When people hear gelatin dessert, they often think of Jell-O — and honestly, I do too. It makes sense, considering how popular it is.
But let’s clear something up: gelatin and Jell-O aren’t the same thing.
Not to turn this into a science lesson, but here’s the simple truth — Jell-O contains gelatin, but not everything made with gelatin is Jell-O.
Gelatin is a protein, often used as a gelling agent in a variety of desserts. While many recipes do call for flavored Jell-O, there are plenty of other ways to make a gelatin dessert without it.
For example, some of the most delicious treats — like homemade marshmallows, cheesecake, and coffee jelly — rely on unflavored gelatin instead of a pre-sweetened mix with additives.
So get ready to explore 20 incredibly tasty gelatin-based desserts. Just be warned — they might have you jiggling with excitement!
Contents
20. Strawberry Panna Cotta for Summer Days
This strawberry panna cotta is smooth, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. It’s the perfect treat for warm summer days—light, refreshing, and effortlessly elegant. My kids absolutely love it!
Not only is this dessert delicious, but it also offers a nutritious boost thanks to strawberries. These vibrant berries are packed with vitamin C, manganese, and potassium and are loaded with antioxidants and plant compounds that may support heart health.
The best part? You can whip up this delightful dessert in just 15 minutes with only five simple ingredients—making it as easy as it is indulgent!
19. Italian Vanilla Panna Cotta – Healthy Italian Dessert Recipe
This Easy Keto Vanilla Panna Cotta is a smooth, creamy, and elegant Italian dessert made for any special occasion, from Mother’s Day to Valentine’s Day and beyond!
Keto panna cotta is a simple yet indulgent treat made with cream and gelatin, giving it a rich texture while keeping it low in carbs.
The best part? It’s incredibly quick to make—just 20 minutes of prep, and you’re done! If you’re as impatient as I am, you only need to chill it for about two hours before digging in.
While it does require some time to set, the actual prep work is effortless, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert. I personally love having a treat ready when I need it, and this panna cotta is always a perfect choice!
18. Stabilized Whipped Cream with Powdered Gelatin
This Stabilized Whipped Cream recipe uses gelatin to keep it light and fluffy for days—rather than just a few hours!
To maintain its texture, whipped cream needs a stabilizing ingredient to help it hold its shape. In this recipe, a gelatin mixture does the trick, preventing it from deflating, turning runny, or “weeping.”
Perfect for decorating cakes, topping desserts, or making ahead, this whipped cream stays smooth, creamy, and picture-perfect for longer!
17. Creamy Buko Pandan with Gulaman and Sago
The beloved Filipino dessert, buko pandan, deserves a little extra care to get it just right. This creamy, no-bake treat is a staple at celebrations, gatherings, and even restaurant meals—often served as the perfect sweet ending.
It’s a dessert that embraces both our love for coconut and our sweet tooth. The rich, velvety texture comes from coconut cream, which is sweetened with condensed milk, a well-loved Filipino ingredient.
What makes it truly special? The combination of coconut strands, gulaman (Filipino gelatin), and sago pearls—three classic elements that create the perfect balance of chewiness, creaminess, and sweetness.
16. Seaweed Pudding with Gelatinous Algae
There are countless ways to customize this simple yet versatile recipe—fresh spices, citrus zest, herbs—the possibilities are endless!
Irish moss pudding itself has no distinct flavor; instead, it takes on whatever ingredients you use to enhance it.
In the Caribbean, it’s traditionally infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and lime, transforming it into both a nourishing health drink and a creamy dessert.
The texture also depends on how long the seaweed is steeped in milk—the longer it sits, the thicker the pudding becomes. To soften the “ocean” taste, washing and soaking the seaweed in lemon or lime juice works wonders.
With so many ways to make it your own, the options are truly limitless! And now, here’s my grandmother’s treasured recipe…
15. Fruit Gelatin Recipe with Zero Calorie Sweetener
In a food processor, puree raspberries until smooth. Strain the puree through a wire strainer to remove seeds, then discard the seeds.In a medium saucepan, combine the raspberry puree with juice, seltzer, and Splenda Sugar Blend over medium heat.
Sprinkle in the gelatin and whisk until fully dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Pour into gelatin molds or a baking dish and refrigerate until firm. Once set, enjoy your refreshing raspberry gelatin dessert!
14. Jell-O Mold – Gelatin Art Dessert
A classic for any holiday potluck or gathering, this fruity, jiggly Jell-O mold is sure to impress!
