This Valentine’s Layered Jello recipe takes six simple ingredients and is a beautiful and tasty labor of love. Keep reading if you’re wondering how to make layered jello, homemade jello desserts or even how to make jello shots. Whatever the end product, it’s a fun treat to share with family and friends!

Layered Jello Cups

I love Valentine’s Day. It’s the one day out of the year that is literally all about love and kindness. Even though a lot of people tend to focus on gift-giving, I focus on fun food recipes that I can share with my loved ones instead.

This is why my layered jello recipe is going to be my top homemade jello gift this year. Not only does everyone love jello, but can we all just agree this these jello layers are really, really cute as well?

I’m obsessed with the red, pink, and white combination and I just love the various shapes that can be created. You can use heart shaped cookie cutters, a sharp knife or shaped molds. All work beautifully and you’re sure to be impressed.

The small, medium and large jello desserts options make these layered jello cups even more fun to eat!

This recipe for layered jello with sweetened condensed milk layers is a definite keeper! Just imagine all of the things you can do with this easy layered jello dessert!

The possibilities are truly endless.

Jello Desserts Layered

When it comes to delicious desserts, I often feel like jello is overlooked. Why is that? It’s fun to eat, it’s sweet, it’s low in fat and calories, and it takes minimal effort to make. To me, those are all bonuses that just can’t be ignored!

This is why this Valentine’s Day, I’m making these three layer jello jigglers. Because I know that when I eat these or share these, they’re going to have been made with love!

I also like how the layers of jello can be varied up as well. One can have red on top while the other is pink. I like having the white in the middle consistently because I feel like it does a good job of keeping the separation between the two similar colors.

I’m telling you, these layered jello cups, using strawberry, or whatever flavor, will not disappoint.

Layered Strawberry Jello Cups

The hardest part about this layered jello recipe is waiting for it to firm up in the fridge. All this takes is a bit of patience and not opening up the fridge door every five seconds. (so hard not to do!)

When Patrick was young, it was so difficult to make any kind of Jello desserts layered or not. He was so excited and impatient that he would do just that. He would open up the fridge every 10 minutes or so.

He’d even stick his finger into the layered jello cups, or steal a jiggler from the top, just to see if it was ready.

You can imagine the mess…well, I tell you, I was so happy when he became old enough to understand the concept of patience and would let the proper time pass.

Eventually he learned that all good things come to those who wait and that includes these layered jello cups!

Jello With Sweetened Condensed Milk Layers

Can you make Jello with milk instead of water?

You can! Did you know that this was a thing? Some people use milk in their jello instead of water because it gives it a cloudy look and an even sweeter taste possibly as well.

This can be great when you want to add extra creaminess and flavor to your jello layers, or even change the colors.

Turn a red jello into a deep pink color or make a pastel blue for Easter, let’s say.

This recipe calls for jello with sweetened condensed milk layers because condensed milk is used. Whether you you regular milk or condensed is up to you. There are so many variations with this that you’ll find you can switch it up almost every time!

Can you add food coloring to Jello?

You bet. Instead of making lighter, pastel type colors, you can do the reverse with food coloring.

If you are making this simple jello recipe and it’s not as brightly colored as you want, you can add in some food coloring easily to give it more “pop” and “sizzle”!!

Why is my Jello runny?

This is the worst. I hate to admit it but sometimes I still have trouble getting my jello to firm up right! If your jello isn’t setting up you may have misread the directions or you haven’t let it firm up long enough in the fridge.

I find it’s usually because I add too much water…but that’s just me. Conversely, I haven’t added enough and the result was an absolute disaster.

And yes, like I mentioned, Patrick was so impatient that sometimes he wouldn’t even wait for the jello to completely set…he would call it Jello Soup and he just loved it.

Do you spray a Jello mold?

It’s not a bad idea to spray or grease the jello mold before adding in the jello. More than likely the jello won’t stick but spraying the jello mold is a simple way to ensure that it won’t. I always do it.

I have, on occasion, had the jello stick. An older mold will make it more difficult but with the spray, you should still have no worries.

Does Jello stay solid at room temperature?

You bet. If you leave it out too long, it can start to melt a tad bit but as long as it’s a regular room temperature, it’s going to stay relatively solid.

However, the best option for keeping your jello shaped like hearts, or whatever you like, is to keep it cooled and stored in the fridge until serving.

