This Raspberry Jello Dessert is an absolute showstopper and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s a delightful variation of the famous “strawberry pretzel salad,” thoughtfully reimagined with a rich, thick graham cracker crust and the bright, tangy sweetness of raspberries. Simple to prepare yet incredibly impressive, this dessert is the perfect treat for family gatherings, potlucks, or an elegant addition to your holiday table.

Easy Raspberry Jello Dessert: A Family Favorite Reimagined

Growing up in Utah, the strawberry pretzel salad was an ubiquitous fixture at every potluck, party, and holiday dinner. While often masquerading as a “salad” (a clever way to justify an extra scoop, perhaps?), its sweet, salty, and creamy layers always hinted at something more dessert-like. This beloved regional classic, often served alongside savory dishes as if it were a green salad, holds a special place in many hearts, including mine. It allowed for the delightful possibility of enjoying a portion of this “salad” next to mashed potatoes and green beans, and then still having room for a separate dessert later. A truly beautiful culinary loophole!

And let’s be honest, with fresh or frozen raspberries packed into the top layer, it definitely brings some fruity goodness to the table, making it a little more justifiable, right?

This particular recipe takes that iconic concept and elevates it to new heights, crafting what I believe is a superior version: the Raspberry Jello Dessert. We’ve made a few key improvements: swapping the sometimes-tricky pretzel crust (which can occasionally become soggy or too hard) for my tried-and-true Graham Cracker Crust, thickening the luscious cream cheese center to prevent any unwelcome seepage, and replacing strawberries with vibrant raspberries for a tangier, brighter flavor. The result is a dessert that’s not only easier to manage but boasts an even richer flavor profile and texture. This Raspberry Jello Dessert has become a non-negotiable staple on my holiday table, and I’m confident it will become one of yours too!

A quick note on terminology: While Jell-O® is a popular brand name for gelatin dessert in North America, any brand of prepared gelatin dessert mix will work perfectly for this recipe. Feel free to use your preferred gelatin for the raspberry layer; just ensure it’s the correct size package specified in the ingredients list.

Crafting the Perfect Graham Cracker Crust

Every exceptional layered dessert begins with an outstanding base, and our Raspberry Jello Dessert is no exception. It starts with a thick, sweet, and wonderfully buttery graham cracker crust. Achieving perfection here is simple when you follow a few essential tips:

• Allow Melted Butter to Cool: This step is crucial for the integrity of your crust. Once you’ve melted your butter, it’s vital to let it return to room temperature (or even slightly cooler, but still liquid) before combining it with the crushed graham crackers and sugar. Hot butter can prematurely melt the sugar and dissolve the cracker crumbs, leading to a greasy, dense, and less cohesive crust that won’t hold its shape as well. A cooled butter ensures a perfectly crumbly yet firm texture that bakes up beautifully.
• Accurate Crumb Measurement: While it might seem convenient to count out graham cracker sheets, there can be significant variations in size and thickness between different brands or even within the same box. For consistent results and the ideal crust thickness, always measure your graham cracker crumbs after they have been finely crushed. This ensures you have the precise amount needed for that perfect base, preventing a crust that is either too thin and fragile or too thick and overpowering.
• Thoroughly Blend Graham Crackers: To achieve a uniform and easy-to-cut dessert bar, it’s paramount to blend your graham crackers until they are very fine crumbs. Any large chunks of cracker will compromise the integrity of the crust, making it difficult to slice cleanly, creating an uneven texture, and detracting from the overall elegant presentation. If you notice any stubborn pieces after the initial blend, simply return them to the blender or food processor and pulse again until uniformly fine.
• Firmly Press the Crust: Don’t be shy when pressing the mixture into your baking pan. A firm, even press is key to creating a solid foundation that won’t crumble when cut and will stand up to the creamy and Jello layers above. The bottom of a flat measuring cup or a sturdy glass works wonderfully for this task, ensuring every bit of the crust is compressed for stability.

The Rich and Creamy Cheesecake Filling

The heart of this Raspberry Jello Dessert is its irresistibly smooth and creamy cheesecake-like filling. This middle layer provides a luxurious, tangy-sweet contrast to the crunchy crust and the refreshing Jello topping, making each bite a complex delight. For the best results, it is absolutely critical to use full-fat products for this component. Lower-fat alternatives, especially reduced-fat cream cheese or whipped topping, will not achieve the necessary firmness and can lead to a watery filling that allows the Jello to seep into the crust, resulting in a soggy bottom – something we definitely want to avoid! We rely on the fat content to create a perfectly stable, decadent, and luscious layer.

