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Fun, colorful, and easy to make, these Rainbow Jello Parfaits are sure to impress! With a simple store-bought shortcut, this no-bake dessert comes together effortlessly. The bright colors and fruity flavors make them perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, or any spring celebration!
Delicious Details
- Cuisine Inspiration: American
- Primary Cooking Method: No-Bake
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free
- Skill Level: Easy
Why You’ll Love This Rainbow Jello Parfait Recipe
Years ago, I saw this recipe for Root Beer Float Jello, and I could not get over how beautiful it was. In fact, it was my inspiration for making this Sparkling Cider Ice Cream Float Jello Mold. But sometimes you want to make a gorgeous dessert but just don’t have the time to wait for everything to set or the attention to make the detailed layers of a classic Rainbow Jello. That’s when it’s time for a shortcut!
In this rainbow jello parfait recipe, I combined the creamy gelatin from those jello float recipes with the layers of color I was looking for, but made it with Dole Fruit Bowls in Gel! Instead of making a bunch of different colored gelatin, I picked up some of the different varieties, cut them into pieces, and layered them in a jar. Easy, fast, sweet, and fun – what’s not to love?
- Easy shortcut. You save time by using the containers of fruit in gelatin so that you don’t have to prepare different colors separately and wait for them to set. You can prepare them in the morning and enjoy them by the evening!
- Customizable. There are a number of different colors and flavors available, so you can use whatever you love, or match the color choices to the occasion.
- Naturally gluten free. While you may have to double check your brand of ice cream, this is a recipe that doesn’t require any special ingredients or methods to enjoy a gluten free dessert.
Recipe Ingredients
Here is a quick overview of the four simple ingredients you need to make these rainbow jello parfaits. Scroll down to the recipe card to find the full amounts and step-by-step instructions for how to make them.
- Vanilla ice cream. Make it with your favorite brand. You can also use frozen yogurt to lighten it up a little.
- Unflavored gelatin. The amount is equal to one envelope of Knox unflavored gelatin. If you use another brand, be sure to confirm you use the right measured quantity so it sets perfectly.
- Boiling water. For blooming the gelatin when making the vanilla mixture.
- Dole Fruit Bowls in Gel. You can also use another brand, just choose a variety of colors and flavors. Keep them chilled in the refrigerator before you get started. You’ll need four individual 4-ounce cups.
Tips for Success
- Keep things cool. While you do need to melt the ice cream, you want it chilled when you sprinkle the gelatin on top to bloom it. Also, refrigerate your gelatin fruit cups before you cut them into cubes and layer them in cups. This is to ensure that the cubes don’t melt when you pour the warm vanilla gelatin mixture over them.
- Get creative with colors. You need four individual containers, and each package contains four cups. So you can use one package and only have one color and flavor of gel cups in your parfaits. But I like to buy several different colors to layer in a rainbow. Feel free to customize with your favorite colors and flavors.
- Make them smaller. If you want mini rainbow jello parfaits as part of a buffet of sweet treats, try layering the gelatin in mini dessert cups.
- Or make it big. You can also use a jello mold and prepare it like this Creamsicle Jello Mold. You’ll want to double or triple the ingredients to fill the mold.
- Proper storage. You’ll want to store your jello parfaits in the refrigerator. They will keep for 3 or 4 days.
Rainbow Jello Parfaits
Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin (1 envelope Knox unflavored gelatin)
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 4 cups Dole Fruit Bowls in Gel (4 oz. each) in a variety of colors and flavors, chilled in refrigerator
Instructions
- In the microwave or in a pot on the stove, gently warm 1 cup vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt until it is partially melted, then stir until completely melted but still cold (if it is not still cold, chill briefly in the refrigerator. Transfer 1/4 cup of the melted ice cream to a medium-sized bowl or 2 cup measuring cup. Set the rest aside.
- Sprinkle 2 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin (one packet of Knox brand) over the 1/4 cup of melted ice cream and stir in. Let sit for several minutes until absorbed and softened.
- Pour 1/2 cup boiling water over the gelatin and stir until completely dissolved.
- Stir in the remaining melted ice cream. Set aside to come to room temperature.
- Open the 4 cups Dole Fruit Bowls in Gel (4 oz. each) and run a butter knife around the edge to remove the gel from the bowls. Cut into pieces and divide between four jars or cups, gently layering the colors as desired.
- After ensuring the gelatin and ice cream mixture is at room temperature, pour over the fruit and gel in the jars or cups, about an equal amount in each.
- Refrigerate for several hours or overnight, until firm.
Did you make this?
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How fun are these!?! Super cute too!
What an absolutely fun and colorful treat! I love that you used the little Dole cups for a quicker way to put these together!!!
These are so fun. I love the served in these little jars! And I so know what you mean. We have 3 kids in 3 different schools, which means THREE different pick up and drop off times!!
These look fantastic! Fun!
These are so cute. I think these would be perfect for kids lunch or even taking on a picnic at the park. Such a great recipe.
We’re huge Dole lovers too. My favourite is the Mandarin oranges. I eat them constantly, from the moment I get up. I even take them on trips. For some reason they are the one thing I can eat even when the IBS is at its worst. Love them.
These are so clever, Brianne!!! I want to make these soon!!!