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Jello with Fruit Cocktail

Jello with fruit cocktail combines the classic comfort of fruit with the playful wobble of jello, creating a refreshing sensation that dances on your taste buds.

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homemade jello with fruit cocktail.

Jello with fruit cocktail is a sweet and tangy sensation that pleases the palate and offers a burst of freshness. 

The combination of fruit and colorful, jiggly Jello creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible.

Whether you’re planning a family picnic, a summer barbecue, or a potluck with friends, fruit cocktail in Jello fits right in. Its vibrant colors and fruity flavors make it a popular choice for birthdays, holidays, and special gatherings.

Learning how to make Jello with fruit is such a simple process — you’ll regret not knowing sooner! 

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Whether served in elegant molds or simple glass dishes, it’s a classic treat that captures the essence of joy in every bite.

ingredients needed for jello with fruit cocktail

How to Make Jello with Fruit

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisk together the jello packets and the boiling water until the crystals completely dissolve. You want the mixture to be smooth and consistent.

mixing together jello mixture

STEP TWO: Gently stir the canned fruit cocktail into the jello mixture, making sure the mixed fruit is evenly distributed. 

mixing together fruit cocktail and jello mix.

STEP THREE: Patience is key – let the jello fruit cocktail chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours. This time allows all the flavors to meld and set beautifully. Alternatively, if you’re planning individual servings, divide the jello with fruit mixture into separate containers before refrigerating them. 

Tips for Jello Fruit Cocktail

  •  When incorporating the fruit, fold it gently into the jello mix. This maintains the integrity of the fruit pieces and keeps them from mushing up.
  • Use a ladle or funnel. If you’re transferring the mixture into separate containers, use a ladle or funnel for neat and precise pouring.
  • Allow time for Jello with fruit cocktail to chill. For the best taste and texture, allow the dessert with fruit cocktail to chill thoroughly before serving. 
  • Keep well covered. While chilling, cover the dessert to prevent any unwanted flavors or odors from permeating it.

More Jello Recipes To Try

overshot of jello fruit dessert

Variations to Fruit Cocktail in Jello

  • Choose kiwi-strawberry gelatin and incorporate kiwi slices for a vibrant green dessert.
  • Swap in lime-flavored Jello to add a zesty citrus kick to your fruit cocktail dessert recipe.
  • For a healthier version of this gelatin with fruit dessert, opt for sugar-free gelatin and canned fruit in juice instead of syrup.
  • Strawberry Delight: Replace the canned fruit with diced strawberries for a fresh and vibrant twist on this classic.
  • Blend in cream cheese before adding the fruit cocktail in Jello for a creamy and luxurious texture that elevates the dessert.
  • Whipped Sensation: Mix in a generous dollop of Cool Whip to create a light and fluffy fruit cocktail dessert that’s simply irresistible.

What’s the Best Kind of Fruit For Jello With Fruit Cocktail?

I find that using a Del Monte fruit cocktail enhances the overall flavor of the gelatin dessert.

The combination and ratio of fruits in their cocktail is just perfect — each bite bursting with sweetness and a variety of fruit flavors.

What’s The Best Way to Prevent Air Bubbles in Jello?

To prevent air bubbles, pour the Jello mixture slowly and gently over the fruit instead of mixing the fruit in.

Then, tap the dish lightly on the counter to release any trapped air.

taking a bite out of jello with fruit.

How Can I Prevent the Fruit from Sinking to the Bottom of the Jello Mixture?

To prevent fruit from sinking, let the Jello mixture cool slightly before adding the fruit. You can even let it chill by itself in the fridge for 30-45 minutes first!

Stir it gently as you incorporate the fruit to maintain a smooth consistency.

Can I Prepare a Jello Salad in Advance for a Special Occasion?

Jello fruit cocktail salad is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day or two in advance, keeping it refrigerated until serving.

What to Serve with Jello Fruit Cocktail

This Jello treat is a delicious addition to the dessert table topped with Cool Whip, alongside other sweet dishes like Vanilla Mousse and Orange Dreamsicle Salad.

It’s also a refreshing side dish for heavier holiday meals, whether you’re serving Air Fryer Turkey Breast or Ham — even Prime Rib!

eating some fruit cocktail in jello

More Fruity Dessert Recipes

homemade jello with fruit cocktail.

Jello With Fruit Cocktail

Samantha Erb
Jello with fruit cocktail is a delightful, colorful dessert that combines the smooth and wobbly texture of jello with the variety and sweetness of a fruit cocktail. The result is a visually appealing, refreshingly sweet treat that offers a fun crunch and burst of flavor with every bite.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 141 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 three ounces packets strawberry jello
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 15 ounces can fruit cocktail with juices

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the jello packets with the boiling water until the crystals have dissolved.
  • Add in the can of fruit cocktail and stir to distribute the fruit.
  • Chill the mixture for at least 3 hours, or add into individual containers and chill.

Notes

  • 1 serving is one cup.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 141kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 1gSodium: 83mgFiber: 1gSugar: 33g

This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!


samantha

About Samantha

I’ve always had a love of cooking and creating new recipes, so it only made sense to create a food blog so I could share those recipes with you. This site is designed to provide easy and flavorful recipes with as little ingredients as possible. That means you still get great flavor combinations without all that extra time and effort. Read more...

5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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