Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (2024)

16K Shares

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.

Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (7)Knox Original Gelatin, UnflavoredRainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (8)Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (9)Carnation Organic Sweetened Condensed MilkRainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (10)Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (11)Jell-O Gelatin 3oz All 22 Flavors In A Gift Box With Bonus Color Changing SpoonRainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (12)Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (13)Fire King Anchor Hocking 9×13 3qt Glass Baking Dish Cooking Oven Bake 13×9Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (14)

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!

3.67 from 3 votes

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.

If you enjoyed this post please Pin it, tweet it or share it! Thank you!!

Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (17)

Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (18)
Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (19)
Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (20)
Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (21)
Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (22)

16K Shares

Rainbow Jello Recipe & Instructions (2024)

FAQs

How to make jello step by step? ›

Whisk together 1 cup of hot water with 1 packet of jello in a large bowl. Add 1 cup of cold water to the mixture and whisk it in. Pour the mixture into a jello mold and add some fruit, if desired. Let the jello set in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours, then serve.

How to make two colors of jelly? ›

The key to layering up the jelly is never to let the previous layer fully set. It should still be wobbly, not completely firm, or the next layer won't stick. While your first layer is setting in the fridge, crack on with the next coloured jelly and pour it into your mould when the previous layer is just firm enough.

What is the ratio of jello to water? ›

box of Jell-O (that's 1/3 cup) uses 1 cup of boiling water and 1 cup of cold water. The 6 ox. box of Jell-O (that's 2/3 cup) uses 2 cups of boiling water and 2 cups of cold water. Other things can be substituted for some of the water: fruit juice, kefir, etc.

How long does it take for a thin layer of jello to set? ›

Because the Jell-O layers are so thin, each one should be set rather quickly, in about 10-15 minutes. While your first layer of Jell-O is setting, you'll make your sweetened condensed milk layer. This single batch will be the full amount and you'll simply use one cup of it at a time between your colored layers.

How is gelatin made step by step? ›

From raw material to gelatin
  1. 1.Pretreatment. Before processing, the raw materials are thoroughly cleaned. ...
  2. Extraction. The materials are subsequently treated with a warm water extraction process to remove the gelatin. ...
  3. Purification. ...
  4. Concentration. ...
  5. Drying. ...
  6. Milling, sieving, blending.

What are the colors of rainbow jelly? ›

To make a true rainbow, you'll need one 3 oz (85 g) box each of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple Jello. However, you're free to use any colors in whatever order you want.

How do you mix two colors together? ›

Red and blue make purple, red and yellow make orange, and yellow and blue create green. The shade will be determined by the proportions or ratios of each primary color that you use in the mix. From here, you can start mixing secondary and primary colors to make tertiary colors.

What color jello makes black? ›

Jenny Towns posted JELLO Color Chart for Mixing (need black? Mix two purples and a green!) to their -foodies!- postboard via the Juxtapost bookmarklet.

What happens if you put too much water in jello? ›

Usually there is nothing you can do or need to do because it doesn't cause serious problems. The jam or jelly is still safe to eat. You might notice that your jam or jelly is weepy (liquid seeps out of the jell and forms a puddle) or that the jell is stiffer than normal.

How much gelatin to use for 1 cup? ›

The Right Amount of Gelatin to Use

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? ›

As a general rule of thumb, David Lebovitz outlines the gelatin to liquid ratio in this blog post: “1 envelope of gelatin will firmly set 2 cups of liquid, enough to unmold a dessert. 1 envelope of gelatin will softly set 3 cups of liquid. You will not be able to unmold this type of dessert.”

How do you know if jello is done? ›

The easiest way to do this is to touch the chilled Jell-O lightly with your fingertip and lift up immediately. The Jell-O should be sticky on your finger (that is, its not liquid) and when you lift your finger there should be a slight fingerprint impression left behind. This means that it is ready for the next step.

What thickens jello? ›

Pectin. Pectin is a mucilaginous substance (gummy substance extracted from plants), occurring naturally in pears, apples, quince, oranges, and other citrus fruits. It is used as the gelling agent in traditional jams and jellies.

Should you cover jello when its setting? ›

Should Jello be covered? Every site I found on the internet said to cover it only after it's cooled down. Plastic wrap will do fine. Once it has gelled properly, you can put the lid back on to prevent it from picking up other smells or flavors from the fridge.

Do you use hot or cold water to make jello? ›

In one mixing bowl, pour the packet of gelatin mix in. Carefully add 1 cup of boiling hot water inside. Stir until the powder is dissolved. Now slowly stir in 1 cup of cold water.

How to make Jell-O from a box? ›

Dissolve the gelatin mix in 3/4 cup boiling water. Add ice cubes to 1/2 cup cold water to make 1 1/4 cups. Stir the cold water into the gelatin until it's slightly thickened. Then just remove any unmelted ice cubes, and refrigerate for 30 to 90 minutes, or until firm.

What are the ingredients for gelatin? ›

Gelatin is made of animal bones, cartilage, and skin. It is a common ingredient in soups, broths, sauces, gummy candies, marshmallows, cosmetics, and medications. This common thickening and gelling agent is an animal-based product that contains high levels of protein.

Do you add gelatin to water or water to gelatin? ›

To use gelatin (both in powdered and sheet form, more on that below), you first need to hydrate or “bloom” it in cold water, then add to your recipe.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ms. Lucile Johns

Last Updated:

Views: 5607

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ms. Lucile Johns

Birthday: 1999-11-16

Address: Suite 237 56046 Walsh Coves, West Enid, VT 46557

Phone: +59115435987187

Job: Education Supervisor

Hobby: Genealogy, Stone skipping, Skydiving, Nordic skating, Couponing, Coloring, Gardening

Introduction: My name is Ms. Lucile Johns, I am a successful, friendly, friendly, homely, adventurous, handsome, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.