• Full-Fat Brick-Style Cream Cheese: This is non-negotiable for a truly rich, flavorful, and stable filling. Opt for a high-quality brand like Philadelphia Cream Cheese® for superior texture and consistent results. Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth consistency. This allows it to whip up light and airy.
• Completely Thawed Whipped Topping: Just like the cream cheese, the whipped topping needs to be fully thawed. If it’s still partially frozen, it won’t incorporate smoothly, leaving ice crystals or uneven pockets in your filling. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight for best results, ensuring it’s soft and pliable when ready to use.
• Granulated Sugar: This adds the perfect amount of sweetness, transforming the tangy cream cheese into a delightful cheesecake-esque experience. The suggested amount creates a beautifully balanced flavor that complements the tart raspberries. However, if you prefer a slightly tarter filling, you can reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two without compromising the texture significantly.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A touch of quality vanilla extract is essential for depth of flavor. It enhances the overall profile, adding a warm, aromatic note that beautifully complements both the cream cheese and the vibrant raspberries. Don’t skip this “finishing touch” ingredient, as it truly elevates the entire cheesecake layer.

The Vibrant Raspberry Jello Topping

The final layer is where the stunning visual appeal and burst of fruity flavor come into play. This vibrant Raspberry Jello topping is deceptively simple, requiring only three key ingredients, but they each play a crucial role in creating a firm, fruity, and beautiful finish to your dessert:

• Raspberry Jell-O (or Gelatin Mix): Pay close attention to the box size here. For this recipe, we need the large, 6-ounce package of raspberry gelatin mix to ensure a robust, full-bodied raspberry flavor and proper setting consistency. As with the cream cheese layer, it’s best to avoid lower-sugar or sugar-free alternatives, as they often don’t set with the same firmness and can yield a less vibrant color, which is essential for this layered dessert’s appeal.
• Boiling Water: Precisely 2 cups of boiling water are needed to fully dissolve the gelatin powder. Ensure the water is at a rolling boil before adding it to the mix to guarantee complete dissolution. Any undissolved granules can lead to a grainy texture in the final Jello layer, so whisk thoroughly until completely smooth.
• Frozen Raspberries: This is a key secret weapon for success! We specifically recommend using frozen raspberries over fresh ones for a couple of important reasons. First, the intense cold temperature of the frozen berries helps to rapidly cool down the hot gelatin mixture, significantly accelerating the setting process. This quickens the overall preparation time and ensures a beautifully firm Jello layer that won’t bleed into or warm the creamy cheesecake layer below. Second, frozen raspberries tend to retain their shape wonderfully once thawed within the Jello, offering delightful bursts of fruit throughout the topping.

When assembling this final layer, work quickly once the frozen raspberries are added to the dissolved Jello. The rapid cooling initiated by the berries means the mixture will begin to thicken and set almost immediately. Pour it gently and evenly over the thoroughly chilled cream cheese layer, then smooth it out with a spatula to create a perfect, seamless top. This attention to detail will ensure each slice of your Raspberry Jello Dessert is a work of art, with perfectly defined, delicious layers!

Storage Tips for Your Raspberry Jello Dessert

More Irresistible Raspberry Treats to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the bright, sweet-tart flavor of raspberries in this dessert, you’re in for a treat! Raspberries are incredibly versatile and shine in a variety of culinary creations, from refreshing drinks to decadent baked goods. Here are some more delightful raspberry-infused recipes to add to your repertoire, perfect for any occasion:

• Raspberry Jello Fluff: An incredibly light, airy, and refreshing dessert, this simple fluff is made with only four ingredients and comes together in minutes. It’s a fantastic no-bake option for a quick, effortless, and delightful treat.
• Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies: These classic, buttery cookies feature a delicate almond-flavored dough with a sweet indentation generously filled with bright, tangy raspberry jam. They’re perfect for holiday cookie platters, afternoon tea, or simply a sweet bite any time.
• Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade: Quench your thirst with this vibrant, bubbly, and incredibly refreshing drink. Bursting with the flavors of fresh or frozen raspberries and zesty lemon, it’s an ideal beverage for summer gatherings, barbecues, or a delightful pick-me-up on a hot day.
• Lemon Raspberry Gooey Butter Bars: Indulge in these incredibly decadent and delightfully tangy gooey butter bars. They feature a rich, buttery lemon base topped with a sweet and tender raspberry swirl, creating a truly irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
• Chocolate-Dipped Cheesecake Filled Raspberries: For an elegant and perfectly bite-sized treat, fresh raspberries are delicately filled with a creamy, sweetened cheesecake mixture and then lightly dipped in rich, melted chocolate. They are perfect for entertaining, a sophisticated dessert course, or a luxurious snack.

