Lemon Layered Jello Dessert is a light and refreshing treat featuring layers of lemon jello, marshmallows, and bananas topped with a pineapple Cool Whip topping. Perfect for spring and summer parties, but so delicious you will want to serve it all year long!
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Whether you’re planning a spring brunch or a summer party, this Lemon Layered Jello Dessert is the perfect refreshing treat!
This light and zesty dessert features layers of lemon jello, sweet bananas, fluffy marshmallows, and a homemade creamy pineapple Cool Whip topping. While there’s a bit of waiting time for everything to set, this no-bake dessert is surprisingly easy to make and sure to impress everyone you serve it to.
Perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, or any warm-weather gathering, this no-bake dessert will brighten your table and have guests coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Stir jello powder into boiling water until dissolved. After 2 minutes, stir in ginger ale and chill until partially set, about 1-2 hours.
- Arrange sliced bananas in a casserole dish.
- Once the jello is partially set, add marshmallows and crushed pineapple (drained, with the juice saved for later).
- Carefully pour over the bananas. Chill in the fridge until firm, 4 hours or overnight.
- Cook pineapple juice, sugar, flour, and egg over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring regularly until thick. Watch carefully so the egg doesn’t cook! Stir in butter. Chill for 30 minutes and then fold in cool whip. Carefully spread over the jello.
- Chill again until ready to serve, at least 1 hour. Slice and enjoy!
Fun serving tip: Top with fresh lemon zest for an added flavor punch! Plus, it looks cute!
Equipment
To make this layered dessert, you'll need a saucepan, spatula, and a 9x13 pan. Optional, a zester to add lemon zest on top.
Timeline for serving at a get-together
- Night Before -
- Around 5:30 pm, make jello/ginger ale mixture and allow to set.
- 6:30 - 7:30 pm, mix together jello, marshmallows and crushed pineapple and pour over sliced bananas.
- Day of Gathering -
- At least 2 hours before you plan to serve, cook the pineapple mixture (see directions below). Chill for 30 minutes, fold in cool whip and spread over jello. Chill again until serving.
How to store this Lemon Jello Dessert
- Store in the fridge for 2-3 days. After 1 day, the jello and topping will start to separate some and get watery. It won't look as nice, but will still taste good.
FAQ
We've never tried whipped cream, but don't think it would hold up like Cool Whip does in this topping.
While we haven't tried any other jello flavors, Mango, Lime, or Strawberry would likely be delicious!
If you are a lemon lover, try our Homemade Lemon Sherbet next!
Lemon Layered Jello Dessert
Ingredients
Jello Layer
- 2 packages Lemon Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups ginger ale
- 1 cup mini marshmallow
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple drained to make 1 cup of juice
- 2 large bananas
Cool Whip Topping
- 1 cup pineapple juice from the drained pineapple
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoon flour
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup cool whip
Instructions
- In a pot on the stove, boil water. Stir in jello powder until fully dissolved. Allow to sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir ginger ale into the jello and chill in the fridge until partially set, about 1-2 hours.
- Arrange sliced bananas on the bottom of a 9x13 pan.
- Once the jello is partially set, add marshmallows and crushed pineapple (drained, with the juice saved for later). Carefully pour over the bananas. Chill in the fridge until firm, 4 hours or overnight.
- In a saucepan at low heat, cook pineapple juice, sugar, flour, and egg for 30 minutes, stirring regularly until thick. Watch carefully so the egg doesn’t cook!
- Once thick, stir in butter.
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes (don’t skip this step or you will have a soupy mess). Once cool, fold in cool whip and carefully spread over the chilled jello.
- Chill again until ready to serve, at least 1 hour. Slice and enjoy!
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!