Do you like gelatin desserts? Good, because I’ve got 31 delicious old-school Jell-O recipes to scratch your sweet-craving itch after a single wobbly bite.
Have you ever wondered why pretty much every hospital has Jell-O on the menu? Besides the obvious sugar content and calories, this gel-like sweetness is also packed with protein.
So, without any shred of guilt, let’s explore the most satisfying sugary Jell-O recipes, ever.
Table of Contents
What Is the Best Fruit to Put in Jello?
Strawberry and orange are by far the most popular Jell-O flavors.
But, many other fruits can be used to make this delicious treat. Peaches, lemons, apples, and berries are some other tasty options.
There are some precautions, though. Some fruits can cause trouble with the process of solidifying the gelatin. Those include figs, guava, papaya, mangoes, pineapples, and kiwi.
Also, make sure that the gelatin does not contain excess juices.
That means that you should thaw frozen fruits, drain canned pieces, and cut your fresh fruits into smaller pieces before combining.
What’s the Best Way to Make Jello?
The thing you need to be the most concerned with when making Jell-O is that the gelatin sets well.
If you’re making it from a box, just follow the instructions. If you’re making it from scratch, you need to master the perfect technique. And here is how.
First, stir the gelatin with cold water. Then, stir in some hot (not boiling!) water. Add the fruit juice. Pour into your mould of choice. Add fruits. Cover. And keep it in the fridge for a few hours.
Jello Salad Recipes
Is classic Jell-O too boring for you? Then these uniquely loaded and flavorful gelatine salad recipes will be so much fun to make. And eat!
1. Orange Jello Salad
Source: littlesunnykitchen.com
Besides the orange Jell-O, this salad is packed with pineapples, coconut, mandarin oranges, cottage cheese and mini marshmallows. And tons of creaminess.
This different dessert tastes like an orange creamsicle and only takes 10 minutes to whip up.
Check out these other lovely cottage cheese recipes.
2. Rainbow Jello Salad
Source: thatskinnychickcanbake.com
All you need for this colorful dessert is sweetened condensed milk, five packets of gelatin, and five different flavors and colors of Jell-O.
Stack them up starting from the darkest color, then work your way up until you have the lightest one on top. Classic rainbow-style.
3. Coca-Cola Salad
Source: ramshacklepantry.com
Retro-inspired and loaded with flavor, this delicious dessert features cherry Jell-O, walnuts, pineapple, cool whip, and yes, coke.
It is soft, wobbly, crunchy, fruity, cool, and a bit fizzy on your tongue.
4. Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Source: stateofdinner.com
A crunchy base of pretzels. A creamy layer of sweet cream cheese. And a jiggly strawberry Jell-O topping.
The gelatin topping on this strawberry jello salad also includes sliced fresh strawberries, so you can rest assured that this is one fancy dessert.
5. Cranberry Salad
Source: plattertalk.com
Loaded Jell-O salads. Shaped like a bundt cake.
It combines fresh cranberries, oranges, and apples. And it is only made with water, sugar, and gelatin. Yet, it is so rich in flavor.
This jello salad would make a tasty Christmas recipe as well!
6. Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad
Source: thegoodheartedwoman.com
Lemon gelatin. Crushed canned pineapples. And shredded carrots. This “sunshine Jell-O” is an old-fashioned recipe that you will love to put on your modern table.
Make sure to use canned pineapple for this recipe. The fresh one will prevent the Jell-O from setting properly.
7. Dr Pepper Jello Salad
Source: spendwithpennies.com
With a jiggly, retro look on your table, this salad will be a real crowd-pleaser.
It is fruity, fizzy, and loaded with crunchy pecans and soft maraschino cherries.
8. Lemon and Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad
Source: 24bite.com
Only five minutes to prep and it has only three ingredients. It is cool, refreshing, fruity, sweet, and super delicious.
Canned mandarins, lemon Jell-O, and cool whip!
This fluff salad is a must-have potluck recipe.
