Rainbow Jello Eggs

These Rainbow Jello Eggs are way more impressive than the effort they take to make. By layering different colored Jello into plastic Easter eggs, you get these striking striped ovals that make kids’ eyes light up at parties.

The nice thing is you can make them a few days ahead – they hold up great in the fridge. I like doing these for Easter gatherings or spring birthdays, but honestly they’re fun whenever you need something playful. The gelatin gives them just enough structure to hold their shape while still being wiggly and fun to eat.

Servings:
24 egg-sized portions

Real Timing:
Active prep: 30-40 mins
Setting time: 15-20 mins per layer
Total time needed: 6-8 hours

What you need for Rainbow Jello Eggs

How to make Rainbow Jello Eggs

1. Start by preparing your molds. If using plastic egg molds, give them a very light coating of cooking spray, then wipe most of it off with a paper towel – you just want the thinnest layer possible or your jello might look cloudy. If using real eggshells, make sure they’re completely clean and dry.

2. For the first color layer, combine one package of colored jello with 1/2 cup boiling water in a glass measuring cup (glass holds heat better than plastic). Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the crystals completely dissolve – hold it up to the light to check for any remaining granules.

3. Add 1/2 cup cold water and stir well. Let this cool for about 5 minutes until it’s still liquid but not hot anymore – if it’s too hot, it’ll melt the layers you add later.

4. Pour about 2 teaspoons of jello into each egg mold. This should fill them about 1/6 of the way. Place the molds in the refrigerator, making sure they’re sitting level (I use a muffin tin to hold them steady). Let set for about 15 minutes until firm to a gentle touch – if your finger leaves an indent, give it a few more minutes.

5. While the first layer sets, prepare the white mixture. In a bowl, sprinkle 2 packages of unflavored gelatin over 1 cup cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it looks wrinkled on top – this blooming step is crucial for smooth jello.

6. Add 1 cup boiling water to the gelatin and stir until completely clear. Mix in the sweetened condensed milk. Let this cool to room temperature – it should feel neither warm nor cold on your inner wrist.

7. For each subsequent colored layer, repeat steps 2-4, but before pouring each new layer:
– Make sure the previous layer is firm
– Add about 2 teaspoons of the white mixture
– Let it set for 15 minutes
– Then add the next color

8. Continue alternating colored and white layers until you fill the eggs. Each egg should take about 6 layers (3 colored, 3 white).

9. Once your final layer is set (give it at least 30 minutes), carefully unmold the eggs. If they’re sticking, dip the molds quickly in warm (not hot) water for 2-3 seconds – any longer and you’ll melt your designs.

The whole process takes several hours because of setting time, but you can do other things while waiting between layers. Just keep track of time – I use my phone’s timer so I don’t forget about them in the fridge!