Jello Fruit Mold
A vibrant, fruity Jello mold combining strawberries, pineapple, bananas, and crunchy pecans, perfect for parties, picnics, or a refreshing dessert for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the crushed pineapple and add enough water to make 1 cup of liquid.
- Boil the water and dissolve the Jell-O in it.
- Add the crushed pineapple with its liquid to the Jell-O mixture.
- Stir until the Jell-O is fully melted and combined.
- Add the frozen strawberries, mashed bananas, chopped pecans, and diced celery to the mixture.
- Mix well and pour into a mold.
- Chill in the refrigerator until set, about 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor, you can substitute the strawberries with mixed berries or use peach Jell-O for a different twist. If you prefer a vegan version, consider using agar-agar instead of Jell-O. Ensure the bananas are ripe for optimal sweetness and mash them well to integrate smoothly into the mixture. Adding a splash of lemon juice can enhance the fruit flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This Jello Fruit Mold is perfect as a light dessert or a festive side dish for gatherings. Serve it alongside grilled meats for a refreshing contrast or pair it with a whipped topping for added richness. It also complements summer picnics beautifully, offering a delightful sweet touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the mold begins to lose its shape, you can re-chill it in the mold for a couple of hours. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture of the fruit.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jello Fruit Mold contains roughly 378 calories, with 5g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh strawberries can be used instead of frozen ones, but be sure to slice them before adding to the mixture. They may release more juice, so you might want to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly to maintain the mold's consistency.
How do I prevent the mold from sticking to the pan?
To prevent sticking, lightly grease the mold with a non-stick spray or coat it with a thin layer of vegetable oil before pouring in the Jell-O mixture. This will help ensure the mold releases easily once set.
Can I add other fruits to the mold?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other fruits such as diced apples, grapes, or even citrus segments. Just keep in mind the overall texture and moisture level, as some fruits may release more juice than others.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).