This no-bake dessert has been a beloved favorite for generations, bringing a nostalgic and festive touch to the dessert table.
And don’t worry—there are no surprise vegetables lurking in this one! Instead, it’s bursting with bright red fruit punch, creamy coconut, and seasonal frozen berries, creating a refreshing tropical twist that will win over even the skeptics.
Get ready to enjoy the old-fashioned charm and mesmerizing wobble of this vibrant Jell-O mold!
13. Healthy Coconut-Vanilla Jello Cubes
If you’ve ever loved finger Jell-O, Knox Blox, or even Jell-O shooters, then these Coconut-Vanilla Jello Cubes are right up your alley!
When I was a kid, my mom made a healthier version of finger Jell-O using Knox gelatin and fruit juice, skipping the added sugar.
Now, as I focus on incorporating more protein into my diet to strengthen my hair and support joint health, I’ve rediscovered an old childhood favorite—gelatin!
These creamy, lightly sweetened coconut-vanilla cubes offer the perfect blend of nostalgia and nutrition in every bite!
12. Homemade Vegan Jello – Great Dessert with Agar Agar
Discover just how easy it is to make fruity vegan Jello from scratch with just a handful of ingredients! This simple, plant-based dessert is a fun and refreshing treat that both kids and adults will love.
If you’ve recently switched to a vegan diet, you might be wondering—why isn’t traditional Jello vegan? The answer comes down to one key ingredient: gelatin.
Gelatin is commonly found in Jello, gummy candies, and marshmallows, but it’s actually derived from animal collagen, sourced from bones, skin, and connective tissues. Not exactly appetizing, right?
To keep things 100% plant-based, this recipe swaps out gelatin for agar agar powder, a natural, seaweed-based alternative that works just as well to create that perfect, jiggly texture.
So, grab your ingredients and get ready to satisfy your Jello cravings—without the animal products!
11. Natural Fruit Juice Gelatin Recipe
Gelatin is the protein powerhouse responsible for giving bone broth its thick, velvety texture—while also delivering its well-known joint-healing and gut-soothing benefits.
But did you know that gelatin is also the key ingredient behind those classic, wobbly Jell-O desserts?
Simply stir it into a room-temperature liquid, chill it in the fridge, and like magic, it transforms into that familiar quivery, jiggly treat we all know and love!
10. Make Gelatin Dessert with Fresh Fruits and Fruit Juices
Skip the artificial colors and flavorings found in packaged Jell-O and make your own healthy gelatin dessert using fresh fruits and natural fruit juices!
Here in Spain, packaged gelatin mixes aren’t as popular as they are elsewhere. Jell-O isn’t available, and the few gelatin mixes on the market usually come in just one or two flavors. However, you can find pre-made gelatin desserts in the refrigerated section of most supermarkets.
After seeing my son enjoy a bright red gelatin dessert at my mother-in-law’s house, I knew I had to create a more natural, homemade alternative—one that’s just as fun and delicious but made with real ingredients!
9. Nostalgic Lemon Lime Jello Salad
If you’re craving a wobbly, nostalgic dessert with a thicker texture and a bold, tangy twist, this lemon-lime Jello salad is a must-try!
Despite what the name might suggest, this isn’t just a mix of lemon and lime Jell-O.
Instead, it’s elevated with a blend of sweetened condensed milk, cottage cheese, crushed pineapple, and even mayonnaise—creating a rich, creamy, and slightly tropical twist on the classic.
The result? A delightfully opaque mint-green dessert instead of the usual bright, translucent Jell-O colors.
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle lemon and lime zest on top before serving. Make the dessert that never get tired of!
8. Two Colors Finger Jell-O
Finger Jell-O is just Jell-O with a fun twist—instead of scooping it from a bowl, it’s sliced into squares and served as bite-sized finger food!
This bright, jiggly treat is not only easy to make but also super fun to eat—perfect for kids and adults alike.
Best of all, you can customize the colors to match any holiday or party theme, making it a festive and playful dessert for any occasion!
7. Beautiful Raspberry Jello Parfaits
When I’m craving a parfait, I usually grab yogurt, granola, and berries—but have you ever tried using Jell-O as a parfait base?
It’s fruity, delicious, and has that signature jiggly texture that makes it so fun to eat.
But here’s the real game-changer: gelatin, whipped topping, and cream cheese come together to create a creamy, flavorful topping that pairs perfectly with the Jell-O layers.
It’s a unique twist most people don’t think of, but trust me—it’s incredible. You get all the sweet, tangy richness of whipped cream and cream cheese, while still keeping that fun, wobbly consistency.
