How To Make Jello

For how to make jello from a box or homemade, check out this article that breaks down the steps so that anyone can do it. Fortunately, making jello is simple even when making it from scratch - just follow these directions, and you’ll have a fruity dessert in no time.

Jump to:

• 5 Easy Steps to Make Jello From the Box
• Tips for Making Jello Set Faster:
• How to Make Homemade Jello
• How to Make Vegan Jello
• Variations & Additions
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💬 Comments & Reviews

Probably one of the simplest desserts in the world, jello is also one of the most famous. It has even been called “America’s Most Famous Dessert.”

While many of us connect jello with our childhoods, it has been around for quite a bit longer than any of us! As early as 1845, people began experimenting with gelatin as a treat. It wasn’t until 1899 that it took off as a delicious dessert, though.

By 1900 jello was officially on the market and, by 1902, had already made $250,000 in sales! Over 100 years later, this simple dessert continues to keep shelves and pantries well-stocked.

You’re probably not here for a history lesson on jello, though, you are here to learn how to make your own j-e-l-l-o at home. Keep reading to learn the easiest steps to make jello from a box or homemade and don’t forget to read to the bottom for ideas on how to take your jello to the next level.

5 Easy Steps to Make Jello From the Box

While the steps for making jello are on the box you pick up in the store, you never know when you may need to confirm those directions. Things get lost in the cupboard, and sometimes that includes boxes.

If you ever find yourself in a predicament with a lone brown pack of an unknown jello flavor in the pantry, follow these simple steps to get the perfect pan of your surprise flavor.  

What you will need:

• 1 cup Liquid Measuring Cup
• Boiling Water
• Cold Water
• Medium-sized Mixing Bowl (preferably glass or metal)
• Mixing Spoon
• 9x9 Cake Pan or other mold(s)

How to make Jello from the box:

1. Pour the gelatin mix into a medium mixing bowl.
2. Add 1 cup of boiling water to the mix.
3. Stir until the powdered jello has completely dissolved (about 2 minutes).
4. Add 1 cup of cold water to the bowl and stir.
5. Pour the jello into a pan or mold and refrigerate uncovered until firm (about 4 hours).

Serve your jello plain, or add a dollop of homemade whipped cream or cool-whip for a truly American dessert!

Tips for Making Jello Set Faster:

Even though jello is super simple to make, it does take some planning to ensure it is ready when needed. If you find yourself needing a last-minute dessert and don’t have the full four hours to let it set, try this tip to help it set faster.

Use Less Hot Water & Add Ice-Cubes

• Use ¾ cup boiling water to dissolve the mix (instead of 1 cup).
• Add ½ cup of ice cubes to the 1 cup of cold water – this will help the gelatin cool down and begin to set during the mixing process.
• As soon as the gelatin begins to thicken, remove any leftover ice cubes and pour the mix into the pan.
• Place the pan in the refrigerator to continue setting. It will still take about 2 hours to firm up, so you will still need to plan ahead.
• If you are taking the jello as a dessert and need it to set within an hour, try placing it in individual molds or pans. Small ramekins are great for making individual desserts for each person and will set much quicker than a full pan.
• Uncovered jello sets faster when it is left uncovered. Therefore, it is suggested to leave it uncovered for the quickest results. If you prefer to cover it, loosely place a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the pan.

Do Not Freeze Jello

While popping the jello in the freezer may be tempting to firm it up faster, don’t do it. It goes from setting to freezing quite quickly.

Unfortunately, once gelatin has frozen, it is pretty much ruined. You can’t eat frozen gelatin; when you try to thaw it out, it goes from frozen to a mushy gel with no in-between.

How to Make Homemade Jello

While the jello brand has cornered the market on ready-to-go flavored gelatin, it doesn’t mean you can’t make your own homemade gelatin dessert just as easy as the ready-flavored packets.

Jell-O is simply gelatin that has been mixed with flavoring. However, gelatin can be purchased in its original unflavored form.

If you have made jam or jelly before, you have probably used this form of gelatin (or gelatine).

The fun part of making your own homemade version is you can make any flavor you want! Some even think the taste is better with the homemade version because the flavor from the fruit juice is more prominent than the powdered flavoring.

