Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (2024)

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We celebrated Danika’s Birthday this year with an epic rainbow unicorn party and this stunning rainbow jellowas the star of the show! The kids always get to pick their theme and I think it’s become a favorite thing to do. I then take it and run with it! I’ll be sharing all of my ideas from her Rainbow Unicorn themed party and I had to start with my favorite (and the most awe-inspiring thing at the party),Rainbow Jello! It looks difficult, but while it is time-consuming, it is NOT difficult!

Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (1)

This Jello turned out beautiful and was the talk of the party! If you are looking to bring a dish to your next party that will wow the crowd then this is it! If you are planning a rainbow party then this rainbow jello is the perfect rainbow food to serve to your guests! It may look incredibly difficult to make, but rest assured that this recipe is NOT difficult! It’s quite easy if you follow my simple step-by-step instructions. Keep in mind that this Jello takes an entire day to complete since you’ll be doing the layers one at a time and allowing them to set. Give yourself plenty of time to make it and don’t rush it! I would advise making this the day before your party or gathering. It will hold up just fine in the fridge!

Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (2)

Rainbow Jello Recipe

The trick to making the rainbow jello turn out beautiful is to create thin layers and let them set completely before pouring the next layer. It’s very important to follow the directions exactly and let each mixture cool enough so that it doesn’t end up melting the layer below it when you pour it on. If you rush it and pour the next layer on top of your jello before it is set then you’ll end up with layers that run and are mixed. It will still taste fine, but it won’t achieve the layered look you are aiming for.

Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (3)

Rainbow Jello Supplies

If you are planning on making this rainbow jello then make sure you have these ingredients on hand or order them now so you are ready to make this beautiful rainbow jello!

6 small packages (3 ounces) of different Jell-ORainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (4) (I used rainbow colors however you can use as many or as few colors as you’d like and you can change them up for holidays)
4 packages Knox unflavored gelatinRainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (5)(I recommend buying it in bulk in a can instead of all the little boxes-it’s cheaper that way)
1 (14 ounce) can Sweetened Condensed MilkRainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (6)

You’ll also need a glass 9″ x 13″ pan or casserole to make this rainbow jello in.

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Rainbow Jello Instructions

First layer: Mix 1 package of any flavor jello with 1 tsp Knox gelatin and 1 cup boiling water. Cool and pour into pan; refrigerate until set. Ensure that your fridge shelf is level so your layer sets evenly and doesn’t turn out thick on one side and thin on the other. It takes about 30 minutes to set up in the fridge before you can move on to the next layer. *Important* While waiting for your Jello to set, make the next layer and leave it to cool on the countertop.

Second layer: Mix 1 envelope Knox gelatin (or 2 tsp Knox if using the bulk can) with 1/2 cup hot water until dissolved. Add 1/2 can condensed milk and an additional 1/2 cup hot water. Once cooled pour 3/4 cup (just enough to cover the Jello and make a thin layer) of the milk mixture over the set jello and refrigerate until firm. It takes 30 minutes for this layer to set up in the fridge. As soon as you put the white layer in the fridge to chill make the next color jello so that it will have 30 minutes to cool on the counter.

Repeat first and second layer directions ending with a color jello layer. Half way through the process you will need to make the other half of your white mixture. The first time I made this I made the white layer all in one batch and ended up with a bowl of jelled white mix before I was done because it takes so long for the layers to set. If you find this happens to you then set your bowl of white mixture in another bowl of hot water (underneath it so it’s not mixing with your white mixture) and it will dissolve and liquify again.

Once you run out of white mixture then Mix 1 envelope Knox gelatin (or 2 tsp Knox if using the bulk can)with 1/2 cup hot water until dissolved. Add the other 1/2 can condensed milk and an additional 1/2 cup hot water. Once cooled pour 3/4 cup (just enough to cover the Jello and make a thin layer) of the milk mixture over the set jello and refrigerate until firm. Continue repeating layers until you are done.

*NOTE: I made my white layers thinner than my colored layers. Some readers have commented that they ran out of white mixture. If you make your layers thicker then you will run out. You may want to have a second can of sweetened condensed milk and an extra box of plain gelatin on hand in case you run out!

Once finished, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to setuntil firm. Then slice into rectangles or squares and serve! Not only is it beautiful, but it tastes great too!

Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (15)

I began my layers with purple then blue, green, yellow, orange, and red so they would be in correct rainbow order. Remember Roy G. Biv! Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. We skipped indigo 🙂 In order for them to be red on top, purple on bottom, we started with purple and worked backwards. Of course you’ll also have a layer of white in between each.

Print the Rainbow Jello Recipe below!

Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (16)

Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions

Sarah | Must Have Mom

Beautiful rainbow jello that can be modified for many different occasions! Easy to make and so many different color combinations you can do!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs

Course Dessert

Cuisine Dessert

Servings 24

Ingredients

  • 6 small packages 3 ounces of different jello colors
  • 5 packages Knox unflavored gelatin or buy a bulk can to save money
  • 2 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • Water

Instructions

  • You will make this in a glass 9x13 pan.

  • First layer: Mix 1 package of any flavor jello with 1 tsp Knox gelatin and 1 cup boiling water. Cool and pour into pan; refrigerate until set. Make sure your pan is on an even surface so your layer is level. It takes about 30 minutes to set up in the fridge before you can move on to the next layer. Important While waiting for your Jello to set, make the next layer and leave it to cool on the countertop.

