Easter Sunday is a time for joyful celebrations, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious Easter desserts. Among the colorful eggs and springtime blooms, one dessert always steals the show on our table – the Easter Jelly Cake. This no-bake, multi-layered treat is not just a feast for the eyes with its vibrant hues but also a delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures. It’s the perfect way to add a playful and sweet touch to your Easter celebrations.
Whether you’re hosting a large Easter brunch or looking for a fun project to make with the kids, this Easter Jelly Cake is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients For Easter Jelly Cake Recipe
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- Graham Cracker Crust: (1 pre-made 9-inch crust or ingredients to make your own) Provides the perfect base for the creamy filling and jello layers, offering a delightful textural contrast.
- Cream Cheese: (8 ounces, softened) Forms the rich and tangy creamy layer, adding depth of flavor and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the pie.
- Granulated Sugar: (1/2 cup) Sweetens the cream cheese layer, balancing the tartness and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the pie.
- Vanilla Extract: (1 teaspoon) Enhances the sweetness of the cream cheese layer and adds a subtle, warm aroma to the pie.
- Boiling Water: (1 cup) Used to dissolve the Jello powder, ensuring it sets properly and creates a vibrant, jiggly layer.
- Cold Water: (1 cup) Added to the dissolved Jello to cool it down and help it set faster, contributing to the pie’s signature texture.
- Jello (Various Flavors and Colors): (2 small boxes, 3 ounces each, assorted colors like lemon, lime, raspberry, or strawberry) The star of the show, providing vibrant color, fruity flavor, and that iconic jiggly texture that makes this pie so fun and festive.
- Whipped Topping: (8 ounces, thawed) Adds a light, airy, and slightly sweet finish to the pie, complementing the creamy and fruity layers, and making it visually appealing.
- Optional Easter Candies or Sprinkles: (For decoration) To add extra Easter flair and visual appeal, making the pie even more festive and celebratory.
How To Make Easter Jelly Cake Recipe
1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until light and fluffy. Set aside.
2: Create the First Jelly Layer
- Dissolve one box of Jello powder in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
- Add 1 cup of cold water to the dissolved Jello and stir gently.
- Pour half of the Jello mixture into the graham cracker crust. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, or until it is partially set but still jiggly.
3: Add the Cream Cheese Layer
- Once the first Jello layer is partially set, gently spread the cream cheese mixture over it. Use a spatula to create an even layer.
- Chill for another 30-45 minutes, or until the cream cheese layer is firm.
4: Create the Second Jelly Layer
- Repeat the Jello preparation with the second box of Jello, using the same method as before.
- Carefully pour the remaining Jello mixture over the firm cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate the entire cake for at least 4-6 hours (or overnight) to allow the layers to set completely.
5: Decorate and Serve
- Before serving, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake.
- Add Easter candies or pastel sprinkles for a festive finish.
- Slice and serve chilled, and enjoy the delightful layers and refreshing flavors of your Easter Jelly Cake!
Tips for a Perfect Easter Jelly Cake
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- Partial Setting: Allow each Jello layer to partially set before adding the next layer. This helps keep the layers distinct and visually appealing.
- Gentle Pouring: Pour Jello slowly over a spatula or spoon to prevent disturbing the layers beneath.
- Make Ahead: This dessert can be made a day or two in advance, making Easter preparations easier and stress-free.
- Customize Flavors: Choose Jello flavors and colors that reflect the cheerful spirit of Easter, such as lemon yellow, lime green, or strawberry pink.
How to Serve
- Classic Slices: Serve in traditional slices to showcase the beautiful layers.
- With Fresh Fruit: Garnish with fresh berries for added color and a refreshing contrast.
- Mini Cakes: Make individual servings using muffin tins or ramekins for a fun twist.
- As a Centerpiece: Decorate with edible flowers or Easter-themed toppers for a show-stopping centerpiece dessert.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use sugar-free Jello? Yes! Sugar-free Jello works perfectly for a lighter version of this dessert.
Q2: How long will Easter Jelly Cake last? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Q3: Can I freeze this cake? Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the Jello and cream cheese layers.
Q4: Can I use a different crust? Absolutely! Try an Oreo crust for a chocolate twist or a vanilla wafer crust for a sweeter base.
More Easter Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
Celebrate Easter in the most delicious way with this easy, vibrant Easter Jelly Cake. It’s a sweet, refreshing treat that brings joy to every bite and is sure to become a beloved Easter tradition in your home!
Easter Jelly Cake
Easter Sunday is a time for joyful celebrations, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious Easter desserts. Among the colorful eggs and springtime blooms, one dessert always steals the show on our table – the Easter Jelly Cake. This no-bake, multi-layered treat is not just a feast for the eyes with its vibrant hues but also a delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures. It's the perfect way to add a playful and sweet touch to your Easter celebrations.Whether you're hosting a large Easter brunch or looking for a fun project to make with the kids, this Easter Jelly Cake is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Let's dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 pre-made 9-inch graham cracker crust or homemade if preferred
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Jelly Layers:
- 2 small boxes 3 ounces each of Jello in assorted Easter-themed colors (lemon, lime, raspberry, or strawberry)
- 1 cup boiling water per Jello layer
- 1 cup cold water per Jello layer
For the Topping:
- 8 ounces whipped topping thawed
Optional Decorations:
- Easter candies like jelly beans or chocolate eggs
- Pastel sprinkles
Instructions
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until light and fluffy. Set aside.
Create the First Jelly Layer
- Dissolve one box of Jello powder in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
- Add 1 cup of cold water to the dissolved Jello and stir gently.
- Pour half of the Jello mixture into the graham cracker crust. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, or until it is partially set but still jiggly.
Add the Cream Cheese Layer
- Once the first Jello layer is partially set, gently spread the cream cheese mixture over it. Use a spatula to create an even layer.
- Chill for another 30-45 minutes, or until the cream cheese layer is firm.
Create the Second Jelly Layer
- Repeat the Jello preparation with the second box of Jello, using the same method as before.
- Carefully pour the remaining Jello mixture over the firm cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate the entire cake for at least 4-6 hours (or overnight) to allow the layers to set completely.
Decorate and Serve
- Before serving, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake.
- Add Easter candies or pastel sprinkles for a festive finish.
- Slice and serve chilled, and enjoy the delightful layers and refreshing flavors of your Easter Jelly Cake!
Notes
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- Partial Setting: Allow each Jello layer to partially set before adding the next layer. This helps keep the layers distinct and visually appealing.
- Gentle Pouring: Pour Jello slowly over a spatula or spoon to prevent disturbing the layers beneath.
- Make Ahead: This dessert can be made a day or two in advance, making Easter preparations easier and stress-free.
- Customize Flavors: Choose Jello flavors and colors that reflect the cheerful spirit of Easter, such as lemon yellow, lime green, or strawberry pink.
