How I Make Bright and Wiggly Broken Glass Jello That’s Always a Hit
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat, broken glass Jello is one of my absolute favorites. It’s a playful, nostalgic treat made with cubes of colorful flavored gelatin set into creamy, sweetened Jello. The final result looks like stained glass in dessert form, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser — especially with kids.
The first time I made this, I was instantly hooked by how easy and beautiful it turned out. You can customize the colors for any occasion, and because it needs time to chill, it’s a perfect make-ahead recipe for holidays, potlucks, or themed parties. It’s bright, bouncy, and irresistibly creamy — and it always disappears fast.
Why I Love This Broken Glass Jello Recipe
- It’s beautiful and eye-catching, no fancy decorating skills needed.
- Fun and easy to make with just a few ingredients.
- Totally customizable for any holiday or party theme.
- A great make-ahead dessert that feeds a crowd.
- Creamy, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 12 | Prep Time: 20 minutes + Chill Time: 4+ hours)
- 4 (3-ounce) boxes of flavored Jello (choose any combination of colors/flavors)
- 4 cups boiling water (1 cup for each flavor)
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (like Knox)
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup boiling water (for the unflavored gelatin mix)
How I Make Broken Glass Jello (Step-by-Step)
- Make the Colored Jello
I start by dissolving each 3-ounce box of flavored Jello in 1 cup of boiling water. I pour each flavor into its own container (I use small square or rectangular dishes) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set. - Cut into Cubes
Once the flavored Jello is set, I cut each color into small cubes. I gently scoop them out and place them into a 9×13-inch baking dish, mixing the colors together for that stained-glass look. - Prepare the Creamy Jello Base
In a small bowl, I sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it bloom for a few minutes. Then I dissolve it by stirring in 1 cup of boiling water. Once it’s fully dissolved, I stir in the sweetened condensed milk and let the mixture cool to room temperature (important so it doesn’t melt the Jello cubes). - Pour and Chill
I carefully pour the cooled condensed milk mixture over the Jello cubes in the dish, making sure it covers them evenly. Then I refrigerate the whole thing again for another 4 hours or until completely set. - Slice and Serve
Once it’s fully chilled and firm, I slice it into squares and serve. Each piece is a colorful, jiggly masterpiece.
My Tips for Perfect Broken Glass Jello
- Let the condensed milk mixture cool before pouring to avoid melting the cubes.
- Don’t stir the cubes too much when arranging them or they may break apart.
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts when slicing to serve.
- Lightly oil the pan or line with parchment for easier removal, especially if serving on a platter.
Fun Variations I’ve Tried
- Using red and green for Christmas, or pastel shades for Easter.
- Swapping the creamy layer for coconut milk and gelatin for a tropical twist.
- Making individual portions in cups or molds for parties.
- Using sugar-free Jello for a lighter version.
What I Serve with Broken Glass Jello
- A dollop of whipped cream for extra sweetness.
- Fresh fruit on the side (like strawberries or grapes).
- On a dessert buffet alongside cookies, bars, and brownies.
- In mini cups for grab-and-go treats at kids’ parties or baby showers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes — this is a perfect make-ahead dessert. I often prepare it the night before an event.
Q: How long does it keep in the fridge?
A: It stays fresh for up to 5 days when covered tightly.
Q: Can I use other flavors or colors?
A: Absolutely — that’s the beauty of this recipe. Match your color scheme or flavor preferences easily.
Q: Can I use a different creamy base?
A: You can try flavored yogurt or light coconut milk with gelatin, but sweetened condensed milk gives it the best flavor and set.
Why Broken Glass Jello Is Always a Showstopper
This dessert checks all the boxes: it’s easy to make, fun to look at, and even more fun to eat. The combination of fruity Jello and sweet, creamy gelatin makes every bite refreshing and satisfying. It’s perfect for spring and summer, but honestly, I find myself making it year-round because it’s such a nostalgic, feel-good treat.
I hope you give it a try for your next celebration. Whether you go bold with bright colors or soft with pastels, you’ll have a beautiful dessert that everyone will remember.
Easy Broken Glass Jello That’s Perfect for Parties, Holidays, and Potlucks
Ingredients
- 1 cup flavored gelatin (any variety)
- 1 cup unflavored gelatin
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup boiling water (for the unflavored gelatin mix)
- 1 cup of boiling water (for each flavored gelatin)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the flavored gelatin according to package instructions, using 1 cup of boiling water and adding 1 cup of cold water for each flavor. Pour into separate containers and refrigerate until fully set.
- Once the flavored gelatin is set, cut it into cubes and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the unflavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water and stir until fully dissolved.
- In another bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and sugar, then combine with the dissolved unflavored gelatin.
- Pour the mixture over the flavored gelatin cubes in a large dish and refrigerate until fully set, about 4 hours or overnight.
- Once set, cut into squares and serve.
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