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This recipe is a fun twist on a classic treat. I made this jello salad recipe for my family, and we all loved it. It is a mix of strawberry jello and a sour cream layer. The dessert is perfect for a sunny afternoon and works as a jell-o salad. The main details are clear. The dish serves eight and takes about 15 minutes to prep with a little boiling water and a quick whisk to mix the gelatin until it is completely dissolved. I’m so glad I found this easy jello recipe that even my kids helped with.
In our kitchen, we use boxes of jello from food.com and our favorite jell-o for a retro recipe feel. The first layer is all about the bright jello. Then you add the sour cream and whisk it into a smooth, creamy mixture. I even like to mix a bit of whipped cream into the sour cream mixture sometimes. This dessert is a layered jello dessert that brings back vintage jello memories from my childhood. It is a jello salad that is perfect for thanksgiving and christmas gatherings.
Ingredient Variations and Recipe Tips
You can change the flavor of the jello. Instead of strawberry jello, try lime jello or orange jello for a twist. Some days I use cherry jello or raspberry jello to make a colorful layered rainbow jello. I like to use a measuring cup to add the correct amounts of boiling water and cold water. A little tip: when you mix the jello, ensure the gelatin is completely dissolved so that there are no lumps of sour cream when you add the sour cream layer.
You might also explore mixing a bit of cream cheese or even greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a different twist. I sometimes add the sour cream to the jello recipe slowly. This way, the layers remain distinct, and you end up with a perfect jell-o salad. I follow recipe tips that I found on food.com. They tell you to use plastic wrap over the baking dish to help the jello set faster if you are in a hurry. This vintage jello recipe has so many options, and you can experiment until you love jello recipes even more.
Preparation and Mixing Methods
Make sure you have everything on hand before you begin. Get your jello mold or baking dish ready. I prefer a 9×9-inch pan for this recipe, but a 9×13 baking dish works well if you need more servings. First, prepare the jello mixture by pouring boiling water into the box of jello. Use a whisk to stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. This step ensures there are no lumps of gelatin when the mixture cools. Next, mix in a cup of water using a measuring cup.
After the jello is mixed, pour it into the dish for the first layer. Let it chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator to set up a congealed salad base. I check after 30 minutes to see if it is the right texture—a bit soft for the next layer. It is important to let it chill until it is just beginning to set. This is the first layer of our layered jello dessert.
Once the first layer is ready, you will move on to the sour cream layer. I like to add the sour cream slowly to make sure it sits nicely on top of the jello. Use a spatula to smooth out the sour cream mixture. If you are feeling creative, you can even add a dollop of whipped cream as the top layer. This method of making layered jello allows you to have a beautiful contrast between the bright jello and the creamy, tangy sour cream.
Ingredient Storage and Swaps
Keep extra sour cream in the fridge; it works great in many salad recipes. Sometimes I swap sour cream with a mix of greek yogurt and a bit of whipped cream for that extra tangy flavor. The sour cream layer is very versatile. You can also sweeten it a bit with sweetened condensed milk if you like a richer taste. These swaps help if you ever run out of your favorite ingredients.
If you do not have your favorite strawberry jello, check your pantry for boxes of jello in other flavors like lime jello or orange jello. Some people like to make a layered rainbow jello by using different colors. The recipe is simple and fun. I always keep a cup of water and a measuring cup on hand so I can quickly switch flavors if needed. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to set for 3-5 days.
Serving Ideas and Presentation
The dessert is best served chilled. I like to cut it into squares and serve it on the sides of the dish for a party. For a more festive look, garnish with fresh berries or a sprinkle of crushed pineapple. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of cranberry sauce on the top layer of jello to create a bit of contrast. It is a jell-o salad that not only tastes great but looks vibrant on the table.
During family gatherings, I serve this as a salad with sour cream. It is made for the holidays, like 4th of july, thanksgiving and christmas, when everyone appreciates the time and effort. You can serve it as a side dish or even a dessert. My friends have told me that it is an oldie but goodie when it comes to vintage jello recipes. It is an easy recipe that makes any meal feel special.
I sometimes serve the jello salad alongside pretzel salad. The mix of salty pretzel with the sweet, creamy jello is a classic retro recipe. It reminds me of when I was younger and made these treats with my own mom. I always use a sharp knife to cut it into squares and serve immediately. The presentation is simple but effective.
Family-Friendly Cooking and Enjoyment
I’m so glad I made this recipe with my kids. It is a fun, easy recipe that lets everyone help. They love stirring the jello mixture and watching the layers form. It is a simple project that brings us together in the kitchen. I even let them help with the measuring cup to add water and mix the jello. It makes the process interactive and fun.
