Name: Rainbow Jello Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15.25 ounces box of white cake mix; 1 cup water; ½ cup vegetable oil; 4 egg whites, room temperature; 3 cups boiling water, divided; 3 ounce box of strawberry gelatin mix; 3 ounce box of orange gelatin mix; 3 ounce box of lemon gelatin mix; 3 ounce box of lime gelatin mix; 3 ounce box of berry blue gelatin mix; Red, orange, yellow, green, and blue food color gel (5-7 drops each); 8 ounce container of whipped topping, thawed; Rainbow sprinkles, optional garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you love vibrant, fun desserts that double as a colorful centerpiece, you’re going to adore this Rainbow Jello Cake Recipe. It’s one of those nostalgic treats that brings a joyful pop of color and flavor to any gathering—even on a regular Tuesday when you just want to brighten the table. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make and yields layers of fruity, fluffy cake and jiggly, jewel-toned gelatin that’s as tasty as it is eye-catching.

I first made this Rainbow Jello Cake a few years back for a summer potluck, and it was an instant hit. People kept asking how I got those perfect gelatin layers, and trust me—this recipe holds some insider tips that’ll have you impressing friends and family. Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday, or just when you’re craving something a little special, this Rainbow Jello Cake Recipe is an absolute winner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Rainbow Jello Cake Recipe plays a starring role in creating those delicate layers and that fluffy, moist cake base. I’ve found that using room temperature egg whites makes a big difference in the cake’s texture, and being precise with your gelatin measurements really helps with those neat, vibrant colors.

White cake mix: Go for a high-quality box for the fluffiest, sweetest cake foundation that won’t overpower the gelatin layers.
Water: Divided between mixing the cake batter and dissolving the gelatin for perfect consistency in both.
Vegetable oil: It keeps the cake moist without adding any strong flavors.
Egg whites: Using egg whites instead of whole eggs makes the cake lighter and gives those layers more body.
Boiling water: Essential for fully dissolving each gelatin mix, ensuring smooth, vibrant layers.
Strawberry, orange, lemon, lime, and berry blue gelatin mixes: These classic flavors bring the Rainbow Jello Cake alive with freshness and balanced tartness.
Food color gels (red, orange, yellow, green, blue): Just a few drops add vivid depth to each gelatin layer—don’t skip or overdo it!
Whipped topping: Provides a cool, creamy finish that perfectly offsets the colorful gelatin.
Rainbow sprinkles: Totally optional but fun for a festive flair—like confetti on your dessert!

Variations

I love that this Rainbow Jello Cake Recipe is so adaptable, making it easy to put your own spin on it. Sometimes, I swap out flavors or tweak the thickness of the gelatin layers depending on my mood or the season. You should definitely feel free to customize it to your taste and event!

Variation: For a dairy-free version, try coconut whipped topping instead of regular whipped cream—I’ve done this for friend’s allergies, and it was a huge success.
Flavor swaps: If you want a different color palette or flavor profile, experiment with cherry, peach, or pineapple gelatin for a tropical twist.
Layer thickness: You can make your gelatin layers thicker or thinner depending on how bold you want the colors to stand out. I usually shoot for about 1/3 inch per layer for balance.
Alcohol infusion: For adult gatherings, adding a splash of flavored liqueurs like triple sec into the gelatin mixture can turn this into a grown-up party hit (just reduce the water slightly).

How to Make Rainbow Jello Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Perfect White Cake Base

Start by preheating your oven according to the white cake mix box instructions. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 cup water, vegetable oil, and four room temperature egg whites. I find that gently folding the egg whites in last helps keep the batter light and airy—don’t overmix! Pour this batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake it until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, usually about 25-30 minutes. Let it cool completely—this step is crucial so the gelatin layers stay firm and intact.

Step 2: Mix and Chill Each Gelatin Layer

Here’s where the magic happens. Divide 3 cups of boiling water evenly—1/2 cup each to dissolve the five gelatin mixes separately in bowls. Stir until fully dissolved, then add your 5-7 drops of the corresponding food color gels to amp up each layer’s vibrancy. Pour the first gelatin layer (strawberry/red) evenly over the cooled cake, then chill in the fridge until the layer is fully set but still slightly tacky, about 30-45 minutes. Repeat this step with orange, lemon, lime, and finally berry blue gelatin, layering one by one and allowing each to set before adding the next. Patience really pays off here to keep each layer neat and defined!

Step 3: Finish with a Whipped Topping and Sprinkles

Once all the gelatin layers have set, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake as a creamy, cloud-like finish. This step balances the fruity flavors with a touch of smooth sweetness. If you want to elevate the presentation, sprinkle some rainbow sprinkles on top for a festive, playful look that no one can resist.

How to Serve Rainbow Jello Cake Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with a large pile of flour with a soft, powdery texture positioned on the right side of a white marbled surface. Surrounding the plate are six small white bowls: one with bright blue sugar granules, one with light yellow liquid, one with red sugar granules, one with orange-yellow liquid, one filled with colorful round sprinkles, and one with a swirl of white whipped cream. There are also two whole white eggs and a clear glass bowl of water scattered near the top. The overall scene is neatly arranged with a bright and clean look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always keep a stash of rainbow sprinkles on hand to add that extra sparkle to the finished cake. Alternatively, fresh mint leaves or thinly sliced strawberries make a lovely, fresh garnish that pairs beautifully with the fruity gelatin flavors.

Side Dishes

This cake shines as a dessert star, so I usually pair it with light sides like fresh fruit platters or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream. For brunches, it’s fantastic alongside light egg dishes or even a citrusy salad to keep the meal bright and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to present this Rainbow Jello Cake Recipe is by slicing it into individual clear cups or mini jars for parties—each guest gets to see those beautiful layers up close! You can also cut the cake into fun shapes with cookie cutters to match party themes, which always gets a smile from the kiddos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I usually cover it tightly with cling wrap before putting on the container lid to protect those delicate gelatin layers from absorbing any odors. It stays moist and fresh, perfect for enjoying later without losing any of its charm.

Freezing

Freezing gelatin-based cakes can be tricky because the texture might change, but I’ve had some success wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freezing for up to a month. Thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture—though fresh is always better with this one!

Reheating

Since this is a chilled dessert with gelatin layers, reheating isn’t really recommended. It’s best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge. If you’re craving a warm dessert, this cake isn’t the best fit, but that’s where a classic warm fruit tart can come in handy.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix for the Rainbow Jello Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade white cake recipe if you like, just make sure it’s fully cooled before starting the gelatin layers. The box mix is a convenient shortcut, but a scratch cake works just as well and can add a personal touch.
How do I prevent the gelatin layers from mixing?

The key is letting each gelatin layer chill until it’s mostly set but still slightly tacky before adding the next one. This helps them stick without blending together. Patience during this step really pays off with distinct, crisp layers.
Can I make this Rainbow Jello Cake Recipe vegan or vegetarian?

You can make it vegetarian by choosing gelatin alternatives like agar-agar, though this may change the texture slightly. For vegan adaptations, look for plant-based whipped toppings and cake ingredients; it might take a few experiments to get the consistency just right but it’s doable!
What’s the best way to cut the cake without messing up the layers?

Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before slicing. Cut slowly and clean the knife between cuts to keep the layers from smearing.

Final Thoughts

Making this Rainbow Jello Cake Recipe always feels like a little celebration in my kitchen. It’s fun, colorful, and delivers smiles with every slice. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both playful and impressive but won’t have you stressing in the kitchen, this recipe is your new best friend. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a go-to for your special occasions (or even regular weekends!).

Rainbow Jello Cake Recipe