Jello Shot Recipes
Whether with alcohol or not, jello shots are an all-time party favorite. Here are my top six choices.
9. Pink Starburst Jello Shots
Source: conservamome.com
Vodka-loaded pink shots. Topped with a starburst candy. With the texture of a strawberry Jell-O.
An only-adults treat that will be a real hit at your next house party.
Sweet, fruity, with a strong vodka punch to have you reach for another shot before even putting down the glass.
10. Pina Colada Jello Shots
Source: mooshujenne.com
“If you like pina coladas…” Then make these pineapple Jell-O shots with rum and coconut.
These cocktail-inspired Jell-O shots are perfect for an outdoor summer party.
They are topped with coconut. And come with a maraschino cherry on top.
11. Shark Beach Jello Shots
Source: mooshujenne.com
Serving Jell-O shots at a family reunion? Then these kid-friendly non-alcoholic shark treats should definitely be on the table, too.
Blue Jell-O, topped with a blue shark gummy, and sprinkled with crumbled Graham Crackers. For the ocean, beach, and the hungry shark attacks!
12. Moscow Mule Jello Shots
Source: ramshacklepantry.com
Ginger beer, vodka, and lime Jell-O.
They surely add that oomph to every gathering. But they’re also super tasty, too.
A real adult treat, everyone will be asking you for the recipe.
The grated ginger root adds a touch of spiciness that makes everything come together.
13. Champagne Jello Shots
Source: freshaprilflours.com
Are you looking for some booze treats for your fancy party? Then you cannot go wrong with these champagne gel-like shots.
Colorless, bubbly, and loaded with alcohol.
There’s vodka, champagne, flavored seltzer, and plain gelatin.
If you want to give them color, skip the flavored seltzer and just use some fruity Jell-O instead.
14. Blue Hawaiian Jello Shots
Source: easypartycocktails.com
Rum-spiked Jell-O shots for a bit of pizzazz at your next party!
Made with blue raspberry Jell-O and coconut rum, there is nothing but exotic flavors in these boozy treats.
Plus, there’s a cherry on top and a small pineapple cube for garnish.
Jello Cake Recipes
Jelly cakes are making a huge comeback! These gelatine-y retro desserts will fluff up a party in no time. Here are the best melt-in-your-mouth jell-O cakes for a tasty treat.
15. Strawberry Jello Angel Food Cake
Source: cookingwithk.net
All you need is your usual Angel Food cake (yes, you can even buy it, if you want to cheat!) strawberry Jell-O, and whipped cream.
Poke holes in your cake and press down in the prepared Jell-O. Chill for a few hours. Then simply frost with whipped cream, and voila!
16. Lemon Jello Cake
Source: hotrodsrecipes.com
With some eggs, yellow cake mix, and lemon Jell-O, you can create a moist, flavorful, and super delicious cake. In no time!
The recipe includes a sugary lemon drizzle, but that is totally optional. I love this cake even without any toppings. And I’m sure you will too.
17. Raspberry Cake
Source: aseasonedgreeting.com
Vanilla cake loaded with raspberry Jell-O and frosted with a silky cream cheese frosting.
Plus, the most intense red color you’ve ever seen on a cake.
Have extra eggs? Check out these leftover egg yolk recipes.
18. Strawberry Poke Cake
Source: crayonsandcravings.com
All you need is a cake mix, a Jell-O, and some cool whip. And just like that, a proper, even frosted, shortcake is on your table!
Of course, if you prefer making things from scratch, you can use your favorite vanilla cake recipe here.
19. Red White Blue Jello Cheesecake
Source: all-thats-jas.com
Strawberry Jell-O, blueberry Jell-O, and a light cream cheese filling.
Fluffy and light, this cheesecake has a base of Graham crackers, two layers of filling, and one of each Jell-O flavor.
Of course, you don’t have to go all patriotic with this one. You can easily use the colors and flavors of your choice.
20. Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
Source: whiskingupyum.com
The name is strawberry crunch, but it’s more of a strawberry creaminess.
Because the interior of this cake is a melt-in-your-mouth delightfulness.
The crunchy part comes from the base. It is made of crushed Oreos and dried strawberries. And it is as crispy as it sounds.
Jello Pudding Recipes
If you have some Jell-O pudding at home, these recipes offer you a great use for this sweet treat.
21. Chocolate Jello Pudding Pie
Source: littlesunnykitchen.com
All you need is a store-bought Oreo pie crust. Mix some chocolate Jell-O pudding with whipped cream. Fill the pie with the mixture. Top with more whipped cream. And chill!
22. Jello Pudding Pops
Source: myorganizedchaos.net
A mix between ice cream and a popsicle, these pudding pops will bring back childhood memories.
Well, whether you have or haven’t tried them, this recipe recreates this delightful treat. And I’m sure you’ll love it.
Cold cream with an intense banana flavor? What’s not to like?
23. Pumpkin Cheesecake Jello Pudding
Source: mooreorlesscooking.com
A pumpkin cake, poked and then filled with cheesecake Jell-O.
This recipe uses a pre-made cake mix, but you can use your favorite pound-cake recipe and make it from scratch.
Frosted with whipped cream and chilled to a refreshing perfection.
This Jello cake is sure to become one of the most popular fall desserts.
Best Jello Recipes
If you don’t have time for experimenting and are just getting started with Jell-O recipes, here are the absolute best recipes to get your head in the game.
24. Jello Cookies
Source: howtomakeeasycookies.com
These cookies may look too colorful and play-doh-like to be eaten, but they are incredibly tasty!
Haven’t tried folding Jell-O packages into your cookie dough? Then you’re in for some exciting flavors to discover!
Sugary cookies, flavored and colored by choice. A dream come true for every kid!
25. Strawberry Pie
Source: momfoodie.com
Bake a pie crust. Fill it up with fresh strawberry slices. Pour over prepared strawberry Jell-O. And refrigerate for a few hours until set. Yup, that’s it!
This is one of those “why haven’t I discovered this before” recipes. Because it is unique, interesting, and yet so simple.
26. Coffee Jello Parfait
Source: freshaprilflours.com
These coffee Jell-O parfaits are a tasty and one-of-a-kind way to get your caffeine fix.
Perfect as a fun treats after a backyard summer dinner.
27. Coconut Jelly
Source: lowcarbyum.com
Following a Keto diet? This recipe gives a jolt of protein, a bit of sweetness to satisfy your sweet tooth, and lots of healthy fats.
Gelatin, coconut cream, coconut stevia drops, and a flavoring of choice. This recipe uses vanilla. Feel free to swap with your desired taste.
28. Jello Roll-Ups
Source: amandascookin.com
Sticky, flavorful, sweet, and with the most intense color ever. These roll-ups are just the thing any children’s birthday party needs.
And, they’re really easy to make, too.
Mini marshmallows melted in Jell-O. Then chilled, rolled, and cut.
29. Jello Cream Cheese
Source: mightymrs.com
With a fruity base and a creamy topping, this is a dessert you have to try.
Cherry Jell-O and pie filling, mixed with crushed pineapple. Now, top that off with some whipped cream and yogurt frosting, and add some crunchy nuts for texture.
30. St Patricks Layered Jello
Source: thegoodheartedwoman.com
Layered or sandwich Jell-O for the softest, jiggliest, melty, and fruity indulgence.
This recipe uses the right greenish colors to celebrate St. Patrick’s day. But you can change that according to the occasion.
Once you give it a try, it will win a special place at your party table.
31. Jello Apples
Source: cookingwithjanica.com
Did you think about apple pieces covered in Jell-O powder? I bet you didn’t!
Well, that’s exactly what this recipe is for. And it is so delicious!
Sprinkled apples with sweet strawberry “crystals” will be your kid’s favorite thing to pack for lunch.