Celebrate the joy of color and nostalgia with this Rainbow Crown Jewel Cake. This no-bake, retro dessert combines vibrant cubes of gelatin set in a creamy pineapple-flavored filling, all nestled in a crunchy graham cracker crust. It’s an eye-catching, refreshing treat ideal for any summer gathering!
Ingredients:
For the Gelatin Layers:
- Orange-flavored Gelatin: 1 package
- Cherry-flavored Gelatin: 1 package
- Lime-flavored Gelatin: 1 package
- Hot Water: 3 cups (1 cup per flavor)
- Cold Water: 1 ½ cups (½ cup per flavor)
For the Crust:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: 1 ¾ cups (substitute with gluten-free vanilla wafers if needed)
- Unsalted Butter, melted: ¼ cup
For the Filling:
- Pineapple Juice: 1 cup
- Sugar: ¼ cup
- Lemon-flavored Gelatin: 1 package
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 2 cups
For the Optional Topping:
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 cup (sweetened with ¼ cup powdered sugar for decoration)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Gelatin Layers:
- Dissolve each packet of flavored gelatin in 1 cup of hot water, then add ½ cup of cold water. Pour into separate 8×8 inch pans and chill until firm.
- Prepare the Crust:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Allow to cool.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat pineapple juice with sugar until dissolved. Remove from heat, stir in the lemon gelatin, and add ½ cup cold water. Chill until syrupy.
- Whip 2 cups of heavy cream and fold into the gelatin mixture.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Cut the set flavored gelatins into ½-inch cubes. Gently fold these cubes into the whipped cream mixture.
- Pour into the prepared crust. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to set.
- Decorate and Serve:
- Remove the sides of the springform pan. Optionally, frost the cake with additional whipped cream, creating swirls or decorative patterns on top.
Prep Time: 30 minutes (active)
Chill Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Pro Tips:
- For a healthier variant, use sugar-free gelatin and low-sugar cookies.
- Explore different flavors and colors by substituting other gelatin flavors like peach, strawberry, or raspberry.
- Ensure the filling is just beginning to set before folding in the whipped cream to avoid lumps.
Conclusion: This Rainbow Crown Jewel Cake is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, perfect for making any occasion special. Its creamy texture, combined with the crunch of the crust and the burst of fruity flavors, ensures it’s as delightful to eat as it is to display!