Patriotic Red, White & Blue Jello Dessert Recipe

Red White and Blue Jello is a festive, no-bake dessert perfect for the 4th of July. This layered jello recipe is simple to make, visually striking, and great for serving as finger food — sometimes called Jello Jigglers or Knox Blocks.

*Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and is not affiliated with any brand.

If you want a quick, no-fuss dessert for Independence Day, these red, white, and blue jello squares are an excellent choice. The layered colors look impressive but the technique is straightforward. This recipe uses boxed gelatin mixes and a creamy white layer to separate the red and blue layers for a classic patriotic look.

Layered Jello

This 4th of July Jello is built with seven alternating layers of red, white, and blue in a 13×9-inch pan. The main challenge is patience: each layer needs about 20–30 minutes to chill before adding the next. Because of that, this is a great make-ahead dessert — the finished tray looks festive and stores well in the fridge.

Ingredients for Red White and Blue Jello

You’ll need:

• 2 small (3 oz) boxes Berry Blue gelatin mix
• 2 small (3 oz) boxes Strawberry gelatin mix
• 4 (0.25 oz) envelopes unflavored gelatin (Knox or similar)
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 6 cups boiling water, divided

How to Layer the Patriotic Jello

Layer the gelatin in a 13×9-inch pan in seven layers in this order:

1. Blue (bottom)
2. White
3. Red
4. White
5. Blue
6. White
7. Red (top)

For the Blue Jello

In a large bowl, whisk together one box of Berry Blue gelatin with 1/2 packet of unflavored gelatin (about 1 1/2 teaspoons). Add 1 cup boiling water and whisk until fully dissolved. Pour into a clean 13×9-inch pan and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes, or until set.

For the White Jello

In a microwave-safe 4-cup measuring cup, whisk 2 packets of unflavored gelatin into 2 cups boiling water until dissolved. Stir in the can of sweetened condensed milk and allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm before pouring over the set blue layer. This white mixture will be divided into three roughly 1-cup portions for the separate white layers.

Pro tip: Keep the white mixture in a microwave-safe container so you can gently rewarm it for a few seconds if it begins to firm up while waiting to pour additional layers.

Adding the Second Layer

Once the blue layer is set, gently pour 1 cup of the lukewarm white mixture over it. Pour slowly and close to the surface or pour over the back of a spoon so the liquid spreads evenly without breaking through the layer below. Refrigerate 20–30 minutes until set, then reserve the remaining white mixture for later layers.

For the Red Jello

Whisk one box of Strawberry gelatin with 1/2 packet of unflavored gelatin (about 1 1/2 teaspoons) in a bowl. Add 1 cup boiling water and stir until dissolved. Let the mixture cool to lukewarm while the white layer sets, then gently pour it over the white layer. Chill 20–30 minutes until set.

Adding the Third Layer

After the red layer sets, continue alternating with white and colored layers as listed above. Pour carefully each time, using the spoon technique if needed to prevent the new layer from punching through the previous one. Each layer requires about 20–30 minutes to set, so the full process will take roughly 3–3.5 hours.

Layering the Jello

Repeat the sequence: blue, white, red, white, blue, white, red. When all layers are chilled and firm, you’ll have a bright, patriotic tray of layered jello — perfect for summer celebrations.

Cutting, Serving, and Storing

This jello is ideal for potlucks and parties because you can cut it into bite-sized squares to eat with your fingers. A 13×9-inch pan yields about 48 squares when cut into 6×8 rows. Run a thin, non-serrated knife around the pan edges before slicing, and use a spatula to lift the squares out.

Store the layered jello in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 7–10 days.

Extra Tips for Success

• Always pour boiling water into the gelatin powder while whisking to prevent lumps. Don’t sprinkle powder into hot water.
• Prepare the next layer right after placing the previous layer in the fridge so the new mixture can cool slightly and won’t melt the set layer.
• Keep the white mixture in a microwave-safe container. If it begins to set, reheat for 15–20 seconds and stir to loosen before pouring.
• Chill the pan on a level shelf in your refrigerator for even layers. Adjust the pan’s position if layers look uneven while setting.
• You can boil water in a kettle or heat it in the microwave for a few minutes.

More Red White and Blue Desserts for the 4th of July

• Cheesecake stuffed strawberries
• Patriotic trifle
• Red, white, and blue popcorn
• Red, white, and blue pie parfaits
• 4th of July slab pie
• Red, white, and blue whoopie pies
• Patriotic punch
• Red, white, and blue poke cake

Red White and Blue Jello

Red White and Blue Jello is a fun, easy dessert to make for the 4th of July. This layered recipe is festive and great for serving as finger food.

Yields48 squares

Ingredients

• 6 oz Berry Blue gelatin (two small boxes)
• 6 oz Strawberry gelatin (two small boxes)
• 1 oz Unflavored gelatin (4 envelopes)
• 14 oz Sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
• 6 cups Boiling water, divided

Instructions

 

• Note: Prepare each next layer right after placing the previous layer in the fridge so the new mixture has time to cool to lukewarm before pouring.

For the Blue Layer

• Whisk one box Berry Blue gelatin with 1/2 packet unflavored gelatin. Add 1 cup boiling water and whisk until dissolved. Pour into 13×9 pan and chill 20–30 minutes until set.

For the White Layer

• In a microwave-safe measuring cup, whisk 2 packets unflavored gelatin into 2 cups boiling water. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and cool to lukewarm. Divide into three roughly 1-cup portions as needed for each white layer. Pour gently over the set layer and chill 20–30 minutes until set.

For the Red Layer

• Whisk one box Strawberry gelatin with 1/2 packet unflavored gelatin. Add 1 cup boiling water and whisk until dissolved. Cool to lukewarm, then pour gently over the set white layer. Chill 20–30 minutes until set.

Finish Layers

• Continue alternating white between each colored layer until the sequence is complete: blue, white, red, white, blue, white, red. When fully set, run a thin knife around the pan edges and cut into 6×8 rows for 48 squares. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 7–10 days.

Notes

• Always add boiling water to gelatin while whisking to fully dissolve and avoid lumps.
• Prepare the next layer right after placing the previous layer in the fridge so it cools to lukewarm before pouring.
• If the white mixture firms up while waiting, reheat it briefly (15–20 seconds) in the microwave and stir until pourable.
• Use a kettle or microwave to heat the water, and be sure your fridge shelf is level so layers set evenly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 square | Calories: 56kcal

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates only.

Sharing this recipe with a link is encouraged. Content and photographs are copyright protected.

Did you make this?

Don’t forget to leave a rating if you try it and share photos on your own channels.