This Patriotic Layered Jello Salad features sweet raspberry and blueberry layers with a smooth, creamy vanilla center. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a colorful dessert that’s perfect for summer celebrations.
This Layered Jello Salad is a fun and festive dessert (or side dish) that we love to make for the 4th of July (and lots of other times too)! My family absolutely loves this jello recipe and it really isn’t very hard to make. The raspberry and blueberry layers are so delicious together and the creamy layer in between is absolutely amazing! Just a hint of vanilla flavor and it pairs so well with flavors of the fruity layers.
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
- Perfect Patriotic Colors: The vibrant red raspberry layer, creamy white vanilla center, and bright blue blueberry layer make this dessert a stunning centerpiece for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any patriotic celebration.
- Fruity & Creamy Layers: Every bite combines tart raspberries, sweet blueberry pie filling, and a smooth vanilla cream layer for the perfect balance of fresh fruit flavor and rich creaminess.
- Great Make-Ahead Dessert: Since each layer sets in the refrigerator, it’s an ideal dessert to prepare the day before your gathering, leaving you with one less thing to do on the day of your event.
Ingredients in Patriotic Layered Jello Salad
Raspberry Layer
6 oz. pkg. raspberry Jello: Creates the vibrant red layer and provides the sweet raspberry flavor that forms the base of the dessert.
2 cups boiling water: Dissolves the Jello completely so it sets into a smooth, firm layer.
12 oz. frozen raspberries: Adds real fruit, natural tartness, and texture to the raspberry layer.
Creamy Vanilla Layer
2 cups whipping cream: Creates a rich, creamy center that contrasts perfectly with the fruity Jello layers.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the vanilla layer and balances the tanginess of the sour cream.
2 packets Knox unflavored gelatin: Helps the creamy layer firm up so it holds its shape between the fruit layers.
¼ cup cold water: Blooms the unflavored gelatin so it dissolves smoothly into the cream mixture.
16 oz. sour cream or plain yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that complements the sweet berry flavors.
2 TBSP vanilla extract: Infuses the center layer with a warm vanilla flavor that ties the dessert together.
Blueberry Layer
3 oz. pkg. Berry Blue Jello: Forms the bright blue top layer with a sweet berry flavor and festive color.
2 cups boiling water: Dissolves the Jello completely for a smooth, even layer.
21 oz. can blueberry pie filling: Adds juicy blueberries and a rich, fruity sweetness that finishes the dessert beautifully.
Tips & Tricks for making Layered Jello Salad
Full instructions in the recipe card below, but here are some tips that I find helpful along the way!
- Let Each Layer Set Completely– Resist the urge to rush the process. Each layer should be fully firm before adding the next, or the colors will blend together instead of creating clean, distinct layers.
- Cool the Vanilla Layer Slightly Before Pouring– After whisking the vanilla layer together, let it cool for a few minutes until it’s no longer steaming hot. This helps prevent it from melting the raspberry layer underneath.
- Pour New Layers Gently– Slowly pour each new layer over the back of a spoon or a spatula held just above the surface. This softens the impact and keeps the finished layers smooth and well-defined.
- Make It a Day Ahead– This dessert is even better when prepared the day before serving, giving every layer plenty of time to fully set and making slicing into neat squares much easier.
How long can you store jello salad?
Jello salad will hold up well in the refrigerator for at least 4-5 days. Because the layers take some time, I usually make this layered jello salad a day in advance of serving it, but you can definitely make it a couple of days in advance and it will still work perfectly!
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The gelatin and creamy vanilla layer don’t thaw well. Freezing can cause the Jello to become watery or rubbery, while the sour cream/whipping cream layer may separate and develop a grainy texture once thawed.
Patriotic Layered Jello Salad
Ingredients
Raspberry Layer
- 6 oz pkg. raspberry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 12 oz. frozen raspberries
Creamy Vanilla Layer
- 2 cups whipping cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 packets of Knox unflavored gelatin
- ¼ cup cold water
- 16 oz. sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 TBSP vanilla extract
Blueberry Layer
- 3 oz. pkg. Berry Blue Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 21 oz. can blueberry pie filling
Instructions
- Raspberry Layer: Mix raspberry Jello with boiling water for 1-2 minutes or until the jello is completely dissolved. Add the frozen raspberries and stir to combine. Pour into a 9X13 dish. Refrigerate until completely set (1-2 hours).