Once the final layer has chilled, just take out your glasses and top with whipped cream and your favorite parfait toppings for a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious!
6. Refreshing and Indulgent Coffee Jelly
If you’re the kind of person who loves extra-sweet coffee that could almost pass for dessert, then coffee jelly is about to become your new favorite treat!
Essentially, it’s coffee-flavored Jell-O, made by combining real coffee, sugar, and gelatin to create those perfect, jiggly cubes.
After chilling in the fridge until set, the coffee jelly squares are mixed into a cool, creamy blend of all-purpose cream and sweetened condensed milk—resulting in a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
One sip (or spoonful), and you’ll realize—it puts your favorite iced latte to shame!
5. Blueberry Jell-O Salad with Sweet Cream
I absolutely love everything about this wiggly salad—from its vibrant blue base to the tangy burst of pineapple juice and blueberries.
It’s not just beautiful—it’s delicious, too. And really, what’s better than a dessert that’s both eye-catching and tasty?
To make it even more irresistible, it’s finished with sweet cream and a sprinkle of crushed walnuts—the perfect finishing touch on this already delectable treat!
4. Sweet and Tangy No-Bake Cheesecake
This sweet and tangy cheesecake might call for a few more ingredients than most desserts on this list, but according to my mom, it’s totally worth it.
For her, no-bake cheesecake is the ultimate dessert—no pie, cake, or confection can even come close.
And honestly? I have to agree. It’s smooth, rich, and absolutely fantastic, especially when drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with a handful of blueberries or fresh strawberry slices. Pure indulgence!
3. Incredibly Delicious Homemade Marshmallows
Believe it or not, you can make homemade marshmallows using gelatin—and trust me, they’re so much better than the store-bought kind!
These homemade marshmallows are silky smooth, pillowy soft, and incredibly delicious—a world apart from the packaged versions.
Plus, you can adjust the sugar and vanilla extract to get the perfect flavor to suit your taste.
And the best part? You can whip up 30 marshmallows in just 25 minutes—so why not give them a try? You’ll never go back to store-bought again!
2. Panna Cotta with your Favorite Berries
If you’re looking for a dessert with a touch of elegance, panna cotta is the perfect choice!
This smooth, creamy Italian classic is as stunning as it is delicious—and the best part? You only need five simple ingredients.
Start by blooming gelatin in water to thicken it. Meanwhile, warm heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla bean (or extract) in a saucepan until heated through.
Once ready, stir the gelatin into the sweet, velvety mixture, creating a luscious, white, cream-based dessert.
Pour into serving glasses and let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Right before serving, top with fresh berries, nuts, seeds, or your favorite garnish for the perfect finishing touch!
1. Ridiculously Easy to Make Jell-O
Jell-O is fun, delicious, and ridiculously easy to make—but what if your grocery store stops carrying your favorite flavor?
Sure, you could order it online and wait for delivery.
Or… you could skip the boxed mix entirely and make your own homemade Jell-O!
All you need is gelatin, water, fruit juice, and a loaf pan, and you’ll have a batch ready in just 5 minutes (though, like the store-bought kind, it does need time to set).
The best part? Making it yourself means you can experiment with flavors you’d never find in stores. Ever craved an organic carrot Jell-O? You won’t find it in a box, but grab some organic orange carrot juice, whisk it with gelatin, and voilà—custom Jell-O made just for you!
20 Easy Gelatin Desserts: Delicious Jello Recipes for Every Occasion
Discover 20 easy gelatin desserts that are perfect for any occasion! From colorful jell-o treats to elegant gelatin desserts.
Ingredients
- Strawberry Panna Cotta
- Italian Vanilla Panna Cotta
- Stabilized Whipped Cream
- Buko Pandan
- Seaweed Pudding with Gelatinous Algae
- Fruit Gelatin Recipe with Zero Calorie Sweetener
- Jell-O Mold
- Coconut-Vanilla Jello Cubes
- Vegan Jello with Agar Agar
- Natural Fruit Juice Gelatin Recipe
- Gelatin Dessert with Fresh Fruits and Fruit Juices
- Lemon Lime Jell-O Salad
- Finger Jell-O
- Raspberry Jello Parfaits
- Coffee Jelly
- Blueberry Jell-O Salad
- No-Bake Cheesecake
- Homemade Marshmallows
- Homemade Jell-O
Instructions
- Choose any Gelatin Desserts from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Gelatin Desserts and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.
Comments 1
Thank you for sharing our Finger Jello!
-Liz @ HoosierHomemade