Jello 1-2-3 layered dessert was popular for years when Jell-O had a mix for it. The mix was introduced in 1969 and discontinued in 1996. You can still make this popular dessert at home.
You can make this fun dessert in no time at all. This is the perfect dessert for summer! It’s super easy to make, and since it is a refrigerated dessert it’s cool and refreshing.
Table of Contents
What’s in Jello 1-2-3?
This Jello dessert is made with the simplest of ingredients. You don’t need to look for anything exotic at all! You will need:
- 4-ounce package of gelatine, your favorite flavor
- ice
- cold water
- refrigerated whipped topping like Cool Whip
How to Make 3 Layered Jello
- Dissolve gelatin mix in boiling water in a bowl.
- Add enough ice cubes to cold water to measure 1 1/4 cups; add to gelatin mixture.
- Place in a blender, cover, and blend 30 seconds.
- Add whipped topping, cover, and blend until smooth.
- Pour evenly into four dessert dishes and refrigerate until set.
Why was Jello 1-2-3 Discontinued?
Many products come in and are treasured for a long time, but for no apparent reason, they are discontinued. This dessert was introduced in the 1970s but then discontinued in the 1990s. You could find this in 3 different flavors: Orange, Strawberry, and Mixed Berry.
After it was discontinued the folks at Jell-O were nice enough to put together a new recipe for us. Learn more about this dessert!
Now if only they would bring back those delicious chocolate pudding pops!
Can’t get enough Jello? Try these recipes
- Orange Jello Salad
- Lime Jello Salad with Horseradish
- Jello Salad with Shredded Cheese
- Jello with Marshmallows and Fruit
Popular Old-Fashioned Desserts
- Strawberry Pie Recipe
- Sour Cream Raisin Custard Pie
- Homemade Pudding Cake
- Bisquick Peach Cobbler
- Homemade Apple Crisp Recipe
- Homemade Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Mock Ritz Cracker Apple Pie
- How to Make Kool Aid Pie
- Mississippi Mud Cake
Be sure to check out more of my easy dessert recipes and the best copycat food.
Jello 1-2-3 Layered Dessert
Ingredients
- 4 ounces any flavor gelatin mix
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- ice cubes
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup thawed whipped topping (Cool Whip or similar)
Instructions
- Dissolve gelatin mix in boiling water in a bowl.
- Add enough ice cubes to cold water to measure 1 1/4 cups; add to gelatin mixture.
- Put in a blender; cover and blend 30 seconds.
- Add whipped topping. Cover; blend until smooth.
- Pour evenly into four dessert dishes. Refrigerate at least 20 minutes or until set.
Jeff
Loved making this for my kids.
Trish Towles
I made this last night, you only get the second and third layer, so my suggestion is,; buy 2 small boxes, make one as usual, put a small layer on the bottom of your jello glasses, let it set, then add the next to layers! Jello 1-2-3!!
Trish
Can I use dream whip? And if so can I just use it in powder form?
Stephanie
I don’t know how this would turn out, I have not tested the recipe with a dream whip substitution.
Trish Towles
Thank you Stephanie, I just went and got the cool whip! I didn’t want to mess it up!! It was amazing! Brings me back to those younger years!!!💜
Stephanie
I have not tested this recipe with dream whip.
anna wisner
Got all 3 layers, and I think it’s because we stirred in the cool whip by hand. Maybe the blender mixes it in too well? Thanks for a great recipe.
Gerry - BK
Wow, did my husband ever like this simple treat. It was just like he remembered from his childhood. I made this with orange jello and garnished with a little whipped cream for a nice light dessert. Thank you for sharing this quick and easy to make recipe that he is looking forward to making with the grand kids. BK
Stephanie
I am glad you liked it.
Elizabeth
I remember whipping the jello up in a blender with Cool Whip, pouring it into clear parfait glasses. Then refrigerate them and there’d separate into 3 beautiful tiers. All varying shades of the same color with the top layer foamy. Then topping with some fresh berries and a mound of fresh Cool Whip. It was beautiful, and tasty. This turned Jell-O into an elegant dessert for the family. I’ve been looking on line for the recipe,
Is my memory playing tricks on me? Isn’t that how it was done?
I’m looking forward to parousing “CopyKat.com” website. I will definitely try her Jello 1,2,3
Tara
If you’re going to just get two layers anyway you can just boil a cup of water and add the jello packet, stir to dissolve then add 1/2 cup heavy cream and mix. It’ll separate as it sets.
Dayna
I remember making a generic version not using the jello 123, it used cool whip and it was either cream cheese or sour cream, I can’t remember. I just remember creaming the cool whip with something else before adding it to the blender with the jello. Maybe someone else remembers this recipe?
Debbie
Fauna, my mom made this many years ago for the holidays with strawberry jello, crushed pineapple & cream cheese. I don’t remember if it also had cool whip but she dissolved the gelatin in the water, then mixed everything together. As it setup, it would create 3 different layers. I’ve been looking for the exact recipe for a while now.
Linda
Just made it and yes it separated into 2 not 3 layers.. Does anyone know if diet jello and the reg. Jello makes a difference, I will try reg. next time. Just didn’t have any in the cabinet.
Jim
The original JELLO 1-2-3 AND Cool Whip and Dream Whip which were used for substitutes contained a different thickening agent then. ‘PURE FOOD’ groups called for the removal of chemically modified ingredients and the manufacturers changed the the thickeners in their products – Cool Whip could be refrozen but now once you thaw it you have to refrigerate it and use it within a shorter time same for Dream Whip which could be frozen after making and thawed later but now you have to make it and use it within an hour.
Liz Nelson
My daughter loved this! She thought it was so neat that the layers separated.