Name: Layered Jello Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 5 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box Red Jello (3 ounces); 1 box Orange Jello (3 ounces); 1 box Yellow Jello (3 ounces); 3 cups Boiling Water (divided); 3 cups Cold Water (divided); Pink Food Coloring (a few drops); Orange Food Coloring (a few drops); Bright Yellow Food Coloring (a few drops); 2 packages Graham Cracker Sheets (about 10 sheets); 10 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted); 24 ounces Whipped Cream; Gold Sanding Sugar

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both fun and easy to make, this Layered Jello Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream Recipe is an absolute game-changer. I remember making it for a summer potluck, and the way those vibrant colors stacked up in perfect layers had everyone curious — and then delighted with every bite. It’s refreshing, light, and a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, making it a standout at any gathering.

The best part? This pie’s graham cracker crust adds just the right amount of crunch and buttery flavor that complements the smooth, wobbly jello layers perfectly, all topped with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream. Whether you want a bright dessert for a birthday or a casual weekend treat, this recipe is straightforward and always gets rave reviews. I’ll walk you through every step so you can get those clean, beautiful layers that look like they came right out of a pro’s kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a simple but crucial role in bringing this Layered Jello Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream Recipe to life. I like to choose good-quality jello flavors and fresh unsalted butter for the crust to keep the flavors bright and balanced.

Red Jello: Adds a bold, fruity flavor and vibrant color. I love using cherry or strawberry varieties for the best taste.
Orange Jello: Brings a zesty sweetness and bright orange hue. Mandarin orange flavor works great here.
Yellow Jello: Offers a mellow citrus punch; lemon is my favorite for that refreshing tang.
Boiling Water: Essential for fully dissolving the jello crystals before layering.
Cold Water: Used to balance the temperature of the jello mixture for optimal setting.
Pink, Orange, and Bright Yellow Food Coloring: Boosts the jello colors, making the layers pop — especially handy if your jello colors seem pale.
Graham Cracker Sheets: Forms the crunchy, buttery base. I like to buy sheets instead of crumbs for a sturdier crust.
Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds richness without overpowering the jello flavors.
Whipped Cream: Both folded into the layers and used as a garnish for a creamy, dreamy finish.
Gold Sanding Sugar (optional): Gives a festive sparkle when sprinkled on top, perfect for celebrations.

Variations

I love how simple this Layered Jello Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream Recipe is, but you can totally make it your own by switching up flavors or adding extras. Here are some ways I’ve played with it when I want to mix things up or accommodate friends with different tastes.

Berry Medley Layer: I swapped the orange and yellow jello with raspberry and blueberry for a berry overload – and honestly, it was a huge hit with my family.
Diet-Friendly Version: Use sugar-free jello for a lighter version. Just be sure to check the brand’s instructions for setting since some need extra time.
Adding Fresh Fruit: Try folding in fresh berries or mandarin orange segments between layers; this adds texture and refreshes the flavors.
Vegan Twist: You can substitute the jello with agar-agar and use coconut whipped cream for a vegan-friendly dessert that’s just as stunning.

How to Make Layered Jello Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by crushing those graham cracker sheets — I find a food processor makes this quick, but you can also put them in a zip-top bag and bash them with a rolling pin. Melt 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter and mix it thoroughly into your crumbs until it feels like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to pack it down evenly to create a sturdy base. Pop it into the fridge while you get on with the jello layers — chilling it helps the crust hold together when you slice the pie.

Step 2: Make the First Jello Layer (Red)

Boil 1 cup of water and dissolve one 3-ounce box of red jello in it completely — take your time stirring so there are no gritty crystals. Add 1 cup of cold water and a few drops of pink food coloring to amp up the vibrancy. Let this mixture cool until just warm to the touch but not set (around 20 minutes). Pour it gently over the chilled crust, spreading evenly. Pop the pie back in the fridge and chill for about 30 minutes or until the layer is firm to the touch but not rock hard.

