35 Ways to Love Jell-O (Because We Know You Do)

Take your Jell-O way beyond the Jiggler with creamy pies, fruit-filled rings, layered tortes and frosted cakes. Home cooks whip up their super fun gelatin recipes, just in time for potluck season.

1/35

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Total Time 30 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 295 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
2/35

Pina Colada Molded Salad

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My gelatin ring gets a tropical twist from coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts. It's a wonderful anytime treat. Now that I'm retired from teaching, I have more time for kitchen experiments. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 331 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
3/35

Strawberry Banana Trifle

Total Time 20 min
Servings 14 servings
From the Recipe Creator: No matter where I take this dessert, the bowl is emptied in minutes. It's fun to make because everyone oohs and ahhs over how pretty it is. —Kim Waterhouse, Randolph, Maine
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 315 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
4/35

Sunny Peaches & Cream Pie

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This pie is as delicious as it is beautiful. It's not just a summer dessert, either. I also make it for the holidays, using strawberries and strawberry gelatin. —Lorraine Wright, Grand Forks, British Columbia
5/35

Cherry Poke Cake

Total Time 45 min
Servings 20 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I serve this cherry cake for holidays because it's so festive and easy. No one will know your secret is adding a package of cherry gelatin to a boxed cake mix! —Margaret McNeil, Germantown, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 245 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
6/35

Fluffy Cranberry Mousse

Total Time 15 min
Servings 20 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This is a delicious and pretty salad for the holidays, but it's so good that I serve it at other times, too. I got the recipe from a neighbor who had served it with a traditional turkey dinner. —Helen Clement, Hemet, California
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 150 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
7/35

Green Flop Jell-O

Total Time 15 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Get ready for fluffy lemon-lime goodness. My family calls it "flop Jell-O" because most of the time a clear gelatin layer that tastes like lemon-lime soda falls to the bottom of the dish. Try it with any flavor gelatin! —Michelle Gauer, Spicer, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 159 calories, 7g fat (6g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.

8/35

Creamy Blueberry Gelatin Salad

Total Time 30 min
Servings 15 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Plump blueberries and a fluffy topping star in this pretty, refreshing salad that was my mother's recipe. It was served at every holiday and celebration, and now my grandchildren look forward to sampling it at holidays. —Sharon Hoefert, Greendale, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 221 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.

9/35

Icy Holiday Punch

Total Time 10 min
Servings 30 servings (about 5-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Pull out the punchbowl for this rosy thirst-quencher that dazzles at Christmas parties. This fun prep-ahead beverage makes any occasion a bit more special. It's delicious with apricot gelatin, too. —Margaret Matson, Metamora, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 89 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
10/35

Mamaw Emily’s Strawberry Cake

Total Time 40 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My husband loved his mamaw's strawberry cake recipe. He thought no one could duplicate it. I made it, and it’s just as scrumptious as he remembers. —Jennifer Bruce, Manitou, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 532 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 85g carbohydrate (69g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
11/35

Blueberry Cloud Pie

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I always make two of these pies at a time because my husband and five children devour them! It's so light and fluffy, and the cereal-treat crust puts an extra playful spin on cloud pie. —Denise Heatwole, Waynesboro, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 374 calories, 26g fat (16g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
12/35

Rosey Raspberry Salad

Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Whenever I make this pretty raspberry salad, people talk! It's a festive side dish that works well for celebrations throughout the year. —Jane Vanderground, Macedonia, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 145 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
13/35

Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad

Total Time 30 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Salty pretzels pair nicely with the sweet fruit in this refreshing layered salad. It’s a family favorite that is a slam-dunk at potlucks. —Peggy Boyd, Northport, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 400 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
14/35

Stained Glass Gelatin

Total Time 25 min
Servings 15 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Kids love this sweet, wiggly gelatin and whipped topping dessert. Use different flavors of gelatin to make color versions that are as wild as your imagination. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 122 calories, 4g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
15/35

Strawberry Cookies

Total Time 55 min
Servings 3.50 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I learned to bake with my grandmother and mother. I knew I was giving them a sweet new family tradition when I shared this recipe with them. —Andrea Zulauf, Livonia, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 121 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
16/35

Cherry Gelatin Supreme

Total Time 20 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I was growing up, this yummy, easy dessert was always on the menu at holiday get-togethers. Years ago, my aunt gave me the recipe, and now when I make it for my family, I think of her. —Janice Rathgeb, Brighton, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 248 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
17/35

