We’re finally entering the best time of year for fresh berries, which means it’s the perfect season to share one of my family’s favorite desserts. This Red Raspberry Jello Dessert Recipe is a staple at our gatherings! It is always one of the first dishes to disappear!

This is perfect for summer holidays like the Fourth of July and Labor Day. We also love serving it at Thanksgiving!

Its bright flavor and beautiful color make it a crowd-pleaser any time of year. It really does make the perfect dish to bring to any gathering or bbq.

Although this easy red raspberry jello dessert recipe calls for frozen raspberries, I occasionally freeze fresh-picked raspberries just before making it.

The fresh berries add an extra burst of flavor and sweetness, but store-bought frozen raspberries work wonderfully too. You might be surprised to see applesauce on the ingredient list. It makes the texture so good and keeps this dish from being too sweet.

One of the best things about this dessert is how simple it is to make. It’s beginner-friendly, requires only a handful of ingredients, and can easily serve a crowd.

Red Raspberry Jello Dessert

Ingredients

For the Raspberry Layer

1 family-size (6 oz) package raspberry Jell-O
2 cups boiling water
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
24 oz frozen raspberries

For the Whipped Cream Topping

2 cups heavy whipping cream
4 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes

Fresh raspberries
Fresh blueberries (fun for patriotic holidays)
Other fresh berries of your choice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Jell-O Mixture

Start with a 9×13-inch glass baking dish, although any heat-resistant dish of similar size will work.
Pour the raspberry Jell-O powder into the dish and carefully add the 2 cups of boiling water. Stir thoroughly until the powder is completely dissolved and no granules remain.

Step 2: Add the Applesauce

Stir in the applesauce until it is evenly incorporated throughout the Jell-O mixture.
I prefer using unsweetened applesauce because the dessert already gets plenty of sweetness from the Jell-O, raspberries, and toppings. However, sweetened applesauce can be used if that's what you have on hand.

Step 3: Add the Raspberries

Spread the frozen raspberries evenly across the dish. Using a spoon, gently press and distribute the berries so they are spread throughout the mixture rather than sitting in large clumps.
The frozen berries will help cool the mixture while adding delicious texture and flavor to every bite.

Step 4: Chill Until Set

Cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours, or until the dessert is completely set.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream

While the dessert chills, prepare the whipped cream topping
In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks begin to form.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
For the best results, keep the whipped cream refrigerated until you're ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions:

Once the raspberry layer is fully set, remove it from the refrigerator and serve chilled.

You can spread the whipped cream over the entire red raspberry jello dessert before serving. Or, simply place it in a separate bowl and allow guests to add their own.

For a beautiful presentation, top each serving with fresh berries. Our family’s favorite combination is fresh raspberries and blueberries, especially for patriotic summer celebrations.

This refreshing dessert is light, fruity, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, attending a potluck, or simply looking for a make-ahead family dessert, this Red Raspberry Jello Dessert is sure to become a favorite.

For more of my favorite seasonal recipes, check out my Pinterest!

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Easy Red Raspberry Jello Dessert Recipe