10 Jiggly and Joyful Christmas Jello Recipes for a Bit of Retro Fun: Festive Wiggles for Your Holiday Table

10 Jiggly and Joyful Christmas Jello Recipes for a Bit of Retro Fun: Festive Wiggles for Your Holiday Table

By Sara Taylor

10 Jiggly and Joyful Christmas Jello Recipes for a Bit of Retro Fun: Festive Wiggles for Your Holiday Table

By Sara Taylor
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Updated
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Recipes

A jiggly jello mold is classic, and I'd love to see them make a comeback! These 10 Christmas jello recipes take retro charm to the next level with jello squares for adults and layered ribbon molds. Get ready for the jiggle and watch these disappear faster than the fruitcake!

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1) Cherry-Cola Jello Mold

a glossy ruby-red cherry-cola jello mold dotted with dark cherries on a vintage glass cake stand, in a wide horizontal shot on a retro tablecloth with sprigs of holly, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This flavor reminds me of the cherry cola floats, only this version is dressed for the holidays! So much nostalgic fun!

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a glossy ruby-red cherry-cola jello mold dotted with dark cherries on a vintage glass cake stand, in a wide horizontal shot on a retro tablecloth with sprigs of holly, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cherry-Cola Jello Mold

A shiny cherry-red mold of cherry gelatin and cola swirled with cherries for a fizzy retro centerpiece.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 3-oz boxes cherry gelatin
  • 1.5 cups boiling water
  • 1.5 cups cola chilled
  • 1 cup canned dark cherries drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Method
 

  1. Dissolve the cherry gelatin in the boiling water, stirring for two minutes until fully clear.
  2. Slowly stir in the chilled cola, letting the fizz settle.
  3. Chill until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 45 minutes.
  4. Fold in the drained cherries and pecans so they suspend evenly.
  5. Pour into a greased mold and refrigerate until fully set, then unmold onto a plate.

Notes

A quick dip of the mold in warm water makes unmolding a breeze.

2) Cranberry Orange Layered Delight

squares of two-layered cranberry and creamy orange jello showing distinct red and pastel stripes, in a wide horizontal shot plated on white dishes with mandarin segments and a sugared cranberry garnish, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Two layers that are bright and tangy, give the appearance of stained glass when you cut it open. It takes some time but the payoff is worth it.

squares of two-layered cranberry and creamy orange jello showing distinct red and pastel stripes, in a wide horizontal shot plated on white dishes with mandarin segments and a sugared cranberry garnish, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cranberry Orange Layered Delight

A stunner dessert that is two-toned and gives a lovely citrus flavor, with an orange cream layer and a jiggly cranberry tart layer.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3-oz box cranberry gelatin
  • 1 3-oz box orange gelatin
  • 2 cups boiling water divided
  • 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 1/2 cup mandarin oranges drained

Method
 

  1. Dissolve the cranberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, then stir in the cranberry sauce.
  2. Pour into a glass dish and chill until firm, about 1 hour.
  3. Dissolve the orange gelatin in the remaining cup of boiling water and let it cool slightly.
  4. Whisk in the vanilla yogurt until smooth, then gently pour over the set cranberry layer.
  5. Tuck the mandarin oranges into the top layer and chill until both layers are firm.

Notes

Make sure the first layer is fully set before adding the second so they don't blend.

3) Spiked Eggnog Jello Squares

pale creamy eggnog jello squares dusted with grated nutmeg, in a wide horizontal shot arranged on a dark slate board with a cinnamon stick and cozy candlelight blurred behind, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Bringing all the warm flavors of eggnog with an adult twist, these squares are made for the grown-up dessert table!

pale creamy eggnog jello squares dusted with grated nutmeg, in a wide horizontal shot arranged on a dark slate board with a cinnamon stick and cozy candlelight blurred behind, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Spiked Eggnog Jello Squares

Eggnog gelatin squares are creamy and lightly spiced with nutmeg and have a boozy nod to the season's favorite sip with rum.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 squares
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 2.5 cups eggnog divided
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup spiced rum
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Sprinkle the gelatin over 1/2 cup cold eggnog and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
  2. Heat the remaining eggnog with the sugar in a saucepan until steaming, then whisk in the bloomed gelatin until dissolved.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the rum, nutmeg, and vanilla.
  4. Pour into a greased 8-inch square pan and chill until firm, at least 3 hours.
  5. Cut into squares and dust with a little extra nutmeg before serving.

