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Easter Jell-O Pie

Featured in Treats That Make Everything Better.

Mix Jell-O flavors (lemon, blue, grape) with cream cheese and whipped topping. Add to graham crust layer by layer, letting each chill before layering the next. Fully set in the fridge, then decorate.
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Clare Recipes
Updated on Wed, 26 Mar 2025 18:09:37 GMT
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Easter Jell-O Pie with pastel layers | lilicooks.com

I found this Easter Jell-O pie creation by accident last year when I needed a fun, colorful treat for our Easter family get-together. Those dreamy, soft-colored layers make a stunning dessert that looks like it took forever, but it's actually quite easy to put together. It's now my favorite for Easter events and spring parties when I want something eye-catching without too much work.

My niece who's 8 spotted this pie at our Easter dinner last year and her jaw dropped. "It looks like there's rainbow magic inside!" she squealed before begging for the largest piece. There's just something about those bright, jewel-like layers that brings smiles to everyone's faces.

Ingredients List

  • Three Jell-O flavors: I pick lemon, berry blue and grape to get those ideal Easter shades
  • Cream cheese: This transforms ordinary Jell-O into something silky and mousse-like
  • Whipped topping: This makes everything airy and soft. I've had great results with Cool Whip
  • Graham cracker crust: Grab one from the store or whip up your own if you're feeling fancy
  • Easter extras: Colorful sprinkles and little candy eggs make it look extra special
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Easter Jell-O Pie Recipe | lilicooks.com

My Preparation Method

Color Strategy

I always put the palest color (lemon) on the bottom for the best wow factor when you cut into it. I've played with different color mixes, but yellow-blue-purple seems to look and taste best together. The tangy lemon creates a nice foundation that works well with the sweeter berry layers above it.

Time Between Layers

You can't rush those 30-minute cooling periods between layers - they keep the colors from mixing together. I always set an alarm so I don't forget. Once I got distracted and let a layer chill too long, which made spreading the next one evenly much harder.

Cream Cheese Tips

Your cream cheese must be completely softened for smooth mixing - cold cream cheese will leave you with chunks. I take mine out at least an hour ahead of time. Besides adding richness, the cream cheese helps firm up the layers so they cut cleanly.

Adding New Layers

When I pour a fresh layer over a set one, I go super slow and pour over a spoon's back. This breaks up the liquid flow and stops it from punching through the layer underneath. This small trick is what separates picture-perfect layers from a messy blend.

My grandma, who usually only makes old-fashioned desserts, tried this pie and immediately said, "This tastes just like what my mom used to make for Easter!" Sometimes the simplest treats can bring back memories in surprising ways.

Ways To Serve

This bright pie works great after a spring lunch. It's an amazing centerpiece at kids' parties. During Easter dinner, it's not as heavy as traditional desserts. My family loves eating it with coffee - the bitter coffee balances out the sweet fruit flavors.

Customization Options

You can swap in different Jell-O flavors for new color combos - lime, orange, and strawberry create a sunny citrus version. Try using a chocolate graham crust for a totally different base flavor. You can even make single servings in clear cups to show off the layers. Last Easter, I mixed some fresh lemon zest into the yellow layer and tucked a few real blueberries into the blue layer for extra flavor pops.

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No-Bake Easter Jell-O Pie Recipe | lilicooks.com

Prep Ahead Strategies

This dessert is perfect to make a day early since it needs lots of chilling time anyway. Just add the whipped topping and decorations right before you serve it. If you're taking it somewhere, pack the decorative stuff separately and finish it when you arrive. The pie travels well in a cake carrier with a cold pack underneath.

