How to Make a Jell-O Mold That Comes Out Perfect (2024)

What’s old is new again. We’re all plunging into grandma’s recipe box for a delicious dessert, asking mom for help with a classic Sunday chicken dinner and even thinking about some old-fashioned dishes we miss seeing on the table—particularly Jell-O molds. There’s something about these wiggly, jiggly fruit-filled molds. They’re sweet, refreshing and—when they come out right—pretty to look at.

Now, don’t think that making Jell-O molds is something only Mom or Grandma could master. It’s just gelatin after all! We’ll show you how to make a basic two-layer mold filled with fruit and finished with a creamy layer—perfect for a side dish or light dessert.

How to Make a Jell-O Mold

Taste of Home

To make this strawberry Jell-O mold—one that’s sure to please—we’re taking tips from reader Gloria Grant of Illinois who says this recipe has been in regular rotation for years. To make it you need just a few ingredients:

• 1 package (6 ounces) strawberry gelatin
• 1-1/2 cups boiling water
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen, sweetened strawberries, thawed
• 1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened, crushed pineapple
• 1 cup sour cream
• Fresh strawberries to garnish (optional)

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Test Kitchen Recommended Products for Making Jell-O Molds

Tupperware Jel-Ring Mold

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Wire Mesh Strainer

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Glass Measuring Cup

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• Tupperware Jel-Ring Mold:New to making molds? This plastic mold from Tupperware is just what you need. It’s easy to remove the gelatin and we love that you can seal it up! Here are a few more Tupperware faves.
• Mesh strainer:You’ll need to sieve out some fruit for this recipe. A mesh strainer will come in handy.
• Glass measuring cup:You can’t go wrong with a Pyrex measuring cup. This heat-safe cup is perfect for measuring out the boiling water in this recipe.

Step 1: Mix Up the Gelatin with the Fruit

In a large bowl, dissolve the package of gelatin in the boiling water. Make sure the powder is completely dissolved. Then add in the pineapple and strawberries—juices included.

Next, grab your strainer and strain the liquid from the fruit. Set aside one cup of the liquid and keep it at room temperature. The rest of the liquid and fruit can be combined together again.

Step 2: Prep the Mold and Add the First Layer

Grab your 5-cup ring mold and give it a good coat of cooking spray. You really want to get into all the nooks and crannies so nothing sticks.

Pour in the fruit and gelatin mixture, cover and refrigerate for 45 to 60 minutes. Don’t let it sit any longer or the second layer will not stick to this base.

Step 3: Make the Second Layer

While the first layer is chilling, make the second creamy layer of this molded treat. To do this, just whisk together that reserved cup of liquid with the sour cream. Don’t be wary of the sour cream! The juice and gelatin will sweeten it up so the only flavor your get is creamy and fruity.

After the first layer has chilled for an hour, pour this pale pink mix over the top. Cover and refrigerate until set—about another hour.

Step 4: Unmold and Serve

When the gelatin is completely set, place a plate over the bottom of the mold and flip. With all the cooking spray, the mold should come out easily (just give it a little jiggle).

If you find that the mold isn’t coming out right away, don’t fret! Fill a large pan with hot water and set the mold in the water for about ten seconds. This will loosen up the gelatin and encourage it to release from the mold.

Once the gelatin is unmolded on your tray, you can slice and serve! If you want to get fancy, garnish with fresh fruit and a few mint leaves. If you plan on serving this as a dessert instead of a side, spoon some fresh whipped cream over the top.

Types of Jell-O Molds

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When it comes to Jell-O molds, there are so many options to choose from! Check out the materials and then find the designs that speak to you.

• Copper:Everyone has seen these copper molds before (most likely hanging up in Grandma’s kitchen). But you can absolutely use a copper mold to make a Jell-O salad (and not just decoration). These molds provide a bit more vintage flair to your recipes.
• Plastic:Whether you’re new to making molds or like the convenience of a dishwasher-safe container, plastic molds are a good option. Many of these molds have a removable seal on the top and bottom so you can unmold the gelatin more easily. Plus this extra seal covering the top of the mold is perfect for transporting your mold (or just keeping strong fridge smells out of your recipe).
• Silicone:You can also use silicone molds to make Jell-O salads. Silicone molds come in all sorts of shapes from flowers to seasonal shapes to mini versions of classic mold shapes. If you use a silicone mold, place the mold on a sheet pan or tray while you work and chill just to keep the mold stable.

Jell-O Mold Tips

Taste of Home

Whatever recipe you choose and whatever mold you pick, there are a few tricks to bear in mind when creating the perfect Jell-O dessert:

• Spray your mold:Make sure you spray your mold—no matter what type you use—with cooking spray before filling. This will make removing the gelatin easier.
• Take your time:Multi-layer molds take time to create. Each layer needs to set for about 45 minutes before adding the next. Don’t rush the process!
• Keep an eye on the clock:While these molds can take time to create, do keep a timer handy. You need the gelatin to bealmost(but not entirely) set before adding the next layer. This nearly set consistency helps the layers stick together.
• Use frozen and canned fruits:Most gelatin salad recipes call for defrosted frozen fruits and canned fruits—and for good reason. These options have a softer texture that works better with gelatin.
• Set Jell-O faster: If you’re in a rush, a Jell-O mold might not be the recipe for you (there’s lots of chilling time required). However, if you want to speed up the process a bit, you can set up a pan of ice-cold water and ice cubes in the fridge. Set your mold into the pan (making sure no water gets in the mold) and let it cool in the fridge.
• Use hot water to remove a stubborn Jell-O mold:If your mold isn’t releasing from the pan, set the mold in a pan of hot water for 10 seconds and try to remove it again. Repeat the process until the gelatin slides out of the pan.

More Jell-O Mold Recipes

This strawberry Jell-O mold is just the tip of the iceberg! These shaped desserts come in all sorts of flavors like lime, raspberry—even sangria.