Jello Pie Easter Bunny Parfait

The first time I made these Easter parfaits, I was rushing to prep dessert for a last minute spring brunch and realized halfway through that I had forgotten to buy proper serving dishes. I grabbed six mason jars from the back of my cupboard, layered in the colorful components, and something magical happened. Everyone spent the entire meal marveling at the visible stripes of strawberry pink and lemon yellow through the glass, and the individual portions made my guests feel surprisingly special. Now I can't imagine serving this dessert any other way.

Last spring my niece helped me assemble these and she took her job so seriously, carefully placing each gelatin cube and strawberry slice with the concentration of a surgeon. When we finally topped them with the marshmallow bunnies, she declared them the most beautiful things she had ever seen and insisted on carrying each jar to the table herself. The adults were just as delighted, and I loved watching everyone tilt their jars to examine the colorful layers before diving in.

Ingredients

• 1 (3 oz/85 g) box strawberry-flavored gelatin: This brings that classic pink color and fruity sweetness that reminds me of childhood birthdays
• 1 (3 oz/85 g) box lemon-flavored gelatin: The bright yellow layer cuts through the rich cream filling and adds a lovely citrus note
• 2 cups (480 ml) boiling water, divided: Essential for properly dissolving the gelatin so your layers set up perfectly
• 2 cups (480 ml) cold water, divided: Brings the temperature down quickly so you can get these chilling faster
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks, this creates that luxurious cloud-like texture in the creamy layers
• 1/2 cup (120 g) cream cheese, softened: Let this come to room temperature for at least thirty minutes to avoid any lumps in your filling
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the tart gelatin without becoming cloying
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla makes the cream layers taste like they came from a bakery
• 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, diced: Choose berries that are deep red and fragrant, as they will be visible through the glass
• 1 cup (150 g) fresh pineapple, diced: The sweetness and acidity of pineapple pairs beautifully with the lemon gelatin layer
• 1 cup (100 g) mini marshmallows: These little surprises tucked between layers add fun texture and remind me of ambrosia salad
• 1 cup (240 ml) whipped cream or whipped topping: The crowning glory that makes each jar feel festive and complete
• 6 marshmallow bunny candies (e.g., Peeps): Purely for the joy factor, because dessert should make you smile before you even take a bite
• 2 tablespoons pastel sprinkles: These catch the light and add sparkle that makes the whole presentation feel like a celebration

Instructions

Set the gelatin layers:

Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water until completely clear, then stir in 1 cup cold water and pour into a shallow dish. Repeat exactly with the lemon gelatin in a separate dish, then refrigerate both for at least 1 hour until firm to the touch.

Whip the cream:

Beat the heavy whipping cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form when you lift the beaters, being careful not to overwhip. Set aside while you prepare the cream cheese mixture.

Make the creamy filling:

Beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until completely smooth and fluffy, then gently fold in the whipped cream until no white streaks remain. This is the luxurious layer that ties everything together.

Prep the colorful cubes:

Once the gelatin is fully set, cut both the strawberry and lemon layers into 1/2-inch cubes with a sharp knife. Work quickly so the gelatin doesnt soften too much from your hands.

Build the first layer:

Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of each jar, spreading it slightly. Top with strawberry gelatin cubes, some diced strawberries, and a sprinkling of mini marshmallows.

Add the middle layer:

Add another dollop of cream cheese mixture, followed by lemon gelatin cubes, diced pineapple, and more mini marshmallows. I love watching the colors build up through the glass at this stage.

Finish with cream:

Add a final spoonful of cream cheese mixture on top, smoothing it slightly. Chill the assembled jars for at least 1 hour so everything has time to set and the flavors can mingle.

Add the festive toppings:

Just before serving, top each jar with a swirl of whipped cream, a marshmallow bunny standing tall, and a pinch of pastel sprinkles. Watch your guests faces light up when you bring these to the table.

Save

Last year I made a batch for my book club and one member confessed she hadnt eaten anything with marshmallow bunnies since she was a child. Seeing her face light up when she spotted that familiar little candy on top reminded me that food has this incredible power to transport us back to simpler times. Sometimes the most grownup thing we can do is embrace something playful and let ourselves enjoy it fully.

Make Ahead Magic

You can prepare both gelatin layers and the cream cheese filling up to two days in advance, storing everything separately in airtight containers. The morning of your event, just cube the gelatin and layer everything in the jars. I've found this approach makes me feel so much more relaxed when guests arrive, knowing the dessert is already done and just waiting for its final fluffy topping.

Jar Selection

Clear straight-sided jars work best because you want those colorful layers to be visible from every angle. I use half-pint mason jars, but any small glass vessel will work beautifully. Thrift stores are often goldmines for unique vintage glasses that make these feel extra special.

Serving Suggestions

Set up a little toppings station and let guests customize their own parfaits with extra sprinkles, whipped cream, or even crushed vanilla wafers for a crust-like layer. Serve alongside other spring treats like carrot cake cupcakes or lemon bars for a complete dessert spread that feels both coordinated and varied.

• Long handled parfait spoons make eating from narrow jars so much easier
• Small doilies or pretty napkins under each jar add an elegant touch to your table
• Consider tying a simple pastel ribbon around each jar for Easter brunch place settings

Save

These parfaits capture everything I love about spring cooking, bright colors and fresh flavors presented in a way that makes everyone feel celebrated. I hope they bring as much joy to your table as they have to mine.

Recipe FAQs

→ How far in advance can I prepare these parfaits?

Assemble the jars up to 24 hours before serving. Keep them refrigerated, but add the whipped cream topping and marshmallow bunny decorations within 1-2 hours of serving for the freshest presentation.

→ Can I use sugar-free gelatin and lighter ingredients?

Absolutely. Substitute sugar-free gelatin boxes, light cream cheese, and low-fat whipped topping for a lighter version. The texture remains delightful while reducing calories significantly.

→ What other fruits work well in these layered jars?

Blueberries, raspberries, mandarin oranges, kiwi, or diced peaches all complement the creamy layers beautifully. Choose fruits that hold their shape well and coordinate with your gelatin colors.

→ Do I need special equipment to get clean layers?

Simply use the back of a spoon to gently spread each layer against the jar sides. Working with slightly chilled cream mixture helps it hold its shape better when adding fruit and gelatin cubes.

→ Can children help assemble these Easter treats?

These are perfect for young helpers! Children can layer ingredients, arrange fruit, and place the bunny decorations on top. Supervise during the gelatin cutting step, then let them create their own jars.

→ What size jars work best for this dessert?

Half-pint (8 oz) mason jars or small dessert glasses provide ideal portions. Clear vessels show off the beautiful colorful layers—anything with straight sides works wonderfully.