Expert Advice

  • Mix all three Jell-O batches before you start to save time
  • Clean your mixing bowl between colors so they don't transfer
  • For picture-perfect slices, warm your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts

I've brought this Easter Jell-O pie to family events, church gatherings, and kids' parties, and it always gets people excited. There's something truly special about those colorful, creamy layers that brightens any spring table. My little girl has already asked if we can make this "magic rainbow pie" for her birthday party, even though it's nowhere near Easter!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I change the Jell-O flavors?
Of course! Swap for your favorite flavors or go with colors to match your Easter vibe. Just stick with the 3 oz packets for best results.
→ Why do I have to let each layer set first?
This keeps the colors and layers nice and clean. If the base isn’t firm enough, they’ll blend together, and you'll lose that cool layered look.
→ How soon can I make this pie?
You can prep it up to two days ahead. Just be sure to keep it covered in the fridge and wait to add the toppings until you're about to serve.
→ Can I make it in a different container?
Sure, try a springform pan with a crumb bottom, or make individual portions in clear cups or glasses so you can see the layers.
→ Why isn’t my layer setting right?
Make sure you’re using the right water amount and giving it time to cool a bit before adding cream cheese. The pie needs at least 4 hours in the fridge to set totally.

No-bake creamy treat

Enjoy a festive pie with three pastel Jell-O layers nestled in a graham crust, topped with whipped cream and Easter candies.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
270 Minutes
Total Time
285 Minutes
By: Lily Chen

Category: Sweet Stuff

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (One 9-inch pie)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Crust

01 One 9-inch ready-to-use graham cracker pie crust

→ Jell-O Layers

02 1 box (3 oz) of grape-flavored Jell-O
03 1 box (3 oz) of berry blue Jell-O
04 1 box (3 oz) of lemon Jell-O
05 3 separate cups of boiling water, one per Jell-O flavor
06 3 separate cups of cold water, one per Jell-O flavor
07 Softened cream cheese, 8 oz total
08 Thawed whipped cream, 1½ cups

→ Decoration

09 Pastel-colored sprinkles
10 Additional whipped cream topping
11 Mini candy eggs

Instructions

Step 01

Pour one cup of hot water over the lemon Jell-O mix in a bowl. Stir for a couple of minutes until everything's dissolved. Add a cup of cold water and mix again. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before moving on.

Step 02

In a new bowl, beat about 2.5 oz of the softened cream cheese till smooth. Slowly mix in the cooled lemon Jell-O while beating until combined. Gently fold in a scoop of the whipped topping (half a cup) until it's blended well.

Step 03

Spread the lemon cream mixture evenly into your pie crust. Chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes, just until it's slightly firm to the touch.

Step 04

Dissolve the berry blue Jell-O in one cup of hot water, then stir in a cup of cold water. Let it cool. Meanwhile, beat another third of the cream cheese until it's creamy. Blend the cooled blue Jell-O into the cream cheese. Gently mix in another half-cup of whipped cream.

Step 05

When the lemon layer is semi-firm, slowly pour the blue mixture on top. To avoid breaking through, pour the mix over the backside of a spoon near the surface. Pop it back in the fridge for another 30 minutes.

Step 06

Follow the same routine with the grape-flavored Jell-O. Stir it into one cup of hot water till dissolved, mix in a cup of cold water, and let it sit a bit. Beat the leftover cream cheese until smooth, then add the grape Jell-O. Fold the remaining half-cup of whipped topping into the mix.

Step 07

As soon as the blue layer has set enough, gently pour in the grape mixture. Again, use the back-of-spoon trick to keep it from breaking into lower layers. Make sure the mixture is cool before pouring.

Step 08

Chill the pie in the fridge for 4 hours minimum, or overnight if you’ve got the time, until all the layers are firm.

Step 09

Right before serving, add a big swirl of whipped cream on top and sprinkle with pastel sprinkles and candy eggs. It’s great for Easter or spring!

Step 10

Warm a sharp knife with hot water, wipe it dry, and slice the pie carefully. Serve it cold for the best taste.

Notes

  1. Wait for each layer to firm up slightly before adding the next one; it keeps the layers neat.
  2. The cream cheese adds a soft texture to the Jell-O and makes it hold together like a mousse.
  3. You can swap full-fat ingredients for low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping to make it lighter.
  4. Leftovers are good for up to three days if you cover and refrigerate them.

Tools You'll Need

  • 3 separate mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cup set
  • Spatula for folding
  • Spoon for layering the mix
  • A refrigerator with enough flat space

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy products (cheese, whipped topping)
  • Contains gluten from the crust

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 310
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 4 g