If you are looking for a unique dessert idea, make your own Jello rainbow.The finished product makes a fun, vibrant treat for kids and adults alike, and the process is simple.All you have to do is layer different colors of Jello in a baking dish, wait for it all to set, then cut it into squares and watch your guests light up!
Step 1: Pick up several boxes of Jello.
To make a rainbow, you need one 3 oz box each of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple Jello.You are free to use any colors you want.If you plan on serving dessert for a large crowd, you may need to double or triple the amount of Jello you buy.You could use a portion of each box of Jello to scale the recipe down.It isn't just a delicious dessert, but it's cheap as well.This recipe should cost you a few dollars.
Step 2: The water should be brought to a low boil.
Put your kettle on the stove over medium-high heat by filling it with water.While it is warm, you can begin gathering the tools and utensils you will be using.Jello sets best when boiling water is used.If you don't want to wait for the water to boil, you can run some hot water from your tap.
Step 3: Put your first color of Jello into a bowl.
Remove the packet and shake the powder out of the bowl.For a realistic-looking rainbow, you will want to start with either red or purple Jello and work your way through the color spectrum from there.Make sure the bowl you use is large enough to hold 2 cups of water and Jello powder.You will be able to mix your ingredients more easily.
Step 4: Put 1 cup of boiling water in a container.
Use a spoon or whisk to mix the Jello powder.The powder will form a thin, colorful liquid when you stir it.Check to make sure there are no bubbles, lump, or dry pockets in your Jello mix.Make sure you use the right amount of hot water by pouring it into a liquid measuring cup before adding it to your mixing bowl.Allow the hot Jello mixture to sit for a few minutes to cool.
Step 5: Add an additional cup of cold water.
When you add cold water, the liquid jello mix will begin to form.When the second cup of water has been incorporated, keep stirring.Jello can start setting faster if you add a few ice cubes to your water.Make sure you only use 4 cup (180 mL) of water to account for the extra volume if you decide to do this.The flavor and texture of your Jello could be affected by the amount of water you use.
Step 6: The liquid Jello can be transferred to a casserole dish.
To avoid making a mess, pour the mixture slowly.The first layer of Jello will be in your rainbow.If you want the best results, choose a dish that is around 9 in 23 cm x 13 in 33 cm, which will allow each layer to come out about 2–1 in (1.3– 2.5 cm) thick.If you want to make single-serving treats that don't require cutting, you could pour your Jello into drinking glasses, parfait cups, or other small containers.You'd need at least 12 individual containers for this recipe.To prevent your colors from bleeding into one another, be sure to grab a clean mixing bowl or rinse out the one you used before starting your next flavor.
Step 7: The first layer of Jello should be chilled for 30 minutes.
You can keep an eye on your casserole dish or baking pan by placing it on one of the upper shelves in your refrigerator.The Jello sets in an even layer if the shelf is perfectly flat.You don't need to wait for your Jello to set completely, you just want to leave it in long enough to let it solidify to the point where you can add another layer without the colors mingling.The look of your rainbow could be thrown off if the shelf you use is crooked.
Step 8: If you want to add contrast, spread the whipped topping between the layers.
Whipped cream can be spooned onto each layer of Jello after it sets.This will make the colors in your Jello rainbow pop even more and give it an extra sweet, creamy finish.If you want to save time, use a tub of whipped topping instead of a spray can.Thin white layers that blend better with the Jello can be made with plain, unflavored gelatin.To make a single layer, mix 2 ounces (56 g) of gelatin with hot water, sweetened condensed milk, and cold water.Before you add your next color, allow each layer to set for 30 minutes.
Step 9: The process should be repeated with your other Jello colors.
If you have time, mix up your next color and pour it into your dish on top of your first color or layer of whipped topping.For each color you want to include, you will do this.If you want to separate your layers, alternate with your whipped topping or plain white gelatin.If you want to save time, start mixing your next color of Jello while the previous layer is in the fridge.You can make as many layers as you want.If you have a big enough dish or stick to the primary colors of red, yellow, and blue, you can stack up as many as a dozen in a rainbow.
Step 10: Set your Jello in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
After you have assembled all of your layers, cover the dish with a piece of plastic wrap and put it back in the fridge.Allow your Jello to sit for the full amount of time specified in the directions.Since you will need to keep it cool, you can leave it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.
Step 11: Before serving, cut your Jello into squares.
To slice the single sheet of Jello, use a table knife.Make each square the same size so you don't have to worry about thin pieces.Enjoy!If you serve bigger kids and adults, measure your squares to be about 2–3 inches.There should be plenty for smaller children.You can keep leftover Jello in the refrigerator.It should stay good for a while.