10 Easy Gelatin Desserts

When people think of gelatin desserts, their minds often go straight to Jell-O.

My mind goes there, too, and it’s certainly a logical thought process to follow. 

However, gelatin doesn’t automatically equal Jell-O. The two aren’t the same thing. 

Not to sound too much like a science teacher, but the truth is quite logical: All Jell-O contains gelatin, but not all things containing gelatin are Jell-O. 

On this list, you’ll find plenty of recipes that use Jell-O. However, you’ll also see a few other non-Jell-O options, such as homemade marshmallows, cheesecake, and coffee jelly. 

So get ready to see some super tasty desserts, but don’t get too excited!

These desserts might just send you jiggling right out of your seat if you do. 

1. Homemade Jell-O

Jello is fun, yummy, and easy to make, but what happens when your local grocery store no longer carries your favorite flavor?

Sure, you could buy it off Amazon and have it delivered.

Or you could just make your own homemade Jell-O and bypass the boxed stuff altogether.

All you’ll need is gelatin, water, fruit juice, and a loaf pan, and you can make it in about 5 minutes.

(It takes a bit longer to firm up, though, just like the store-bought kind.)

Making homemade Jell-O also allows you to experiment with varieties you’ve never been able to buy in the store. Craving organic carrot Jell-O?

You won’t find it in a box, but grab a bottle of organic orange carrot juice and whisk away!

2. Gummy Bears

If you love gummy bears as much as I do, you’ll love this easy recipe.

With some gelatin, water, unsweetened powdered drink mix, and your favorite non-sugar sweetener of choice, you can make a ton of these adorably colorful, jiggly bears in 20 minutes!

Note: You can find gummy bear molds at any craft or hobby store, or you can buy them from Amazon. 

3. Panna Cotta

If you’re looking for something a bit more elegant, try this recipe for panna cotta instead.

This smooth, creamy Italian dessert is as lovely as it is delicious, and you’ll only need five ingredients.

Simply add water to your gelatin to thicken it, and while it’s doing its thing, heat your heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla bean (or extract) in a saucepan. 

Once both are ready, stir the gelatin into the sweet mixture. Eventually, you’ll have one smooth, white, cream-based dessert.

Pour it into your serving glasses and refrigerate it for a few hours.

Immediately before serving, top it with your favorite berries, nuts, seeds, or other toppings.

4. Homemade Marshmallows

Believe it or not, you can even make homemade marshmallows with gelatin.

Trust me when I tell you the homemade ones are yummier and much more silky smooth than the store-bought variety.

Plus, you can adjust the amount of sugar and vanilla extract to get the precise flavor you want.

Best of all, it only takes about 25 minutes to make 30, so why not give them a try?

5. No-Bake Cheesecake

This sweet and tangy cheesecake requires a few more ingredients than most of the other recipes on this list, but it’s also more decadent and delicious, at least according to my mom.

As far as she’s concerned, no-bake cheesecake is the epitome of desserts, and no other pie, cake, or various confections can compare.

I have to admit that it is pretty fantastic, especially drizzled with chocolate sauce and with a few blueberries or fresh strawberry slices on top. 

6. Blueberry Jell-O Salad

I love everything about this wiggly salad, from the bright blue of its base to the tart filling of pineapple juice and blueberries.

It’s pretty, and it’s delicious. There’s no better combination.

The sweet cream and crushed walnuts on top are just the proverbial cherries on top of this already delectable dessert.

7. Coffee Jelly

If you’re one of those people who enjoy coffee so sweet it could double as a dessert, this is the sweet treat for you. 

Basically, coffee jelly is just coffee-flavored Jell-O, and yes, you’ll use real coffee and sugar to flavor the gelatin. 

You’ll let them sit in the fridge for a while, but once your coffee jelly squares are ready, you’ll add them to a cool, sweet mixture of all-purpose cream and sweetened condensed milk. 

It’ll blow your favorite iced latte out of the water. 

8. Raspberry Jello Parfaits

Usually, when I’m craving a parfait, I reach for the yogurt, granola, and berries. However, Jello makes an excellent parfait base. 

It’s fruity, tasty, and has that wonderful Jello texture.

You’ll also use the gelatin – along with whipped topping and cream cheese – to make the topping for the parfait. 

It’s something a lot of people don’t think about doing, but it’s incredible.

You’ll get all the sweet flavor of whipped cream and cream cheese, but you’ll still get the fun, jiggly Jell-O consistency.

Once the final layer has had time to chill, take out the glasses and add whipped cream and any other parfait toppings you like.

9. Finger Jell-O

Finger Jell-O is merely Jell-O, but instead of serving it in one big bowl, slice it into squares and serve it like you would any finger food. 

It’s a fun, colorful treat that is easy to make and easy to eat.

Best of all, you can customize the colors to suit any holiday or themed party you’re having.

10. Lemon Lime Jell-O Salad

If you’re looking for a wiggly dessert with a thicker consistency and plenty of tart tanginess, you’ve got to try this recipe for lemon-lime Jello salad.

Despite what you might think from the name, this isn’t just a combination of lemon Jell-O mix and lime Jell-O mix. 

You’ll also add a can of sweetened condensed milk, cottage cheese, crushed pineapples, and mayonnaise.

It makes the Jell-O richer and creamier and gives it a tarter, more tropical taste.

The color is nice, too. Instead of the usually bright, semi-transparent Jell-O colors, you’ll get an opaque mint green.

Add some lemon and lime zest on top to make it extra festive.