something on this list for everyone. So, go ahead and give Jello desserts another chance. Your taste buds will thank you! With these recipes, you’ll be whipping up kid-friendly desserts and Jello mold recipes like a pro. Happy cooking!