Ingredients Needed To Make Layered Jello

Water
Cherry jello (or another dark red jello!)
unflavored gelatin
Sweetened condensed milk
Watermelon jello

You can use different flavors or colors of jello if you want to. It’s totally up to you.

How To Make Layered Jello Using Jello Molds

Start by greasing the molds with cooking spray and then start by following the directions on the outside of the jello packages.

When it says to boil the water, make certain to bring the water to a boil and then keep the water on low.

As you’re adding the layers, let them cool before dividing mixture among the cups and adding in the next ones. This will stop the jello layers from mixing and keep them separate.

Once set, remove from mold and serve with some whipped cream, if desired. OR Place small single colored molded jello shapes on top of the cookie cutter jello desserts or layered jello in a glass.

Once you finish reading, you’ll see just how simple this jello with sweetened condensed milk layers recipe really is!

How To Make Layered Jello Using Cookie Cutters

Start by spraying an 8×8 or 9×9 glass pan.

Make jello by following the instructions on the package, making sure to keep the water on low after bringing it to a boil.

After ensuring the liquid is cool, pour layer into pan and place in the fridge until set.

Add next layer after it has cooled and again place in the fridge to set.

Add last layer, allow it to set and then remove from fridge

Flip the pan over and use cookie cutters or a knife to create your desired shape.

How To Make Layered Jello Using Glasses

Prepare jello as above and pour first, cooled layer into the glass. Place in the fridge until set.

Add, second layer and let set in the fridge.

Add third layer and allow to set.

Top with cutouts and molded jello shapes or whatever else you wish to decorate it with.

NOTE: The white jello layer is created by combining 2 packages of gelatin with one cup of cold water. Then add condensed milk to one cup of boiling water. Combine with gelatin mixture and allow to cool and set in the fridge

Christmas Layered Jello Desserts

Not only are these easy layered jello desserts great for Valentine’s Day, you can make them for any holiday throughout the year. Depending on the holiday and the time of year, you can switch up the colors and shapes of the cutouts or molds.

You can also switch up the kind of glass that you use. If there’s one that you love, then use it. Sometimes you can find holiday inspired glasses and those are just perfect for layered jello.

You can also add candies and sprinkles and such to the top layer just before it finishes setting.

Let’s talk about some holidays and what you could use for them:

Christmas Layered Jello Desserts

little Christmas molds with tree, star, stocking and Santa shapes (as a textured topping for the easy layered jello)
large tree, star, stocking and Santa molds (for layered jello desserts)
mini cookie cutters in those same shapes (as a topping for the layered jello)
large cookie cutters again in those shapes (for the actual layered jello desserts)
green and red jello
silver and gold sparkles
red, green and white sprinkles
green, red and white icing in a piping bag to draw designs on top layer
sweetened condensed milk
any type of clear glass…a Santa one perhaps if you can find one

So, what you want to do to make Christmas layered jello desserts is either make your layered jello in the mold, the pan or in a glass (using the methods described below). Adding the condensed milk allows you to change the shades of the jello.

Making jello with sweetened condensed milk layers could not be easier or look better!

Next you want to make your cookie cutter shapes or little molds. These are to be placed on top of the finished layered jello.

If you are using sparkles, add a layer before pouring your cooled jello overtop. This will create a layer of sparkles between the layers of jello and add a festive flare to your edible gift.

You can also add sprinkles or sparkles on top of the final layer by placing them on the jello, just before it has set. Making Christmas layered jello desserts are so much fun to both create and eat!

With other occasions, you can use shapes and color, sprinkles, sparkles, molds and cookie cutter cutouts to customize your easy layered jello desserts.

Chanukah Ideas

Dradle, Menorah and Star of David molds and cookie cutters
blue jello
condensed milk/gelatin mixture to create white jello
sparkles of your choice
blue or white icing in piping bag to draw design on top layer

St. Patrick’s Day Ideas

Leprechaun, Leprechaun hat or Shamrock cutouts and molds
green and white jello
chocolate sprinkles for the top and middle layers
small St. Patrick’s Day candies and chocolates (not too heavy)
black or green icing in icing bag to pipe design on top

Easter Ideas

egg and bunny shaped cutters and molds
pink, blue, yellow, green jello (whatever flavor you like as long as it matches the color note: the condensed milk will create the beautiful pastel colors associated with Easter)
pastel sprinkles
pastel icing to pipe bunnies and eggs, etc…on top

Halloween Ideas:

ghost, witch, witch hat, cat, pumpkin and mummy shaped cookie cutters and molds
orange and white jello
chocolate sprinkles
orange sprinkles
black icing in a piping bag to pipe pumpkin or other design on the top layer

Birthday Ideas:

whichever shaped cutters and molds the receiving children like
a few colors of jello
multi-colored sprinkles and sparkles
a few different colors of icing to pipe balloons or other designs on top

These are just a few ideas and guidelines. The great thing is that this layered jello can be made differently to suit different ages. If made for a child it may contain more candies and sprinkles.

