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Broken Glass Jello Recipe: A Stunning Stained Glass Dessert


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  • Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
  • Total Time: 5 hours
  • Yield: 15 Squares 1x

Description

Have you ever wanted to serve a dessert that looks like a piece of art but tastes like pure nostalgia? This Broken Glass Jello recipe (often affectionately known as “Cathedral Window Gelatin” or “Jewel Cake”) is a showstopper. It features shimmering cubes of vibrant fruit gelatin suspended in a creamy, pineapple-infused cloud, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and fruity, offering a texture that is light, refreshing, and satisfying.


Ingredients

Units Scale

The "Glass" Cubes:

  • 1 package (3 oz) Lime Gelatin
  • 1 package (3 oz) Strawberry Gelatin
  • 1 package (3 oz) Orange Gelatin
  • 4-1/2 cups Boiling Water, divided

The Crust:

  • 1-1/2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Butter, melted

The Creamy Pineapple Filling:

  • 1 envelope Unflavored Gelatin
  • 1/4 cup Cold Water
  • 1 cup Pineapple Juice (canned)
  • 1 carton (8 oz) Frozen Whipped Topping, thawed (e.g., Cool Whip)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the “Glass” Cubes: In three separate bowls, dissolve the lime, strawberry, and orange gelatins using 1-1/2 cups of boiling water for each. Stir for 2 minutes. Pour each flavor into separate small square containers or loaf pans. Chill for 2-3 hours until very firm.
  2. Make the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Refrigerate.
  3. Prepare Pineapple Binder: Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over cold water in a small bowl; let bloom for 5 minutes. Boil pineapple juice in a saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until dissolved. Transfer to a large bowl and cool to room temperature (20-30 mins).
  4. Cube and Combine: Once colored gelatin is rock-solid, cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Whisk the thawed whipped topping into the cooled pineapple mixture until smooth. Gently fold in about 2/3 of the colored cubes.
  5. Assemble: Pour the creamy mixture over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 of the cubes on top. Chill for at least 2 hours until firm.

Notes

  • Temperature Control: The pineapple liquid must be cool but not set before adding the whipped topping. If too hot, it melts the topping; if too cold, it clumps.
  • Firm Jello: Do not rush the setting time for the colored jello. If it is too soft, the cubes will disintegrate when mixed into the cream.
  • Make Ahead: This is the perfect make-ahead dessert. Making it the day before allows the layers to set perfectly and the crust to firm up.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 4 hours
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Jello Mold
  • Method: Chilling, No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American, Retro

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg