Jello Desserts So Good, You’ll Forget They’re Retro

Whether it’s layered, whipped, or folded into cake, jello has a way of making desserts fun and easy. These recipes bring all kinds of ideas to the table—from old-school favorites to fresh takes with modern twists.

Some are light and fruity, others lean creamy and rich. A few are no-bake, while others mix jello right into baked desserts for extra flavor and texture. Many of these are great for holidays, picnics, or potlucks because they’re simple to make ahead and easy to serve. You’ll find classics like poke cakes and retro salads alongside fancier options like wine-spiked gels.

Some only take a few ingredients, while others let you use what’s already in your pantry. If you’re looking for bright colors, easy prep, and recipes that bring a smile to the table, this list delivers. Jello might be humble, but it holds up.

Mixed Berry Pretzel Salad

Sweet berries, a creamy filling, and a salty pretzel crust come together in this layered dessert. It’s great for feeding a group and holds up well in the fridge. The mix of textures is always a hit, especially at spring and summer get-togethers. Use fresh or frozen berries depending on what you have.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Berry Pretzel Salad

Keto Jello Cheesecake

This low-carb treat combines sugar-free jello with a creamy cheesecake filling for a light, chilled dessert. It’s a nice option if you’re watching carbs but still want something sweet. You can use different jello flavors to keep it interesting. Great for warm days when you don’t want to bake.
Get the Recipe: Keto Jello Cheesecake

Sparkling Grapefruit Jello

This bright and refreshing treat is made with grapefruit juice and a bit of sparkle from sparkling water or soda. It’s light and citrusy with just a touch of sweetness. Serve it chilled in small glasses for a fun twist on fruit dessert. Add fresh grapefruit segments for an extra burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sparkling Grapefruit Jello

Strawberry Jello Pie

A crisp crust, whipped topping, and a sweet strawberry filling make this pie easy to love. It’s cool, creamy, and holds up well in the fridge. No baking required, and you only need a few ingredients. Make it ahead for holidays, birthdays, or anytime berries are in season.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Jello Pie

Straberry Poke Cake

This classic dessert is made by poking holes in a baked cake and pouring jello over the top, letting the flavor soak in. It’s chilled and topped with whipped cream, making it perfect for spring and summer. The bright red streaks through the cake make for a fun presentation. Use white or yellow cake mix as the base.
Get the Recipe: Straberry Poke Cake

Blueberry Dump Cake

This easy dessert layers cake mix, fruit filling, and melted butter—no stirring required. The blueberries bake down into a sweet base while the top turns golden and crisp. It’s a great last-minute option when you need a dessert without a lot of steps. Best served warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Dump Cake

Lime Jello Salad

This retro-style salad mixes lime jello with crushed pineapple, whipped topping, and sometimes cottage cheese or cream cheese. It’s light, sweet, and a little tangy. Often served in slices or scoops, it’s great for buffets or family dinners. Make it in a mold for that classic look or just a square pan.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

Magic Rhubarb Dump Cake

Fresh rhubarb and jello form a sweet-tart base under a buttery cake topping. It bakes in layers right in the pan—no need to mix it all together. This recipe works well when rhubarb is in season and you want something simple but special. Let it cool a bit before serving with cream or ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Magic Rhubarb Dump Cake

Strawberry Chardonnay Gelee

This is a more grown-up version of jello made with fresh strawberries and wine. It’s light, pretty, and works well as a small dessert for dinner parties. Serve it in clear cups or glasses for the best look. It feels fancy but takes very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Chardonnay Gelee

Raspberry Dump Cake

Tart raspberries meet sweet cake mix and melted butter in this easy recipe. Like other dump cakes, there’s no need to stir—just layer and bake. It’s soft, juicy underneath with a golden top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top brings it all together.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Dump Cake

Lemon Poke Cake

Lemon jello gives this cake a bright flavor and a soft, moist texture. It’s topped with whipped cream or lemon-flavored topping for extra punch. Perfect for spring or summer when you want something fresh and not too heavy. Store it chilled until ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poke Cake

Raspberry Pretzel Salad

This version swaps in raspberry jello and berries for a fun twist on the original. The salty pretzel base still balances the sweet and creamy layers. It’s a colorful option for spring and summer parties. Best made ahead so everything has time to chill and set.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Pretzel Salad