Broken Glass Jello Squares - Real Life Dinner

Broken Glass Jello Squares are so fun to make AND to eat! If you grew up in the ’80s or ’90s you, no doubt, had Jello Jigglers or Finger Jello as my mom called it. I loved Finger Jello and would ask my mom to make it for my birthday parties. She would do two different flavors and layer them in a big cookie-sheet-size pan, and then cut them into squares. Que me feeling all nostalgic. The other thing I loved for my mom to make for parties was Party Slush!

This recipe is a little twist on how my mom made “Finger Jello,” and it makes it even more fun! The use of multiple flavors contrasted with the white Jello really make it beautiful. You can tailor it to any holiday with the flavors you choose. I personally love the rainbow look, and it’s perfect for spring holidays like St. Patrick’s Day and Easter! It is so colorful and so fun! Your family, or whoever you make this for, will love it! Who can resist a beautiful square of delicious Jello?

More Nostalgic Treats from your Childhood

Step-by-Step Pictures of How to Make Broken Glass Jello Squares

Tips and Frequently Asked Questions for How to Make Broken Glass Jello Squares

what are broken glass jello squares?

You will find it called Stained Glass Jello or Broken Glass Jello. It is made from 5 different-flavored Jello squares mixed together with sweetened white gelatin. It’s chilled in the fridge, and then you cut it up into cubes.

can I follow the instructions on the jello box to make the Jello squares?

No. This recipe uses less water than is called for in the instructions on the box. If you use more than 1 cup of water per Jello box, the squares will be too diluted and hard to cut when solid.

can I use sugar-free jello in this recipe?

Yes, you can. If you are wanting to cut the sugar intake in your diet, sugar-free Jello is a great option. Although, this recipe will not be totally sugar-free because of the sweetened condensed milk.

Tips:

I like to get 5 different Jello colors to make it like a rainbow, but you can use any flavors you like.
Use similar-sized containers when making the colored portions of Jello.
Make sure to let the white Jello cool so that it doesn’t melt the colored Jello pieces.
If you’re making it for a dinner with friends or a potluck, allow yourself enough time in advance to make it. It’s easy to make but takes a little planning.

Chef’s tools:

Broken Glass Jello Squares

Beautiful, fun, and easy to make, these Broken Glass Jello Squares will be your new favorite Jello for holidays and parties.

Author: Maria

Recipe type: Dessert

Serves: 24-28 squares

Ingredients

5 (3 ounce) boxes of Jello or off-brand gelatin (I like to get 5 different colors to make it like a rainbow)
5 cups boiling water
2 (.25 ounce) envelopes of Knox gelatin
2 cups very hot water
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

Get five similar-sized glass or plastic containers and pour one pack of Jello into each of them.
Boil water on the stove or microwave and add 1 cup boiling water to each container. Stir well until all Jello powder has dissolved.
Place containers in the fridge and chill until they become solid--at least 3-4 hours or overnight.
After the multiple flavors have chilled and set, it's time to make the white part of the Jello.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, dissolve the 2 envelopes of Knox gelatin into two cups of very hot water. Once completely dissolved, pour in the can of sweetened condensed milk. Mix well.
This mixture will need to cool a bit. While it is cooling, get the 5 chilled Jellos out of the fridge. Cut them into small squares and pour them into a 9x13 glass dish. (See pictures in step-by-step photos above.)
When the white Jello is no longer hot--you don't want it to melt the colored Jello pieces--pour it over the colored Jello pieces and give it a gentle stir to ensure equal distribution.
Carefully place the Jello into the fridge and chill until completely solid--6-7 hours or overnight.
Enjoy!