Name: 1950s Magic Jell-O Dessert
Ingredients: 1 package (4 serving size) lime Jell-O; 1 package (4 serving size) orange Jell-O; 1 package (4 serving size) strawberry Jell-O; 1 package (4 serving size) lemon Jell-O; 3 cup boiling water; 1 1/2 cup cold water; 1 cup boiling water; 1/2 cup cold water; 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed

1950s Magic Jell-O Dessert

Chow down on some sweet nostalgia when you make this 1950s jello recipe. It's the perfect potluck dessert!

By: Addie Gundry, Cookbook Author and Food Network Star

6 Comments

1950s Magic Jell-O Dessert

By: Addie Gundry, Cookbook Author and Food Network Star

Let's take a step back in time, and indulge in this 1950s Magic Jello Dessert. This is one of those old-fashioned desserts that you'd see on nearly every dessert table in the 50s and 60s. Jell-O has found a place in many desserts over the years, but we like this recipe the best. With 4 flavors of Jell-O, creamy Cool Whip, and just a few other simple ingredients, this dessert comes together like magic. You won't believe your eyes when it's done! It's colorful, creamy and full of fruity flavors. Top this masterpiece off with a dollop of whipped cream and grab a fork because it's time to take a bite!

If you're looking for a fun and simple way to make old-fashioned Jello recipes, consider creating this simple cool whip and jello recipe. You'll love how easy it is to make.

Chilling Time45 min

CostInexpensive

Easy

Ingredients

1 package (4 serving size) lime Jell-O
1 package (4 serving size) orange Jell-O
1 package (4 serving size) strawberry Jell-O
1 package (4 serving size) lemon Jell-O
3 cups boiling water
1 1/2 cup cold water
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold water
1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed

More Jello Recipes from the 50s and 60s!
Looking for more vintage recipes made with this versatile ingredient? Check out our list of jello recipes for dessert. In this collection, you will find:

- Jello cakes and pies
- Cool Whip and Jello Desserts
- Fluff recipes
- Watergate salad
- And more!

20+ Easy Jello Dessert Recipes

Instructions

Prepare lime, orange and 1 package of strawberry Jello as directed on the packages.
Pour each flavor into separate 8-inch square pans. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Cut into 1/2 inch cubes; measure 1 1/2 cups of each flavor. (You can use the remaining cubes for garnish if desired, or for snacking).
Stir 1 cup boiling water into remaining package of lemon Jello in a medium bowl until dissolved completely. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water. Refrigerate 45 minutes or until slightly thickened (consistency of unbeaten egg whites).
Stir in 1/2 of the Cool Whip. Gently stir in measured gelatin cubes.
Pour into a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Refrigerate overnight.
Unmold and garnish with remaining gelatin cubes and whipped topping, if desired.

More 1950s Jello Recipes We Love

Jello became a popular ingredient in the 1950s for multiple reasons. First of all, the rise of the in-home refrigerator for middle-class families meant the cold recipes were much for accessible. This combined with an admittedly aggressive advertising strategy from Kraft pretty much guaranteed that jello wiggled its way into thousands of homes across the United States and more. On top of all that, jello is easy to make and jello recipes are usually just as simple. Both visually appealing and crazy easy, jello was easily a must-have at any dinner party.

Creamsicle Jello Mold - This amazingly tasty and oh so pretty recipe is right out of our vintage recipes cookbook.
Party Perfect Strawberry Jello - Made from a mold just like 1950s!
Pink Stuff Recipe - The name might sound bizarre but this tasty dessert was super popular in the 1950s. Make it and see why.
10-Minute Jello Cookies - Not all jello recipes need to be cold and wiggly. Check out these unique baked treats.

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15 Easy Jello Dessert Recipes

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AuntKarolyn

Feb 25, 2018

This 1950's Magic Jell-O Dessert is so much fun to make and serve. The only time consuming aspect of it is the time it takes for the jell-o to set, but it's not like you're slaving over a hot stove. Just put the pans in the fridge and go about your day for a few hours. My point is, this is an easy, fun recipe that results in a light, refreshing dessert that your family will enjoy.

Crafty Suz

Aug 31, 2017

I remember having this pretty dessert at a church New Year's Eve service when I was a kid in the 60's. I loved it. The memory of it has stayed with me all of these years! The colorful cubes of Jello was fascinating to me and the dessert was delicious. This is an easy recipe I can now make for my granddaughter.

Rnbowgrl

Apr 06, 2017

LOL...bustedinnc, I remember my grandmother used to make lime jello with carrots, pineapple and walnuts and sometimes with just cottage cheese. I think she and I were the only ones that were happy about eating it though. Jello is so good but I can never think of what to do with it...this recipe is so easy to make and is no doubt gonna be my new go to Jello recipe.

msdeb21

Feb 27, 2017

I think Jello recipes are fun. They remind me of my mom, because she made the best Jello salads with fruit. For some reason, I could never make it as good as hers.

bustedinnc 0512678

Feb 28, 2017

msdeb21, I don't think anyone can ever make anything as good as their mom did. I have several things that I make that my mom has made over the years. They taste the same but aren't as good. As far as Jello, it is fun! Unfortunately, I had a grandmother that kind of ruined Jello. She got stuff in that belief you could put anything in Jello and mold it. You can't, raw carrots do not belong in Jello...ever!

diannedummy 536482 3

Jan 26, 2018

My mom used to make a salad with jello celery and shredded carrots it was very good.