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Easy Rhubarb Dessert with Jello

Easy rhubarb dessert with jello makes a bright pink, bubbling rhubarb layer that’s set and layered with a fluffy whipped topping. This retro-style layered dessert combines baked rhubarb, strawberry Jello, and a smooth cream cheese base for a glass-ready slice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
cooling and setting 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Rhubarb layer
  • 4 cup fresh rhubarb Diced into bite-size pieces.
  • 1 cup sugar Use for coating the rhubarb before baking.
  • 1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jello Dry powder stirred into hot rhubarb.
Cream cheese topping
  • 1 package (3 oz) cream cheese Softened so it mixes smooth.
  • 0.5 cup sugar For sweetening the cream cheese layer.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds flavor to the cream cheese mixture.
  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping Fold in to keep the top fluffy.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Bake the rhubarb layer
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Spread the diced rhubarb in the dish and sprinkle with 1 cup sugar.
  3. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350°F, until the rhubarb is tender and bubbling.
Set with Jello
  1. Sprinkle the dry strawberry Jello powder over the hot rhubarb and stir gently to combine.
  2. Let the dish cool completely to room temperature.
Make the cream cheese topping
  1. Beat the cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is fluffy and evenly combined.
Assemble and chill
  1. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled rhubarb layer.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set before serving.

Notes

For clean slices, chill until fully set (at least 4 hours) and serve straight from the fridge. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended because the whipped topping texture can break down. For a lighter option, swap whipped topping for low-fat whipped topping if desired, keeping the same chill time to firm the Jello layer.