Step 3: Make the Second Jello Layer (Orange)

Repeat the process with your orange jello box — boil, dissolve, add cold water and a couple drops of orange food coloring. Here’s a handy tip: fold about 8 ounces of whipped cream into the cooled orange jello for a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the pure jello layer beneath. Carefully spoon this layer over the first one to avoid mixing colors. Chill again for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Final Jello Layer (Yellow)

Finish with the yellow jello — same method: dissolve, add cold water, and brighten it up with a drop or two of yellow food coloring. Fold in the whipped cream once cooled to create a luscious third layer. Gently layer this on top and refrigerate until fully set, preferably a few hours or overnight if you’re prepping ahead.

Step 5: Top with Whipped Cream and Garnish

Once your pie is fully set and ready, slather it with the remaining whipped cream. I like to use a piping bag with a star tip to make pretty swirls, but spreading it with a spatula works perfectly too. If you want to add a little sparkle, sprinkle gold sanding sugar over the top — it adds a festive touch that’s perfect for parties or special treats.

How to Serve Layered Jello Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream Recipe

A slice of a three-layer mousse cake is shown on a white plate with light decorative patterns. The bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown crust. Above that is a thick pink mousse layer with a slightly speckled texture, followed by a smooth yellow mousse layer, and topped with a light orange mousse layer. On top, there is a small swirl of white whipped cream sprinkled with fine yellow crumbs. The background shows more slices of the cake, each decorated with similar whipped cream swirls, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I almost always add extra whipped cream right before serving because it’s just irresistible. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a sprinkle of toasted coconut also lifts the pie beautifully. The gold sanding sugar is my secret weapon to bring a bit of sparkle — trust me, it makes the pie look like it belongs on a fancy dessert table!

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a light fruit salad if you want to keep things refreshing. For a party, I sometimes serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for chocoholics. It’s versatile, so feel free to experiment with what you love.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve even made this Layered Jello Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream Recipe in clear glass trifle bowls for bigger crowds — it looks stunning when you see the colorful layers side on. For a kid’s birthday, I decorated the top with gummy candies and edible glitter, which made it extra fun and totally Instagram-ready!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pie tightly covered in the fridge. The graham crust stays wonderfully crisp for a day or two before it starts softening — so I recommend enjoying it within 48 hours. If the whipped cream starts to lose its fluffy texture, just give it a quick stir or add a fresh dollop.

Freezing

Freezing jello pies isn’t my go-to because the texture changes and becomes icy, but if you must, wrap it really well to avoid freezer burn and thaw it slowly in the fridge. Expect a slightly different, less jiggly texture afterward.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold straight from the fridge, so reheating isn’t really needed. If you want to soften the whipped cream, just let the pie sit out for 10-15 minutes at room temperature before serving to take the chill off.

FAQs

Can I use different flavors of jello for this layered pie?

Absolutely! The Layered Jello Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream Recipe is very versatile. You can switch out the red, orange, and yellow jello flavors for any you prefer — just keep in mind the color contrast to maintain those visually appealing layers.
How do I prevent the layers from mixing?

The key is patience and letting each layer fully set before adding the next. When pouring, pour slowly and consider using a spoon to diffuse the liquid gently onto the layer beneath, preventing it from breaking through and mixing.
Can I make this pie without a food processor for the crust?

Definitely! A zip-top bag and a rolling pin or even the bottom of a heavy glass works well to crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs, just be sure to get them evenly crushed for the best crust texture.
Is it necessary to add food coloring?

Nope! The food coloring just helps the colors look bright and vibrant, especially if your jello is on the lighter side. If you like the natural colors, you can skip this step.
How long does the jello pie need to chill before serving?

I recommend chilling the final layer for at least 3-4 hours to make sure everything is fully set. Overnight chilling is even better and makes slicing easier.

Final Thoughts

This Layered Jello Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to desserts whenever I want something festive, easy, and crowd-pleasing. The way the flavors and textures come together is just delightful, and seeing those vivid layers slice so cleanly always makes me smile. I promise that if you give this recipe a try, you’ll feel proud showing up with it at your next get-together. So grab your ingredients, trust the process, and enjoy every colorful, creamy bite!