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 9 votes

Raspberry Jello Dessert

By Chelsea Lords

This Raspberry Jello Dessert is a twist on the classic strawberry pretzel salad—made with a thick graham cracker crust and juicy raspberries. It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any holiday table!

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Chilling Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes

Servings: 40 bars

Video Tutorial

Equipment

• 9 x 13-inch Baking Pan
• Blender or Food Processor
• Large Mixing Bowls
• Electric Mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Spatula
• Whisk

Ingredients

• Cooking spray

Graham Cracker Crust

• 1-1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cheesecake Layer

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (full-fat, brick-style, softened; see Note 1)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip, thawed, full-fat; see Note 2)

Raspberry Jell-O Layer

• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 (6-ounce) package raspberry Jell-O
• 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen raspberries

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. In a blender or food processor, crush the graham crackers until they form fine, even crumbs. If any larger chunks remain, reblend them. Melt the unsalted butter and set it aside to cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial; adding hot butter to the crumbs will result in a greasy crust.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Focus on creating a solid, compact base; it’s not necessary to extend the crust up the sides of the pan. Use the bottom of a flat 1-cup measuring cup or a glass to really compress the crumbs into a firm, cohesive crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling: While the crust cools, prepare the creamy layer. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened full-fat cream cheese on medium speed until it is light, smooth, and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 minutes. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, then continue to beat for another minute until well combined and lump-free. With a spatula, gently fold in the completely thawed whipped topping until no streaks remain and the mixture is uniform. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped topping.
4. Assemble the Middle Layer: Evenly spread the cheesecake filling over the *completely cooled* graham cracker crust. It’s essential that the crust is cool to prevent the filling from melting. Take extra care to spread the filling all the way to the edges of the pan, ensuring that no part of the graham cracker crust remains exposed. This acts as a protective seal, preventing the Jell-O layer from seeping through and making the crust soggy. Once spread, place the pan in the freezer while you quickly prepare the final Jell-O layer.
5. Prepare the Raspberry Jell-O Layer: Bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil. In a large bowl, add the 6-ounce package of raspberry gelatin mix. Pour the boiling water over the gelatin and whisk briskly and continuously for at least 2 minutes until the gelatin powder is completely dissolved. Immediately add the entire bag of frozen raspberries and stir gently until they are evenly distributed. Do not let this mixture sit for long; the frozen raspberries will quickly begin to cool and set the gelatin.
6. Finish Assembling: Remove the pan from the freezer. Carefully and immediately pour the raspberry Jell-O mixture over the chilled cream cheese layer, smoothing it out gently with a spatula to create an even top layer. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the dessert is completely set and firm.
7. Serve: To serve, cut the chilled dessert into bars. For approximately 40 small servings, cut 8 rows by 5 rows. You can, of course, adjust the size of the bars to your preference for larger portions. Enjoy your vibrant and delicious Raspberry Jello Dessert!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Cream Cheese Quality: For the most luxurious and stable cheesecake layer, always opt for full-fat, brick-style cream cheese. Reduced-fat versions tend to be less rich in flavor and significantly thinner in consistency, which can compromise the dessert’s structure and taste. Premium brands like Philadelphia Cream Cheese® are highly recommended for their consistent quality.

• Softening Cream Cheese Tip: To achieve perfectly softened cream cheese for a lump-free filling, unwrap the entire brick and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 10-15 seconds, then flip it over and microwave for another 10-15 seconds if it’s still firm. The goal is room temperature softness, not melting. Be careful not to overheat it.

Note 2: Whipped Topping Choice: This dessert relies on the full fat content of whipped topping to achieve its proper thickness and set. Lower-fat or sugar-free whipped toppings often result in a watery filling that doesn’t firm up correctly, potentially leading to a soggy crust. Stick to original, full-fat whipped topping for the best structural integrity and flavor.

Storage: These delightful bars are best enjoyed within 1-2 days of preparation. Beyond this period, you might notice a slight weeping or liquid seepage from the layers, affecting the texture. Freezing this dessert is not recommended, as it doesn’t thaw well, often leading to a compromised texture in both the cream cheese and Jello layers. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Serving: 1 bar |
Calories: 115kcal |
Carbohydrates: 16.1g |
Protein: 1.2g |
Fat: 5.3g |
Cholesterol: 12mg |
Sodium: 75.2mg |
Fiber: 0.6g |
Sugar: 12.5g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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