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Few desserts capture the magic, color, and nostalgia of the holiday season like a beautifully layered Christmas Jello Pie. Bright red cherry and vibrant green lime Jello layers alternate with a creamy white filling, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. This nobake dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings because it is both simple to make and visually stunning. Kids love its bright colors and fun texture, while adults appreciate its nostalgic charm and creamy layers. Whether it is the centerpiece of your dessert table or a festive contribution to a party, this pie is sure to bring cheer to any celebration.
The first time I made this pie at Christmas, it was such a hit that family and friends kept asking for seconds. Now it’s become a tradition every year because it feels like un goûter de fête plein de couleur et de douceur.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: the base of the crust, choose fine crumbs for best texture if unavailable, you can mix digestive biscuits finely crushed with a touch of sugar
- Granulated sugar: sweetens the crust and balances the flavors
- Unsalted butter, melted: binds the crust ingredients together and adds richness
- Cherry Jello powder: provides the bright red festive color and fruity flavor, pick a quality brand for a clean taste
- Lime Jello powder: gives a lively green color and tart contrast to the cherry layer
- Boiling water: needed to dissolve the Jello powders completely
- Cold water: dilutes the Jello to set perfectly without being too stiff
- Cream cheese, softened: creates a smooth and creamy middle layer, French fromages à tartiner nature work well
- Whipped topping: adds lightness and volume, homemade crème fouettée or commercial Cool Whip are fine choices
- Powdered sugar: sweetens the cream layer with a delicate texture
- Vanilla extract: enhances the cream layer with warm undertones
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, festive sprinkles, maraschino cherries, or fresh mint leaves provide a pretty finishing touch
Instructions
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture feels sandy and holds together when pressed. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie dish. Use the flattened bottom of a measuring cup to smooth the surface and compact the crumbs tightly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least twenty minutes. For a firmer crust, bake in an oven preheated to 180°C for eight minutes, then let cool completely before continuing.
- Make the Cherry Jello Layer:
- Pour one cup of boiling water over the cherry Jello powder in a heatproof bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the powder has fully dissolved, leaving no visible crystals. Add one cup of cold water and mix again. Let the Jello cool for about ten minutes to avoid melting the crust or cream later. Pour half of this cherry Jello evenly over the chilled crust. Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to keep it stable. Refrigerate for one to two hours until this layer is solid.
- Prepare the Lime Jello Layer:
- Repeat the cherry Jello process using the lime Jello powder. Dissolve in one cup boiling water, stir in one cup cold water, and cool for ten minutes. Set this bowl aside until needed later.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
- Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and free of lumps. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing to blend fully. Gently fold in the whipped topping using a spatula to maintain a light and airy texture. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the set cherry Jello layer. Smooth the top carefully and chill for twenty to thirty minutes to firm the cream before adding the final layer.
- Add the Lime Jello Layer:
- Once the cream cheese layer is slightly firm, slowly pour the green lime Jello over it. To prevent breaking through the cream layer, pour the liquid gently over the back of a spoon so it drips softly rather than splashing. Refrigerate the assembled pie for two to three hours until the entire dessert is well set and firm to the touch. Your Christmas Jello Pie will now be a stunning tri-colored treat ready to delight.
I adore the cream cheese layer because its smoothness tames the sweetness of the fruity Jello layers. The first year I shared this at Christmas, the vibrant colors reminded me of my childhood Noël, each bite bringing back joyful memories of family and laughter around the table.
Conseils de conservation
Store your pie covered in the refrigerator. It will keep well for two to three days, but the Jello may soften if left too long. Avoid freezing Jello pies as the texture changes unfavorably.
Substitutions d’ingrédients
If graham crackers are unavailable, digestive biscuits crushed with a bit of sugar make an excellent crust base. For a lighter cream layer, try blending fromage blanc with a little cream and powdered sugar. You can use other Jello flavors to match different holidays or personal tastes, like orange and blueberry.
Suggestions de service
Serve this pie chilled, directly from the fridge. Add extra whipped cream and colorful sprinkles on top just before serving for an extra festive touch. Pair with a simple cup of black tea or coffee to balance the sweetness.
This colorful Christmas Jello Pie is an easy no bake showstopper that can be prepared ahead to reduce holiday stress. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy center and bright festive layers.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Comment préparer la base croustillante ?
On mélange des miettes de biscuits graham avec du sucre et du beurre fondu, puis on presse ce mélange dans un moule avant de le réfrigérer ou de le cuire légèrement pour plus de tenue.
- → Comment obtenir des couches jello bien nettes ?
Il faut laisser chaque couche de gelée prendre au réfrigérateur avant d’ajouter la suivante, en versant doucement pour éviter de mélanger les couches.
- → Quelle est la texture de la garniture au fromage ?
Elle est légère et mousseuse, obtenue en mélangeant du fromage frais, du sucre, de la vanille et de la crème fouettée.
- → Peut-on préparer cette tarte à l'avance ?
Oui, elle se conserve plusieurs heures au frais et gagne même en goût en reposant, ce qui facilite la préparation pour les fêtes.
- → Quels sont les ingrédients clés pour les couches colorées ?
Les poudres de gelée cerise rouge et citron vert, dissoutes dans de l'eau chaude puis froide, constituent les couches visibles et festives.