These colorful Jello parfaits are a great dessert to make for the 4th of July! If you have additional time, this recipe can be made in a glass casserole dish (9x13) and would have more layers.
Lightly spray parfait glasses with non-stick spray and wipe with a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Mix 1 package of Jell-O with 1 1/4 teaspoons (1/2 packet) of unflavored gelatin. Add 1 cup boiling water and stir to combine completely. Pour equal amounts into 4 parfait glasses. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
While the first layer is setting, mix 1 cup boiling water with the can of sweetened condensed milk in a small bowl. Set aside.
In another small bowl, combine 1/2 cup cold water with 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin. Allow it to stand for 2-3 minutes or until the gelatin has absorbed the water (it will appear grainy). Now, add 1/2 cup boiling water and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
Add the dissolved gelatin mixture to the sweetened condensed milk mixture and stir completely. Allow to come to room temperature.
When the first layer of Jell-O has set, carefully pour equal parts of the sweetened condensed milk mixture over the Jell-O layer and return parfait glasses to the refrigerator. Chill for 20 minutes or until set.
After you return the pan to the refrigerator, repeat the Jell-O step (combine 1 pkg. Jello, 1 1/4 tsp. unflavored gelatin, and 1 c. boiling water) with your next color. Allow to come to room temperature. Pour over the milk layer and chill for 20 minutes.
Chill for 20 minutes or until set. Remove and top with whipped cream if desired. Enjoy!
Note: As you go, if the milk begins to set up, place the bowl in a larger bowl or a shallow pan and add some hot water to the larger pan/bowl to keep the milk mixture from setting up.
If making in a 9x13 pan:
Spray a 9x13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray and wipe out the excess with a paper towel. Set the pan aside.
Follow above instructions for mixing the Jello and condensed milk mixtures. You will make the layers as follows:
Pour the first Jello mixture into the pan. Chill for 20 minutes.
Pour 1 cup of milk mixture (room temp.) onto the first layer. Chill for 20 minutes.
Repeat, until you have a total of 4 Jello layers (two of each color) and 3 milk mixture layers. It is important to start and end the layering with a Jello layer.
Once the final layer has set, you can cut it into squares or use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. If you run the knife or cutter under hot warm before cutting, you will be able to cut the Jello more easily.
By lalala... from Port Orchard, WA
This page contains the following solutions.
Pears and colorful gelatin can make an Independence Day dessert!
This video shows you the step by step instructions for making a layered jello parfait.