If made for an adult, you could make it boozy…see How To Make Jello Shots, just down below…with no decorations. It’s all up to you and your audience.

How to Make Jello Shots

If you want to make some boozy Valentine’s Day Layered Jello Shots then here are a few ideas.

Jello shots are generally served in paper cups because they’re slippery and tend to fall on the floor. But there’s no rule saying you have to use a cup! So if you want to make jello shots in pink and red layers or in the shape of hearts, then I say give it a try!

You’ll need:

1 package of jello per layer
Approximately 3 cups of water per jello package
Approximately 1 cup of alcohol per jello package

With each layer, mix the water and alcohol to equal two cups and chill completely.

The exact proportions will change based on the proof of alcohol you use to make your jello shots but it will be somewhere around 10 ounces alcohol to 6 ounces water to ensure the jello sets properly.

Boil one cup of water per jello layer and mix jello powder into one cup of water stirring constantly until the powder is dissolved.

Stir in the chilled alcohol and water mixture.

Pour into either serving dishes, cups or a pan if you plan on cutting them into hearts later. Chill in the fridge until firm and serve cold.

If making layered jello shots then allow each layer to set before adding the next one.

Tips For Making Layered Jello

The fun part about this homemade jello recipe is that you can layer it in a glass and then also use cut out jello hearts, placed on top.

To speed up the process for the jello to firm up, you can set the layers in the freezer. When using this method, the jello can be done much quicker, in about an hour! (great hack, right?!)

And if you’re wondering why I’ve used extra gelatin in this recipe, it’s a great way to make this a firmer “finger jello” to be able to pick up and grab.

This is a super fancy way to have a unique and delicious dessert for your Valentine’s Day meal.

As you can see from the images, these jello desserts are beautiful with or without the heart jello cut outs on top. You can serve this simple jello dish in multiple different ways.

Creating a dessert made using jello with sweetened condensed milk layers is always the star of the show.

Using cookie cutters that are shaped like hearts are the easiest way to get that perfect heart shape, by the way. If I didn’t mention that already.

Ready to make your own homemade jello dessert recipe?

You’re going to love this simple jello desserts layered recipe that is beautiful and tasty as well!

Celebrate this sweet treat with your sweetie this Valentine’s Day. It’s certain to impress!

If your sweet tooth has been activated and you’re looking for more delicious and flavorful desserts to try then check out some of these ideas. They will satisfy that craving…for sure!!

More Sweet Treats and Desserts

How to Make Layered Jello Video

How to Make Layered Jello

Serves 6-8 depending on container size and cookie cutters Hands on Prep Time: 20 minutes Chill Time: 3 hours Total Time: 3 hours and 20 minutes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Equipment

serving glasses or cups

Ingredients

6 cups boiling water
2 boxes (3 oz) cherry jello
6 pkgs. (1/4 oz each) unflavored gelatin (0.25 oz each)
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 boxes (3 oz) watermelon jello
1/4 cup cold water

Instructions

Get out and measure all of your ingredients.
Spray an 8x8 or 9x9 glass baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
Boil 6 cups of water and keep on low.
Prepare the cherry jello as directed, adding two extra packages of unflavored gelatin.
Pour the cherry jello into the prepared dish pan and allow it to set in the fridge for about one hour.
Prepare the white layer by combining 2 packages of unflavored gelatin with 1 cup cold water. Next, mix the sweetened condensed milk with 1 cup boiling water and combine with the gelatin mixture. Allow to cool before pouring over the red layer.
Once cool, pour on top of red layer and place in the fridge until completely set.
Prepare the watermelon jello as directed.
Add two extra packages of unflavored gelatin and stir until dissolved.
Allow to cool before pouring over the white layer and place in the fridge until completely set.
Repeat the process until the desired amount of layers are achieved and everything is completely set.
Turn the jello out onto a cutting board
Cut into hearts.
Or squares before serving.
You can have so much fun with this. Imagine all of the things you could do.
Hearts are perfect for some holidays and just imagine all of the shapes you can cut out of the jello.