- Creamy Vanilla Layer: In a small bowl, stir the unflavored gelatin into the cold water. Set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, mix the cream and sugar together for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is hot. Add the unflavored gelatin/water mixture and continue to stir the mixture for about 2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and add the sour cream and vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture until completely smooth. Pour this layer very gently on top of the set raspberry layer. Refrigerate until firm (1-2 hours).
- Blueberry Layer: Add the blue jello to the boiling water and mix for about 1-2 minutes or until the jello is completely dissolved. Add the blueberry pie filling to the jello and mix until well combined. Pour on top of the creamy layer and refrigerate until completely set, about 1-2 hours.
- Slice the layered jello into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh raspberries work well, but they won’t cool the Jello as quickly as frozen berries. You may need to refrigerate the raspberry layer a little longer before adding the next layer.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes. Plain Greek yogurt or plain regular yogurt can be used in place of the sour cream for a slightly tangier flavor and similar creamy texture.
Why are my layers mixing together?
This usually happens if the previous layer hasn’t fully set or if the next layer is poured on while it’s still too warm. Make sure each layer is completely firm before adding the next.
Can I use a different Jello flavor?
Yes! Strawberry, cherry, or black cherry Jello can replace the raspberry layer, and you can substitute another blue or purple-flavored gelatin if Berry Blue isn’t available, though the colors may be less patriotic.
Can I make this in individual cups?
Yes! Divide each layer among clear cups or mason jars for individual servings. Just remember to let each layer set before adding the next one.
What type of fruit do you use in Patriotic Layered Jello Salad?
The recipe calls for frozen raspberries in the raspberry layer and blueberry pie filling in the top layer. This works very well, but you could definitely modify this a bit if needed. Fresh raspberries would work great in the bottom layer.
You can use fresh blueberries in place of the blueberry pie filling in the top layer, but just know that your top layer will end up being much more of an electric blue Jello color than the dark navy blue color that comes from using the pie filling.
Having a party? Try more great holiday party recipes here:
- Easy Cheddar Cheeseburgers are juicy, cheesy, and loaded with homemade flavor in every bite. They’re the kind of burgers everyone requests all summer long!
- Planning a birthday party, game day, or family gathering? These homemade Chicken Strips are always a hit with kids and disappear fast, making them an easy crowd-pleasing option!
- Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is the ultimate refreshing summer dessert for BBQs, potlucks, and backyard gatherings. An easy no-bake treat that’s always the first to disappear.
- Packed with crisp apples, juicy grapes, tender chicken, and a creamy dressing, this Chicken Pasta Salad is a budget-friendly favorite that’s always a hit at BBQs, potlucks, and picnics.
- These Blackberry Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect summer treat, bursting with fresh blackberries in every soft and chewy bite. A sweet addition to picnics, cookouts, or an afternoon snack.
- If your garden is overflowing with summer squash, this Zucchini Bread is one of the best ways to put it to good use.
Patriotic Layered Jello Salad is the perfect red, white and blue dessert for the 4th of July! This delicious jello recipe has a raspberry layer and a blueberry layer with a delicious vanilla layer in between!
Sandi says
I am super excited to try this recipe for our big 4th of July party!
Christina says
What a festive recipe! This is a keeper for sure!
Maggey says
Will this recipe still work with Greek yogurt? Wondering if anyone had tried it?
Nicole says
you can use greek yogurt in place of the sour cream of yogurt
Rebecca says
You should note that you will need a deep 9×13 dish. I could only do half of the top layer because it was full. 🤨
Still good, just with I had more blueberry layer.
Nicole says
Aw, yes, sorry, i often forget that not all 9×13 baking dishes are made equally in depth
Melanie Schmunk says
Did you use family size raspberry jello? The berry jello in recipe calls for 3oz. But the raspberry is 6?
Nellie says
Yes, use a larger box for the raspberry layer. The blueberry layer is mixed with an entire can of blueberry pie filling, so using more jello for the raspberry layer will yield layers that are more equal in height.