Holiday Ribbon Gelatin
A vibrant and colorful layered gelatin dessert featuring lime, lemon, and cherry flavors, complemented by creamy pineapple and marshmallows, perfect for festive gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve two packages of lime jello (3 oz each) in 2 cups boiling water and 2 cups cold water.
- Pour the lime jello mixture into a 9x13 inch dish and refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.
- Dissolve one package of lemon jello (3 oz) in 1 cup boiling water.
- Stir in 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows and 1 package of softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add 1 cup mayonnaise and mix well.
- Fold in one can of undrained crushed pineapple (8 oz).
- Pour the lemon jello mixture over the set lime layer and refrigerate until firm.
- Dissolve two packages of cherry jello (3 oz each) in 2 cups boiling water.
- Pour the cherry jello over the lemon layer and refrigerate until fully set.
- Cut into slices and serve chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve cleaner layers, ensure each gelatin layer is fully set before adding the next. If you're short on time, you can use flavored gelatin cups instead of preparing the jello from scratch. For a twist, consider adding fruits such as bananas or additional berries for extra flavor and texture. This recipe is a fun take on classic American recipes, making it festive for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled, garnished with whipped cream or fresh fruit for an appealing presentation. This dessert pairs beautifully with a light fruit salad or can be enjoyed as a sweet finish to a holiday meal. For an added touch, consider serving it alongside Hasty Fruit Cobbler for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing as gelatin does not thaw well. If you need to serve it later, simply re-chill it in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Ribbon Gelatin contains roughly 626 calories, with 10g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (88% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (69% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 768mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
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 jello?
Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite jello flavors! For example, swapping lime and lemon for berry flavors can create a colorful and flavorful dish. Just ensure that the colors contrast well for a vibrant presentation.
How long does it take for the gelatin to set?
Typically, each layer will take about 1 hour to set. However, for best results, allow the layers to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours after the final layer is poured to ensure it’s fully firm before cutting.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat cream cheese and a light mayonnaise alternative to reduce calories. Additionally, consider using sugar-free jello for a lighter version of this dessert while still enjoying its festive appeal.
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).