This fun Summer Berry Jello Lasagna is a colorful treat that combines layers of creamy goodness, fresh berries, and fruity jello. It’s like a cool dessert party on a plate!
Perfect for hot days, this dessert is super easy to make. Just layer everything and let it chill in the fridge. Trust me; your friends will love it as much as you’ll enjoy sharing it! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This adds a light and sweet base to the dish. You can use a homemade cake if you prefer, or even a gluten-free cake mix if needed. I enjoy a vanilla-flavored cake mix for a twist on flavor!
Jello: Using strawberry or raspberry jello gives a lovely red hue to the layers. You can swap it for any flavor you like, such as cherry or cranberry, depending on your taste or what you have on hand.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are delightful and add a pop of flavor. If you can’t find them, you could use frozen strawberries that are thawed or even a mix of other berries like raspberries or blackberries!
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This creates a creamy layer. If you want to switch it up, try chocolate pudding for a different taste or use a dairy-free pudding mix for a lighter option.
Whipped Cream or Cool Whip: This helps lighten up the pudding layer. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt instead. I find it adds a nice tang to the mix!
How Do I Ensure My Jello Sets Perfectly?
Getting the jello to set well is key to creating those lovely layers. Here are some steps to help:
- Always start with boiling water; this helps the jello dissolve completely.
- After mixing in cold water, let it cool a bit at room temperature before adding it to the cake layer. If it’s too hot, it could melt the cake!
- Make sure each layer is set before adding the next. This usually takes about 30 minutes in the fridge, so be patient!
How to Make Summer Berry Jello Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake Layer:
- 1 package of yellow cake mix (plus ingredients required for baking)
For the Jello Layers:
- 3 cups water (for jello)
- 2 boxes (3 oz each) of red jello (such as strawberry or raspberry)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
For the Pudding Layer:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip
For Garnish:
- Whipped topping
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Summer Berry Jello Lasagna will take about 30 minutes to prepare, plus some additional chilling time of around 2 hours to set the layers completely. So, in total, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Most of that time is just waiting, making it a fun recipe to make with loved ones!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Layer:
First, bake the yellow cake according to the package instructions. Once it’s baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is super important so it doesn’t melt your jello layers!
2. Make the Jello Layers:
While the cake cools, grab two separate bowls. In each bowl, mix one box of red jello with 1 cup of boiling water. Stir them well until they’re completely dissolved. After that, add 1 cup of cold water to the first bowl and set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Assemble the First Layers:
Once the cake is cool, cut it into small squares and layer them neatly at the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Pour the first jello mixture over the cake squares, and then sprinkle the sliced strawberries on top. Now, pop the dish into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the jello set.
4. Prepare the Pudding Layer:
While you wait, let’s make the pudding! In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix with 2 cups of milk. Keep whisking until it thickens up nicely. Once thickened, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped cream until it’s mixed well and fluffy.
5. Add the Pudding Layer:
When the jello layer is set, pour the pudding mixture evenly over the jello and spread it out. Put it back in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to ensure it sets perfectly!
6. Add the Second Jello Layer:
After the pudding layer is set, repeat the jello process using the second box of jello. Pour it over the pudding layer, then add more sliced strawberries and toss in some blueberries for a pop of color. Refrigerate everything until fully set, which should take about 1 hour.
7. Top with Whipped Cream:
Once all the layers are set and looking lovely, spread whipped topping generously over the top. Decorate with extra strawberries, blueberries, and sprinkle those fun red, white, and blue sprinkles to make it festive!
8. Serve:
Your Summer Berry Jello Lasagna is now ready to enjoy! Cut it into squares, serve it chilled, and watch everyone smile with delight. Happy eating!
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Jello?
Absolutely! You can mix and match different flavors of jello for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the colors may vary, affecting the overall look of the lasagna. Feel free to try flavors like orange or lime for a fun summer vibe!
What If I Don’t Have Instant Pudding Mix?
If you don’t have instant pudding mix on hand, you can use a homemade version by mixing together equal parts of cornstarch and sugar, and then adding vanilla extract for flavor. Just ensure it simmers over low heat with milk until it thickens. This may take a little longer than prepared instant pudding but will still yield delicious results!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the layers looking fresh, avoid cutting too many squares at once and cover the cut edges with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular yellow cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix. Make sure the remaining ingredients, like the jello and pudding mix, are also labeled gluten-free to ensure the entire dessert is suitable for everyone!