What you will need

• Medium mixing bowl (preferably glass or metal)
• Measuring cups
• Fruit juice of choice (almost any fruit juice will work, except for pineapple juice as it does not firm up with the gelatin). 
• Cold water
• Hot water (almost boiling)
• Unflavored gelatin
• Optional sweetener of choice: sugar, honey, agave nectar, stevia, monk fruit

Steps for Making Homemade Jello

1. Add ¼ cup cold water into a bowl and pour 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin over it. Whisk together until it begins to thicken.
2. Add ¼ cup hot water to the bowl and continue to stir (the gelatin will become more liquid).
3. Slowly add 1 ½ cups of fruit juice (use one flavor or mix flavors) to the bowl while slowly stirring.
4. Taste the gelatin mix and see if it is sweet enough. If needed, slowly add your favorite sweetener of choice. Begin with a ½ teaspoon and add more as needed.
5. Once you have reached the desired sweetness, pour the gelatin into your desired pan or mold and place it in the refrigerator to set.

How to Make Vegan Jello

Many people love jello because it is a low-calorie and fat-free treat. It even has collagen in it that offers many health benefits.

However, gelatin is an animal byproduct. Therefore, those who are vegan or even vegetarian are unable to enjoy this dessert.

Vegans and vegetarians alike can still enjoy a similar tasty treat though by using agar powder or carrageenan. Follow the directions above to make homemade jello and simply replace the tablespoon of gelatin with 2 teaspoons of agar powder or 2 ounces (¼ cup) of carrageenan.

Medical Note: Carrageenan is banned for human consumption in Europe, and has been linked to harmful gastrointestinal effects and cancer. Please read more about this product before choosing to use it.

Variations & Additions

Ready to enhance your jello? Try these tasty additions to take your jello beyond the basics.

Whether using the jello brand or homemade gelatin, follow the ideas below for fun variations on America’s most famous dessert.

Fruit Jello

While you can add any fruit jello, many fruits are known to float in jello. According to many, the best floating fruits are sliced apples, bananas, peaches, pears, and strawberries.

Sections of peeled oranges and even grapefruit also work well. If you want an extra touch of sweetness, canned fruits such as mandarin oranges or fruit cocktail in light syrup are also great choices.

To add texture, taste, and nutrition, simply add 1-2 cups of any fruit to your favorite gelatin flavor. If using a fruit that floats, stir in the fruit before pouring the gelatin into your pan.

Denser fruits may not float the same as others, but you can still stir them in before pouring the mix into the pan. Another option is to layer them on the bottom of the pan and then pour the gelatin on top.

Jello Cakes

Since gelatin will form to any shape it is put into to cool, you can use any pan of your choice. For a throwback to a 1950s style dessert, use a Bundt pan to create a jello cake.

Add an extra flair of fun by layering fruit on the bottom of the pan or even layering the cake with different flavors/colors of gelatin.

Jello Molds

Beyond a cake mold, you can make themed gelatin desserts using plastic molds. These are great for themed parties or celebrations!

Plastic molds can be purchased in all shapes and sizes from craft or cakes stores, or even ordered online. If you don’t have individual molds, you can make “gelatin jigglers” using cookie cutters.

Let the jello set in a 9x9 pan and then use cookie cutters to cut out individual shapes. Dip the cookie cutters in warm water between each cut to get the most distinct shape.

Jello Shots

While a shot glass may not be a fancy mold, a plastic shot “glass” is a classic way to make Jello an adult favorite. You can even make jello shot jigglers following the directions above.

Just make sure everyone taking part in the fun is 21 and over and don’t leave anything lying around that the kids may mistake for a child-friendly treat.

Layered Jello

Make a colorful jello dessert by layering different flavors. This option takes some additional planning for time, but it is just as simple as one flavor.

Choose which flavor or color you want on the bottom of the pan. If you are using a mold, such as a Bundt pan that you will flip to remove the jello from, this will be the color on top.

Prepare the jello or homemade gelatin as above and pour into the pan. Let it cool and fully set to a firm texture.

Prepare the next layer. Make sure it has cooled down before pouring over the top, so it doesn’t melt the first layer. Return to the refrigerator to firm up. Continue to follow these steps for all the layers.

Jello Desserts

Jello can also be a tasty addition to different desserts! There are jello pies, jello candy grapes, jello salad- the choices are endless.

If you want to make a dessert that features jello, my white chocolate Raspberry jello cake is heavenly!

Whatever form or flavor(s) you choose the most important thing to remember is - there is always room for jello! Tell us about the wonderful jello desserts you like to make by leaving a comment below!

📖 Recipe Card