Creamy Raspberry Jello is a light, refreshing dessert made with just three ingredients—raspberry Jello, vanilla pudding, and whipped topping. It’s sweet, creamy, and the perfect easy make-ahead treat for summer gatherings or holidays.
We LOVE jello! I’m guessing you feel the same too! Be sure to check out our AMAZING COLLECTION OF JELLO RECIPES here.
Recipe Highlights
- Only 3 ingredients: Raspberry Jello, cook & serve vanilla pudding, and Cool Whip come together to make a dessert that looks and tastes impressive with minimal effort and cleanup.
- Light and creamy texture: The fruity Jello, silky pudding, and airy whipped topping create a dessert that’s smooth, fluffy, and refreshing without feeling heavy.
- Lower calorie and low fat: With just 144 calories and 2 grams of fat per serving, this is an easy low-calorie, low-fat treat you can enjoy anytime as a dessert or a sweet snack.
- Make-ahead convenience: Since it needs time to chill, it’s perfect for preparing the night before a party or family dinner, saving you time when entertaining.
- Versatile presentation: Serve in parfait glasses for an elegant touch, layer in a trifle bowl for a crowd, or keep it casual in a serving dish with fresh raspberry garnish.
Ingredients in Creamy Raspberry Jello recipe
Jello: You just need 1 small box of raspberry Jello (the 3-ounce size). Feel free to swap this out with any flavor you want!
Vanilla pudding: You will need 1 small box cook & serve vanilla pudding (the 3-ounce size). Normally, you mix the pudding with milk, but for this recipe, you will use water.
Cool Whip: You’ll need 12 ounces of Cool Whip. Make sure it is thawed completely before adding to the recipe. If you don’t have Cool Whip where you live, or you prefer not to use it, you can make your own stabilized whipped cream (directions below).
Helpful Tips
Full instructions for making the raspberry jello recipe can be found on the recipe card below, but here are a few helpful tips.
- Double for a crowd: This recipe scales beautifully, so if you’re hosting a large gathering, double the ingredients and prepare it in a trifle dish or large serving bowl. Just keep in mind that chilling time may be slightly longer.
- Use cook & serve pudding: Instant pudding won’t set the same way when combined with Jello, and the texture will be runnier. Cook & serve pudding creates a smooth, rich base that blends perfectly with the whipped topping.
- Cool completely before adding Cool Whip: If the Jello-pudding mixture is still warm, the whipped topping will melt into it instead of folding in, which can make the dessert dense instead of fluffy. Let it chill fully for the best results.
- Try other flavors: Swap raspberry Jello for strawberry, cherry, orange, or even lime for a new twist. You can also match the Jello flavor with fresh fruit garnishes for a coordinated look and taste.
- Make it fancy: Serve in glass parfait cups, layer with fresh berries, or sprinkle crushed cookies or graham crackers on top for extra texture and presentation value. This simple dessert can look elegant with very little effort.
Storage Instructions
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best results, you can make the Jello-pudding mixture a day ahead of time and then fold in the Cool Whip right before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.
Freezing is not recommended, as it can cause the texture to become grainy once thawed.
Creamy Raspberry Jello Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small box raspberry jello 3 oz
- 1 small box cook & serve vanilla pudding mix
- 12 oz Cool Whip thawed
Instructions
- Add 2 cups of water to a medium saucepan. Add the pudding mix and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the mixture begins to boil, take off heat and add the Jello.
- Stir until well combined and pour into a large bowl. Let it cool in the refrigerator for about 3-4 hours. Whip in the Cool Whip with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Divide into parfait dishes and serve. I like to garnish with a few raspberries as well!
Nutrition
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Can I use sugar-free Jello and pudding?
Yes, sugar-free versions work well and will lower the calorie count even more without sacrificing flavor or texture. This makes it a great option for those watching their sugar intake or looking for a lighter dessert.
Can I make it without Cool Whip?
Yes, you can substitute freshly whipped cream. Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it in gently. Just note that fresh cream is less stable than Cool Whip, so the dessert may not hold its shape as long.
Can I add fruit to the mixture?
Absolutely. Fresh raspberries, sliced strawberries, blueberries, or mandarin oranges work wonderfully. For best results, stir in the fruit after the Jello-pudding mixture has cooled and partially set so it doesn’t sink.
Can I make this into a layered dessert?
Yes! Alternate layers of the creamy Jello mixture with fresh fruit, crushed cookies, or cake cubes for a simple trifle that looks beautiful on a holiday table or dessert buffet.
How far in advance can I make this dessert?
You can prepare the Jello-pudding base up to two days in advance. Whip in the Cool Whip right before serving for the freshest taste and fluffiest texture. The finished dessert will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
More delicious raspberry dessert recipes to try:
- Raspberry Meltaway Cookies are delicate vanilla cookies topped with a sweet glaze swirled with raspberry jam for a treat that truly melts in your mouth.
- This Raspberry Buttercream Frosting is the kind you’ll want to put on everything—soft, fluffy, and bursting with bright raspberry flavor in every swirl. It instantly makes any treat feel special!
- Raspberry Jelly Candy is packed with bold flavor in every bite. With 5 simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep, it’s an easy homemade treat that feels way more special than the effort it takes.
- Our recipe for Raspberry Vanilla Jello Salad is made with just 4 simple ingredients. Sweet raspberries, fluffy whipped topping, and a vanilla base make it a potluck favorite that disappears fast every time.
- White Chocolate Raspberry Bundt Cake is soft, rich, and bursting with juicy raspberries and creamy white chocolate in every slice. An easy cake that looks impressive but couldn’t be simpler to make.
- With fresh raspberries and buttermilk, Raspberry Buttermilk Cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or weeknight treats.
Light, fruity, and creamy, this 3-ingredient Creamy Raspberry Jello is an easy, make-ahead dessert that’s perfect for parties and holidays.
Mary says
Wondering about using lemon jello with lemon (rather than vanilla) cook & serve pudding (water instead of milk). Or would that be too much of a good thing? I love lemon! Has anyone tried that?
Nellie says
Great minds think alike!😉 We have tried it and you can find the recipe here: https://butterwithasideofbread.com/creamy-lemon-jello/
I did still use vanilla pudding though….the lemon flavor would be extra strong if you used lemon pudding, but that could be amazing…especially if you really love lemon!
Marlene Kearney says
Did you put already cooked pudding into the boiling water or the powder into the water?
Nellie says
Just add the pudding mix powder to the boiling water. Enjoy!