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Crown Jewel Dessert
Crown Jewel Dessert, also known as Broken Window Glass Cake, is a whimsical, retro treat made with cubes of vibrant gelatin suspended in a creamy lemon-pineapple base and set over a buttery graham cracker crust. Popular in the 1950s and 1960s, this no-bake dessert mimics stained glass with its colorful jello cubes, offering both visual appeal and a refreshing, tangy flavor. It’s often served at potlucks, family gatherings, and summer celebrations for its festive appearance and nostalgic charm.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Chill Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 265 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 oz Orange Jell-O
  • 3 oz Cherry Jell-O
  • 3 oz Lime Jell-O
  • 3 cups water (boiling, 1 cup for each gelatin flavor)
  • 1 ½ cups water (cold, ½ cup for each gelatin flavor)
  • 3 oz Lemon Jell-O
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ⅓ cup melted butter ( or margarine)
  • 2 cups whipping cream (or 2 envelopes Dream Whip)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Flavored Gelatins

  • Dissolve each Jell-O flavor (Orange, Cherry, Lime) separately in 1 cup boiling water and ½ cup cold water.
  • Pour into individual 8-inch square pans.
  • Chill until firm, at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Prepare Lemon Base

  • Dissolve lemon gelatin and sugar in 1 cup boiling water.
  • Stir in 1 cup pineapple juice.
  • Chill until slightly thickened but not firm.

Step 3: Make Crust

  • Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
  • Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan (or line sides if desired).
  • Reserve 2 tbsp of crumbs for garnish.

Step 4: Cut Gelatin Cubes

  • Cut firm jello into ½-inch cubes.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Base

  • Prepare Dream Whip or whip cream until stiff.
  • Fold whipped cream into chilled lemon gelatin mixture.

Step 6: Assemble

  • Gently fold in jello cubes.
  • Pour mixture into prepared crust.
  • Chill at least 5 hours or overnight.
  • Before serving, loosen sides with a knife and remove springform ring.
  • Top with extra whipped cream and reserved crumbs if desired.

Tips

  • Use 16–18 ladyfingers (split) instead of the graham cracker crust for a lighter base.
  • Substitute flavored gelatin colors to match a theme (e.g., red and green for Christmas).
  • Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the lemon base for extra richness.
  • Use a glass trifle bowl instead of a springform pan for a stunning layered presentation.
  • For faster prep, chill jello on a sheet tray for thinner layers and quicker firming.

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 193mgPotassium: 54mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 556IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword jello, no-bake, retro, summer
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