Notes

Skip the rum and these become a kid-friendly eggnog treat too.

4) Gingerbread Jiggly Bites

amber-colored gingerbread jello bites cut into little squares and star shapes, in a wide horizontal shot on a wooden board with cinnamon sticks and star anise scattered around, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These tiny treats have a fun wobble and are made with the same holiday season spices as your favorite gingerbread cookies.

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amber-colored gingerbread jello bites cut into little squares and star shapes, in a wide horizontal shot on a wooden board with cinnamon sticks and star anise scattered around, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Gingerbread Jiggly Bites

Gelatin bites that are infused with spices and molasses to create a warm and inviting gingerbread flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 20 bites
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 2.5 cups apple juice divided
  • 3 tbsp molasses
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Method
 

  1. Sprinkle the gelatin over 1/2 cup cold apple juice and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
  2. Warm the remaining apple juice with the molasses, brown sugar, and spices until steaming.
  3. Whisk in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
  4. Pour into a parchment-lined 8-inch pan and chill until firm, about 3 hours.
  5. Cut into small squares or use cookie cutters for fun shapes.

Notes

Mini gingerbread-man cutters make these extra adorable.

5) Minty Candy Cane Relish

red-and-white striped peppermint jello slices that look like candy canes, in a wide horizontal shot fanned out on a white platter with crushed candy canes and a peppermint sprig, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Crisp, cool, and candy-cane striped, this palate cleanser is the last thing you expect and the first thing you love.

red-and-white striped peppermint jello slices that look like candy canes, in a wide horizontal shot fanned out on a white platter with crushed candy canes and a peppermint sprig, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Minty Candy Cane Relish

Red and white minty gelatin relish with a creamy middle stripe looks like a candy cane on the plate!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 3-oz boxes cherry gelatin
  • 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
  • 3 cups boiling water divided
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1/4 cup crushed candy canes

Method
 

  1. Dissolve one box of cherry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, pour a thin layer into a loaf pan, and chill until set.
  2. Bloom the unflavored gelatin in 1/4 cup cold water, then dissolve in 3/4 cup boiling water and stir in the condensed milk and peppermint extract for the white layer.
  3. Pour a thin white layer over the set red layer and chill until firm.
  4. Repeat with the second box of cherry gelatin and remaining boiling water for another red layer, chilling between each.
  5. Once all layers are set, slice into strips and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

Notes

Patience between layers is key, but the striped reveal is so worth it.

6) Sparkling Wine Gelatin Cubes

translucent golden champagne gelatin cubes with raspberries suspended inside, in a wide horizontal shot arranged on a mirrored tray with a flute of bubbly softly blurred behind, elegant natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Fancy fizzy little bubbles that practically sparkle on the table.

translucent golden champagne gelatin cubes with raspberries suspended inside, in a wide horizontal shot arranged on a mirrored tray with a flute of bubbly softly blurred behind, elegant natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Sparkling Wine Gelatin Cubes

These champagne fruit gelée are jiggly champagne cubes with suspended berries. The visually striking treats are designed for adult event celebrations.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 16 cubes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 cups sparkling wine
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
  2. Heat the sugar with 1/2 cup of the sparkling wine until the sugar dissolves, then whisk in the bloomed gelatin.
  3. Remove from heat and gently stir in the remaining sparkling wine and lemon juice.
  4. Pour into a square pan and scatter the raspberries throughout.
  5. Chill until firm, then cut into neat cubes.

Notes

Adding the wine off the heat keeps a little of the bubbly fizz intact.

7) Winter Wonderland Berry Mix

a fluffy pale-blue and white whipped berry jello salad studded with fresh berries, in a wide horizontal shot in a frosted glass bowl on a white table with a dusting of powdered sugar like snow, cool natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Imagine a medley of berries covered in a snowy, creamy coating, evoking the image of a frosty Winter's day, white and cold. This dessert is a real crowd pleaser as it is super cozy!

a fluffy pale-blue and white whipped berry jello salad studded with fresh berries, in a wide horizontal shot in a frosted glass bowl on a white table with a dusting of powdered sugar like snow, cool natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Winter Wonderland Berry Mix

A fluffy white berry gelatin salad with whipped topping and mixed berries for a wintry holiday side.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3-oz box berry blue gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 2 cups whipped topping
  • 1 cup mixed fresh berries
  • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows

Method
 

  1. Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water, then stir in the cold water.
  2. Chill until slightly thickened, about 45 minutes.
  3. Fold in the whipped topping until the mixture turns pale and fluffy.
  4. Gently fold in the mixed berries and mini marshmallows.
  5. Spoon into a serving bowl and chill until set, at least 2 hours.

