Today’s share is a fun throwback from the 1970s, Copycat Jello 1-2-3!
Copycat Jello 1-2-3 Layered Dessert
With just 3 ingredients using your favorite flavor of Jello, a tub of Cool Whip and water, you can recreate the 3 layers – a creamy layer, a fluffy layer and a fruity Jello layer…childhood nostalgia in a cup. Cool, creamy, fruity…delicious!
Jello 1-2-3 was a popular dessert from the 1970s. It was introduced in 1969 and discontinued in 1996. The fun dessert came in strawberry, orange, lime, cherry and raspberry.
WHO GREW UP ON JELLO 1-2-3?!
Last April I shared a fun Facebook post, asking what 1960s and 1970s food item had disappeared, Jello 1-2-3 was one of the top responses. So many people shared how much they loved and missed this old school treat.
There are several copycat recipes out there. Some call for using a blender, others call for using ice, there is also a recipe using homemade whipping cream instead of Cool Whip.
I opted for the easiest way to make the dessert, that was as simple as 1,2,3, and LOVED the result… fantastic!
This dessert is the perfect cool treat for summer, but fun to serve year-round and during the holidays.
Please Note: This is NOT a sponsored post. I have no affiliation with any of the products/companies shared in this post – JELL-O, Cool Whip, or the Kraft Heinz Company. I am just a fan of this throwback recipe.
Copycat Jello 1-2-3 Layered Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 large box of your favorite flavor of JELLO (6 ounce box)
- 3 cups of boiling water
- 8 ounce tub of Cool Whip (frozen)
Directions
Bring 3 cups of water to a boil, then add the Jello and water in a large heat-resistant bowl, stirring until completely dissolved.
Next, add 2/3 of the frozen Cool Whip (reserving 1/3 in the fridge to use later) to the Jello while it is still warm. Stir well until completely blended. Fill small clear glasses 2/3 full. I use 9 ounce clear plastic cups.
Place in fridge for 3 hours and allow to set.
When ready, add the remaining cool whip on top, dividing and spreading evenly in each cup/glass. Serve and enjoy!
*Recipe makes 6 servings using 9 ounce cups. Store in fridge.
Tip
Be sure to use a bowl or large measuring cup that allows for easy pouring. I used my large Pampered Chef 4 cup measuring cup for mixing – it was super easy and clean when pouring into the cups.
Thanks for stopping by!
Cheers!
Victoria
The trick is definitely mixing the cool whip in while the jello mixture is still warm. I found this recipe after already conducting my own experiment and second guessing my method, but im hopeful it is going to turn out.
Tim
OK, I am a little obsessed. I bought about 6 packages of various Jello flavors and have tried several recipes. The first using extra creamy Cool Whip and no blender. That came out with perfect jello bottom layer and a rather dense mousse layer on top. No good.
Then I used the actual recipe off an old Jello 1-2-3 package using jello and Dream Whip. Not bad but still only 2 layers. Then I did several attempts of the Jello sites hack recipe using lite cool whip. None produced the well defined triple layers. They do taste good though.
I would love to know what kind of dry chemical powder the food scientists at Kraft added to create the perfect layering. I bet they tried 50,000 times before they got it right. I’m going to cheat and make the bottom layer if regular jello first and then concentrate on creating the equal 2 layer mousse and frothy top layers.
Bobbi P
I think you might be misunderstanding the 3 layers. The bottom 2 layers happen in the refrigerator when the cool whip and jello “self separate”. The 3rd layer is when you take it out of the fridge and spread cool whip over the top of the first two layers.
Sarah Sorlien
With this recipe that is the case. The original Jello 1-2-3 made all three layers with whatever was in the box and water. The top later was not the same as cool whip at all, much lighter in texture
Gina
Oh my gosh, i remember this 1-2-3 jello, my mom used to tilt the cups in the fridge so the jello looked slanted in the cups. I am making this for Easter for sure!!
Lee451 Henderson
I used to make something similar but I used whipping cream. Make the jello, let itbstart to set up, then make your own whipped cream (whatever flavor you desired) and add that to the jello mixture. Allow it to finish setting up and you are good to go.
Debbie
Quick and easy – great to make again!😋
Cherre
Makes Jelo a more fun dessert! I remember it well and will have to make this! Thank you!
Debra Find
Can sugarfree jello be used?
Darlene chmoll
How about Jello Whip’N Chill?
Mary Neumann
I have not tried that one yet, Darlene, I’ll add it to my list.
I found this copycat Whip n Chill recipe you can check out:
https://recipegoldmine.com/dessgelatin/whip-n-chill.html
Betty
Can fruit be added? Mandarin oranges to orange jello.
Mary Neumann
Betty, check out this recipe: https://www.theblackpeppercorn.com/jello-mold-with-fruit-salad/
Carmen Montmarquet
Thanks, brought back memories, now my grand kids can have memories of their own!