  • Second layer: Mix 1 envelope Knox gelatin (or 2 tsp bulk powder) with 1/2 cup hot water until dissolved. Add 1/2 can condensed milk and an additional 1/2 cup hot water. Once cooled pour 3/4 cup (just enough to cover the Jello and make a thin layer) of the milk mixture over the set jello and refrigerate until firm. It takes 30 minutes for this layer to set up in the fridge. As soon as you put the white layer in the fridge to chill make the next color jello so that it will have 30 minutes to cool on the counter.

  • Repeat first and second layer directions ending with a color jello layer. Half way through the process you will need to make the other half of your white mixture. The first time I made this I made the white layer all in one batch and ended up with a bowl of jelled white mix before I was done because it takes so long for the layers to set. If this happens to you just immerse the bottom of your white mixture bowl in hot water until it liquifies again.

  • Once you run out of white mixture then Mix 1 envelope Knox gelatin (or 2 tsp bulk powder) with 1/2 cup hot water until dissolved. Add the other 1/2 can condensed milk and an additional 1/2 cup hot water. Once cooled pour 3/4 cup (just enough to cover the Jello and make a thin layer) of the milk mixture over the set jello and refrigerate until firm. Continue repeating layers until you are done. Recipe note: Some readers ran out of white mixture. If you make your white layers too thick you will run out. They should be a thin layer. You may want to have an extra can of sweetened condensed milk on hand just in case you run out!

  • Once finished, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to set. Then just slice into rectangles and serve!

Notes

I have included an extra plain gelatin and sweetened condensed milk in case you run out as some readers have.

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Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (17)

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Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (19)
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Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (21)
Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (22)

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Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (2024)

FAQs

What is the ratio of jello 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.

How to make jello instructions? ›

How to Make Homemade Jello
  1. Bloom the gelatin. In a large bowl, add a 1/2 cup of the fruit juice and sprinkle the gelatin over the top. ...
  2. Stir in hot liquid. Next, add a 1/2 cup of boiled water to the bloomed gelatin. ...
  3. Mix and chill. Whisk the remaining 3 cups of fruit juice into the bowl. ...
  4. Slice and enjoy!
4 days ago

Can you add food coloring to Jello mix? ›

Dissolve one of the small 3-ounce boxes of grape or black cherry jello along with 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin powder in the boiling water. Stir until the jello is dissolved. Add a few drops of black gel food coloring (affiliate link) until you achieve the desired color.

How much Jello powder for 1 cup of water? ›

Soft Set: Use 1 teaspoon of unflavored powdered gelatin for 1 cup of liquid. Medium Set: Use 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin for 1 cup of liquid. Firm Set: Use 1 tablespoon of unflavored powdered gelatin for 1 cup of liquid.

How much gelatin for 2 cups of water? ›

Use 1 envelope (1 tablespoon or 1/4 ounce) unflavored gelatin to 2 cups of water for standard firmness. Decrease or increase water or other liquid for your particular needs.

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.

What happens if you add too much gelatin to jello? ›

Getting the gelatin-to-liquid ratio right is crucial for a successful gelatin dessert. Too much gelatin can result in a rubbery texture, while too little gelatin can lead to a dessert that won't hold its shape. It's important to follow the specified measurements in the recipe and avoid any guesswork.

What happens if you don't use cold water for Jello? ›

The reason gelatin needs cold water has to do with its gel-forming properties. When gelatin is mixed with hot water, the proteins can clump together, forming lumps that are difficult to dissolve. This is because the heat causes the proteins to denature, or change shape, which can prevent them from forming a smooth gel.

Do I need to spray pan for Jello? ›

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.

What is the ratio of water to gelatin in Jello? ›

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.

Does food coloring work in jello? ›

The use of food coloring in Jello is purely for aesthetic purposes and does not affect the flavor or texture of the dessert. Jello has different colors because the food coloring used to dye the gelatin mixture is different.

Can you use milk instead of water for jello? ›

Dissolve the jello, then use the milk instead of water for the added cold water. The milk jello will set on top making a foamy layer. I use to do this to make dessert look fancy for my kids when I only had a budget for jello.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel? ›

Basically the difference between the three types of food coloring is dilution level. Less liquid = more concentrated color. In general, gel/paste food coloring can be used interchangeably with liquid coloring, you will simply need to use much less (gel/paste colors can be very cost effective!).

How much gelatin for 1 cup of liquid? ›

Most unflavoured gelatine is packaged in pre-measured individual envelopes for convenient usage. Each envelope of Knox� Unflavoured Gelatine will gel 2 cups of liquid. If the recipe you want to use calls for unflavoured gelatine by the tablespoon, just use 1 envelope for each tablespoon called for.

How much gelatin for 4 cups of water? ›

Many panna cotta recipes call for 1-packet gelatin for 4 cups liquid, but it various. 1- packet of Knox gelatin equals 1 tablespoon. Always soften or “bloom” the gelatin.

How much water do I need for 3 oz of Jello? ›

Basic Directions for a 3-Ounce Package

Stir 1 cup boiling water into gelatin in a medium bowl for at least 2 minutes until completely set. Stir in 1 cup cold water. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm.

References

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