Description
This Healthy Homemade Jello recipe is an all-natural, nutritious dessert made with just three simple ingredients: 100% juice, unflavored gelatin, and an optional natural sweetener. Free from artificial additives and refined sugar, it’s perfect for kids and adults alike. Customize the flavor with your favorite juices, and enjoy a fun, wobbly treat in no time!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups of juice: Choose 100% fruit juice or a fruit/veggie blend (e.g., apple, orange, peach-mango, or berry). Avoid fresh pineapple, kiwi, or papaya juice.
- 2 tablespoons unflavored beef gelatin: Use high-quality gelatin such as Vital Proteins or Great Lakes.
- 2 tablespoons honey, agave, or cane sugar (optional): Adjust based on the sweetness of your juice.
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin
- Pour 1/2 cup of the cold juice into a small bowl or liquid measuring cup.
- Sprinkle the gelatin powder evenly over the juice and stir gently to combine. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. The mixture will thicken and develop a grainy texture.
- Heat the Remaining Juice
- Pour the remaining 3 1/2 cups of juice into a medium saucepan.
- Heat over medium-high heat until the juice is steaming but not boiling.
- Melt the Gelatin
- Add the bloomed gelatin to the hot juice in the saucepan.
- Stir continuously until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- If using sweetener, stir it in now until fully dissolved.
- Set the Jello
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart pan, ramekins, or silicone molds.
- Cover the container with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or until the jello is fully set.
- Serve and Store
- Once set, slice the jello into cubes or unmold it from the containers. Serve immediately.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days.
Notes
- Juice Tips: Choose naturally sweet juices or blends. Avoid fresh pineapple, kiwi, or papaya juice unless canned or pasteurized (enzymes in these fruits prevent gelatin from setting).
- Gelatin Tips: Ensure the gelatin is completely dissolved in the hot juice for a smooth texture. Do not substitute with collagen or protein powders, as they won’t set properly.
- Sweetener Tips: Adjust the amount of sweetener based on your juice’s natural sweetness. Some juices, like grape or apple, may not need any added sweetener.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 50 (depends on juice used)
- Sugar: 10g (from juice, varies based on sweetener)
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2-3g