The kitchen becomes a place of joy and creativity when you make a layered jello dessert together. Each step, from mixing the gelatin with boiling water to using the whisk for the sour cream mixture, becomes a shared activity. The layered jello is both playful and delicious. My kids learn the basics of cooking while enjoying the process. It’s creamy, it’s fun, and it tastes great when served with love.
I always remind them to be careful with hot jello and boiling water. Safety comes first, but the process is simple enough for even young helpers. They watch as I add the sour cream layer carefully over the set jello. The result is a smooth top layer that contrasts beautifully with the wobbly first layer. It is these moments that make our family time special.
This recipe is a fun jello recipe that brings together the best of classic jell-o salad and modern twists. The layers add both taste and texture, making it a hit at any gathering. It is a salad recipe that I’m so glad to share, and I hope you find more recipes to try. Whether you make a vintage jello salad or experiment with a layered rainbow jello, this easy recipe never disappoints.
I made this recipe for the holidays and during family dinners. It is an oldie but goodie that stands the test of time. From mixing the jello with boiling water to adding the sour cream and whisking until smooth, every step is filled with love. I’ve found this recipe submitted on food.com, and I loved it then and still do now.
When you make this dessert, remember the importance of each layer. The first layer is the foundation, the second layer adds the tang, and the top layer can be customized with whipped cream or even a touch of sweetened condensed milk. I appreciate the time it takes to let each layer set properly. Using a 9×9 pan or a 9×13 pan, the dish looks lovely when cut into squares and served on festive platters.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this jello recipe. I encourage you to try it out and share it with family and friends. Follow my newsletter and follow more recipe tips for more creative ideas. Enjoy making this layered jello dessert and have fun in the kitchen!
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Jello with Sour Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 9×9-inch dish 1x
Description
Discover a vibrant jello salad recipe that combines the refreshing taste of strawberry jello with tangy lime jello and a smooth sour cream layer. This salad with sour cream offers a unique twist on classic jello, blending textures and nostalgic flavors. Our detailed post shares creative variations and easy tips to perfect your jello dish. Explore the magic of jello, sour cream, and strawberry in a delightful jello salad experience!
Ingredients
- For the Jello Layer
- 1 package (3 oz) flavored gelatin (choose your favorite flavor, like strawberry jello)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- For the Sour Cream Layer
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- For Garnish (optional)
- Fresh berries, mint leaves, or a light dollop of whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Jello Base (First Layer)
– Dissolve the flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Use a whisk until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
– Stir in 1 cup cold water with a measuring cup.
– Pour the jello mixture into a lightly greased 9×9-inch baking dish or jello mold.
– Place in the refrigerator to set for 30 minutes. This first layer should be partially congealed, ready for the next layer. - Prepare the Sour Cream Layer (Second Layer)
– In a medium bowl, add 1 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup milk.
– Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. This sour cream mixture is key to a great jello salad.
– Allow it to come to room temperature if it was chilled. This ensures an even, smooth layer on top of the jello. - Combine the Layers
– Once the first layer is set, gently pour the sour cream layer over the jello base. This next layer of jello must be added slowly.
– Use a spatula to spread it evenly without disturbing the first layer. This creates a beautiful layered jello dessert.
– If you like, you can add a top layer of whipped cream or even a bit of cream cheese for extra richness. - Final Chilling
– Return the dish to the refrigerator. Let it chill for another 3 to 4 hours or overnight until both layers are firm.
– The dish is now a perfect layered jello salad with a clear distinction between the jello and sour cream layers. - Serving
– Before serving, garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a light drizzle of cranberry sauce.
– Cut it into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy this jell-o salad as a refreshing treat for the 4th of july, summer parties, or any family gathering.
Notes
Yield
– Yield:
Times
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 10 minutes (for setting the initial jello layer)
– Chill Time: 3–4 hours (refrigerator to set or let it chill for hours or overnight)
Servings
– Serves: 8
Type of Cuisine & Nationality
– Type of Cuisine: Fusion Dessert (jello salad recipe)
– Cuisine’s Nationality: American (with influences from classic gelatin desserts)
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximate)
– Calories:
– Total Fat:
– Saturated Fat:
– Cholesterol:
– Sodium:
– Total Carbohydrates:
– Sugars:
– Dietary Fiber: less than 1 g
– Protein: 3–4 g
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150–170 kcal
- Sugar: 16–18 g
- Sodium: 40–50 mg
- Fat: 6–8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3–4 g
- Carbohydrates: 22–25 g
- Cholesterol: 20–25 mg
