Broken Glass Dessert Recipe
Cook Time: 4 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Recipe Category: Gelatin
Recipe Keywords: Dessert, Low Protein, Christmas
Description:
This vibrant and colorful Broken Glass Dessert is a show-stopping treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. With layers of colorful gelatin set atop a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with a creamy pineapple mixture, this dessert not only tastes delightful but looks beautiful on the table. The variety of textures and flavors make each bite a unique experience, and the easy-to-follow instructions ensure a successful result every time.
Serve this sweet and refreshing dessert during Christmas or any festive event to wow your family and friends. The combination of strawberry, orange, and lime gelatin pieces within a luscious topping makes this dessert feel like a masterpiece that’s just as delicious as it is visually appealing.
Ingredients:
Here’s a complete breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to prepare the Broken Glass Dessert:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Graham cracker crumbs | 1 1/2 cups |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Butter | 1/2 cup (melted) |
| Margarine | 1/4 cup (melted) |
| Strawberry gelatin | 1 package (3 oz) |
| Orange gelatin | 1 package (3 oz) |
| Boiling water | 4 1/2 cups |
| Unflavored gelatin | 1 tablespoon |
| Cold water | 1/4 cup |
| Pineapple juice | 1 cup |
| Whipped topping | 1 container (8 oz) |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
The nutritional breakdown for this dessert will help you keep track of its indulgent but balanced profile.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 299 kcal |
| Total Fat | 13.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 20.3 mg |
| Sodium | 225.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 42.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugars | 36.3 g |
| Protein | 3.3 g |
Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to create your stunning Broken Glass Dessert:
-
Prepare the crust:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 13-inch x 9-inch x 2-inch baking dish to form an even crust layer.
Place the crust in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to set. -
Make the gelatin layers:
Start with the lime gelatin by pouring 1 1/2 cups of boiling water into a mixing bowl. Add the lime gelatin powder to the hot water and stir until fully dissolved.
Pour the mixture into a lightly oiled 8-inch x 4-inch x 2-inch loaf pan.
Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill until the gelatin is very firm, about 2 to 3 hours. -
Repeat with the strawberry and orange gelatin:
While the lime gelatin sets, repeat the same process with the strawberry and orange gelatins. For each flavor, dissolve the gelatin in 1 1/2 cups of boiling water and pour into a separate loaf pan.
Chill each flavor until firm. -
Prepare the unflavored gelatin mixture:
In a small bowl, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften.
Meanwhile, bring the pineapple juice to a boil in a small saucepan.
Once boiling, pour the hot pineapple juice into the softened gelatin and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly. -
Prepare the whipped topping mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, fold the cooled pineapple juice and gelatin mixture into the whipped topping. Be gentle as you mix to avoid deflating the whipped cream.
This will create a creamy base that will bind the broken gelatin pieces together. -
Cut the gelatin layers into cubes:
Once all the flavored gelatins (lime, strawberry, and orange) are firm, carefully remove them from their loaf pans. Using a sharp knife, cut each gelatin layer into 1-inch cubes. -
Assemble the dessert:
Gently fold the 1-inch cubes of gelatin into the whipped topping mixture, making sure not to crush the cubes. The colorful pieces of gelatin will create a “broken glass” effect inside the creamy topping.
Spoon this mixture over the chilled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly. -
Chill the dessert:
Place the assembled dessert back in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions:
Once chilled and set, slice the Broken Glass Dessert into squares and serve as an eye-catching and delicious treat. This dessert is perfect for Christmas, family gatherings, or any event where you want a refreshing, colorful dessert that’s a crowd-pleaser. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of fruit punch.
Tips and Variations:
- Gelatin Flavors: Feel free to experiment with other gelatin flavors such as raspberry, cherry, or even lime to add variety to the dessert.
- Make-Ahead: This dessert can be made up to a day in advance, making it ideal for parties and busy holiday schedules. Simply cover it tightly and store it in the fridge.
- Substitute Whipped Topping: If you prefer a more natural topping, you can substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream, though it may not set as firmly.
This Broken Glass Dessert is sure to become a staple in your holiday dessert rotation, offering a colorful and refreshing treat that everyone will love. Enjoy!
