How to Make Jello Gelatin Dessert

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: November 2, 2019 Tested

Everyone loves Jell-O. Have you ever wondered what it took to make such a simplistic, delicious dessert? Well by following the next few steps, you'll be on your way to enjoying a yummy gelatin dessert in just a few hours!

Steps

1
Obtain a large bowl, a measuring cup, ice, water, and have an on-hand refrigerator accessible before beginning the Jell-O cooking process.
2
Pour the gelatin packet into the large bowl.
3
Stir 1 cup boiling water into the bowl filled with the gelatin mixture.^{[1]
X
Research source}
4
Mix the water in the bowl until the gelatin is completely dissolved. This usually takes about 2 minutes.^{[2]
X
Research source}
5
Blend in with the dissolved gelatin 1 cup of cold water.^{[3]
X
Research source}
6
Refrigerate the Jell-O mixture until firm. This may take approximately 4 hours.^{[4]
X
Research source}
7
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I get rid of the bad smell/taste in unflavored gelatin?

Community Answer

Don't worry; once you use the unflavored gelatin, the smell will go away, and it won't transfer to whatever you're making.
Question

How much water do I add to one envelope of Knox unflavored gelatin?

Pat Southwood-Theron

Community Answer

Add 450 ml to get a firm-setting gelatin.
Question

Can I use milk instead of water?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. But I advise you to use boiling water to dissolve the gelatin, then add the milk as a substitute for the cold water.
Question

How long does it take to firm Jell-o?

Community Answer

It takes about four hours.
Question

Does it have to be boiling water? Can I use hot water?

Pat Southwood-Theron

Community Answer

There is a different temperature between hot water and boiling water. Use boiling water.
Question

How much gelatin is in this recipe?

Community Answer

There is one box of gelatin used in this recipe.
Question

Am I supposed to add boiling water? Can't I add hot water?

Community Answer

Boiling water is a different tempature than hot water. Boiling water is needed to make gelatin.
Question

If I use milk, should I use condensed milk or evaporated milk?

Community Answer

It is best to use hot boiling water where that is called for in the recipe, but you can substitute milk for the cold water. Do not use condensed or evaporated milk, use normal milk.
Question

When do you add the fruit?

Community Answer

When adding fruit to Jell-o desserts, leave the Jell-o in the fridge until it is about the consistency of unbeaten egg whites. Then mix in the fruit. Avoid adding more liquids, as it may take longer to firm.
Question

What if there's no refrigerator?

Community Answer

You could pop it in the freezer, but make sure that your Jello doesn't become frozen. Therefore, you should keep it in there for a shorter amount of time than you would keep it in the refrigerator.

Warnings

Jello is not a vegetarian dessert. Gelatin is a protein produced by partial hydrolysis of collagen extracted from the bones, connective tissues, organs, and some intestines of animals.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Thanks!
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1