Carol Chaves' Jello Recipe
A creamy, fruity layered Jello dessert featuring lemon and berry flavors, perfect for gatherings and family favorites with a smooth, textured contrast.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix butter, brown sugar, flour, and nuts.
- Press the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Mix lemon Jell-O with 1 cup hot water and let it cool until hardened.
- Cream the cream cheese and sugar together.
- Add the prepared Jell-O and whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture and mix well.
- Pour this mixture over the cooled crust.
- Mix remaining Jell-O with 3 cups hot water.
- Once the lemon Jell-O is hardened and the Jell-O mixture is cooled, pour the Jell-O over the lemon layer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and whipped cream. You can substitute the nuts with granola for added crunch or omit them entirely for a nut-free option. If you prefer a different flavor, feel free to use other Jell-O flavors like peach or orange. The crust can also be made with whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is perfect for gatherings and pairs beautifully with Cherry Cheese Cups. For a complete meal, serve alongside light salads or Easy Vegetables to balance the sweetness. Garnish with fresh fruit or mint leaves for an elegant touch and consider serving it as a refreshing end to a summer barbecue.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing as the Jell-O may lose its consistency. If you need to reheat, do so gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but it's best served chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carol Chaves' Jello Recipe contains roughly 749 calories, with 8g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different flavors of Jell-O?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with various Jell-O flavors. Feel free to mix and match based on your preference or seasonal availability. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, and you may want to adjust the sweetness accordingly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Jello recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that any additional ingredients, like the Jell-O and cream cheese, are also labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this dessert without any gluten concerns.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for cream cheese, try using Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor or silken tofu for a dairy-free option. Both alternatives will provide a creamy texture while maintaining the integrity of the recipe. Just keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).