Notes

Fold the berries in gently so they stay whole and pretty.

8) Snowy Citrus Punch Jiggles

bright citrus jello squares with a creamy white top layer and mandarin orange segments, in a wide horizontal shot on a sunny yellow plate with lemon and lime slices, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These sunny jiggles are a welcome bright and zesty pop of tropical flavor.

bright citrus jello squares with a creamy white top layer and mandarin orange segments, in a wide horizontal shot on a sunny yellow plate with lemon and lime slices, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Snowy Citrus Punch Jiggles

Zesty lemon-lime and orange punch gelatin topped with a creamy snow that brings a delightful burst of citrus flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3-oz box lemon gelatin
  • 1 3-oz box orange gelatin
  • 2 cups boiling water divided
  • 1 cup lemon-lime soda chilled
  • 1 cup vanilla ice cream softened
  • 1/2 cup mandarin oranges drained

Method
 

  1. Dissolve both gelatins in 2 cups boiling water until clear.
  2. Divide the mixture, stirring the chilled soda into one half and pouring it into a dish to chill until set.
  3. Whisk the softened ice cream into the other half for a creamy snowy layer.
  4. Pour the creamy layer over the set citrus layer and tuck in the mandarin oranges.
  5. Chill until both layers are firm, then cut and serve.

Notes

Let the ice cream soften fully so the creamy layer stays smooth.

9) Retro Lime and Pear Surprise

a pale-green creamy lime and pear jello mold with a smooth glossy surface, in a wide horizontal shot unmolded onto a vintage floral plate with walnut halves and a mint leaf, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The retro classic that started it all in my family is lime green and proud, with a "creamy pear" surprise inside.

a pale-green creamy lime and pear jello mold with a smooth glossy surface, in a wide horizontal shot unmolded onto a vintage floral plate with walnut halves and a mint leaf, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Retro Lime and Pear Surprise

Our throwback mold makes use of vintage lime gelatin combined with a creamy pear blend and just a touch of tang.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3-oz box lime gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup canned pears drained, juice reserved
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup whipped topping
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Method
 

  1. Dissolve the lime gelatin in the boiling water, then stir in 1/2 cup of the reserved pear juice.
  2. Blend the drained pears with the cream cheese until smooth.
  3. Once the gelatin has cooled slightly, whisk in the pear-cream cheese mixture.
  4. Fold in the whipped topping and walnuts.
  5. Pour into a mold and chill until firm, then unmold to serve.

Notes

Blending the pears keeps that signature creamy, dreamy retro texture.

10) Festive Berry Ribbon Gelatin

a sliced ribbon gelatin showing alternating bright red and creamy white stripes, in a wide horizontal shot plated on a white dish with fresh strawberries and a holiday ribbon nearby, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These fancy looking ribbons, with just a red and creamy white color scheme, create the impression of being more sophisticated than they really are. In reality, it's just a simple case of layering.

a sliced ribbon gelatin showing alternating bright red and creamy white stripes, in a wide horizontal shot plated on a white dish with fresh strawberries and a holiday ribbon nearby, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Festive Berry Ribbon Gelatin

This holiday showpiece has attractive alternating layers of red berry and creamy white gelatin ribbons.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 3-oz boxes strawberry gelatin
  • 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
  • 4 cups boiling water divided
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Dissolve one box of strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, pour a thin layer into a glass dish, and chill until set.
  2. Bloom the unflavored gelatin in the cold water, then dissolve in 1 cup boiling water and stir in the condensed milk and vanilla for the white layer.
  3. Pour a thin white layer over the set red layer and chill until firm.
  4. Continue alternating thin red and white layers, chilling each until set before adding the next.
  5. Once all the ribbons are firm, slice to reveal the striped layers.

Notes

Keep each layer thin and fully set before pouring the next for crisp ribbons.
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