Rainbow Layer Cake

Total Time 40 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Fruity gelatin helps create the rainbow effect for this pretty cake. Lemon frosting is a nice and springy finishing touch. —Dawn Shackelford, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 444 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 377mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
18/35

Mango Gelatin Salad

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My Aunt Nannette often made this salad as a convenient make-ahead dish. The mango mold has hints of apricot and can be served with pork, chicken and beef—or for dessert. —Debra Sult, Chandler, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 227 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 147mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
19/35

Red, White ‘n’ Blue Salad

Total Time 30 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Our striking "flag" salad drew plenty of attention at our Independence Day party. The shimmering stripes are formed with distinctive gelatin layers. It makes you want to salute before spooning some up! —Laurie Neverman, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 179 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
20/35

Cherry Divinity

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: It's just not a party without these light and airy confections on my dessert platter. The recipe is versatile because you can replace the cherry gelatin with any flavor that suits your taste. —Crystal Ralph-Haughn, Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 69 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
21/35

Watermelon Pie

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This simple pie is so refreshing that it never lasts long on warm summer days. Watermelon and a few convenience items make it a delightful dessert that doesn't take much effort. —Velma Beck, Carlinville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 272 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 147mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
22/35

Tropical Rainbow Dessert

Total Time 30 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Classic ribbon gelatin salad gets an up-to-date makeover with this tropical treatment. Cream of coconut creates the creamy layers in these showstopping parfaits. I like to surprise my nieces and nephews with this Jell-O mold done in neon colors. —Dan Kelmenson, West Bloomfield, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 345 calories, 6g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 148mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (71g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
23/35
24/35

Peach Bavarian

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Fruit molds are my specialty. This one, with its refreshing peach taste, makes a colorful salad or dessert. —Adeline Piscitelli, Sayreville, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 249 calories, 5g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
25/35

Strawberry-Lime Bars

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Our family loves fresh strawberries, so I look for different ways to use them. This tempting, yummy dessert has sweet strawberries, tart lime and salty pretzels. —Alexandra Barnett, Forest, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 bar: 201 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
26/35

Patriotic Gelatin Salad

Total Time 20 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Almost as spectacular as the fireworks, this lovely salad makes quite a "bang" at our July Fourth meal. It's exciting to serve, and our guests loved the cool fruity and creamy layers. This salad really added to my patriotic theme. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 206 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
27/35

Fluffy Lemon Squares

Total Time 25 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A few handy convenience items hurry along the prep for these creamy bars with a vanilla wafer crust. They get their sweet-tart flavor from lemon gelatin, sherbet and pudding mix. They're not only fun to make with my grandchildren, but they're delicious, too. —Joyce Speerbrecher, Grafton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 285 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
28/35

Peach Gelatin Salad

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My mother always asked our family what we wanted to eat for holiday dinners. Without exception, our requests included this refreshing gelatin. Toasted walnuts give it a little crunch. —Dennis King, Navarre, Florida

29/35

Cranberry Jello Salad

Total Time 10 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Since this tangy salad keeps well, I make it a day ahead for my Christmas menu. It's also a great choice to take to a holiday potluck - even people who aren't fond of cranberries think it's yummy. I got the recipe from a friend at church who likes to cook and bake as much as I do. -Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 141 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

30/35

Apricot Gelatin Mold

Total Time 25 min
Servings 12 servings (1/2 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator: After my husband and I got married, he asked me to get this special holiday recipe from my mother. Mom prepared it for every family celebration, and now I make it for my family! You can replace peach with orange gelatin if you prefer. —Suzanne Holcomb, St. Johnsville, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 144 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.

31/35

Molded Cranberry-Orange Salad

Total Time 20 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I take this dish to potlucks during the holidays, people always ooh and aah. Feel free to top with whipped cream for added appeal. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 154 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.

32/35

Ribbon Jello

Total Time 40 min
Servings 15 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Layers of red and green make this festive salad a favorite during the Christmas season. Kids are sure to find it fun to eat, and adults will enjoy the combination of sweet-tart flavors. —Jenny Hughson, Mitchell, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 236 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.

33/35

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue Roses

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Eat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 33 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
34/35

Lime Gelatin Salad

Total Time 20 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Looking for a festive dish to light up the buffet? This pretty green gelatin salad is eye-catching and has a delightful, tangy flavor. —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 210 calories, 5g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
35/35

Jell-O Shots

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: A flash from the past to your good ol' college days, these gelatinous shots are simple yet delicious. Only three ingredients are needed to make these sweet, fun drinks: vodka, water and berry-flavored Jell-O. —Ceara Milligan, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 shot: 47 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 16mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.