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.
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 different gelatin flavors (e.g., raspberry, strawberry, or peach) to customize the color palette.
- Substitute crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread for the graham cracker crust.
- Stir a little lemon zest into the lemon gelatin base for brighter flavor.
- Use real whipped cream instead of Dream Whip for a richer texture.
- Add mini marshmallows for a fluffier filling.
- Fold in diced fruit such as mandarin oranges or maraschino cherries.
- For a firmer slice, chill the assembled dessert overnight.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers.
- Serve with extra whipped cream or a drizzle of pineapple syrup.
- Freeze for 1 hour before serving for a colder, more refreshing texture.
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
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