Jello

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A fun and colorful dessert combining the fruity flavor of Jell-O with creamy orange sherbet, topped with crunchy graham crackers. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a refreshing treat on a warm day, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that appeal to all ages.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups Jell-O
  • 4 cups hot water
  • 1/4 gallon orange sherbet ice cream
  • Graham crackers

Instructions

  1. Pour 4 cups of hot water into a mixing bowl.
  2. Add 1 1/2 cups of Jell-O powder to the hot water and stir until completely dissolved.
  3. Pour the mixture into a mold or serving dish and refrigerate until set, about 2-4 hours.
  4. Once the Jell-O is set, scoop or place orange sherbet ice cream on top of the Jell-O.
  5. Sprinkle graham crackers over the sherbet as a topping before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a different flavor, try using a different Jell-O variety, like raspberry or lime, which will complement the orange sherbet nicely. You can also substitute the sherbet with frozen yogurt for a lower-calorie option. Make sure to stir the Jell-O mixture thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps. If you're short on time, use smaller molds to speed up the setting process.

Serving Suggestions

This delightful dessert can be served as a light summer treat or at parties. Pair it with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for added flavor and color. It also pairs beautifully with No Bake Lemony Cheesecake for a fun dessert spread. Serve individual portions for a more elegant presentation, garnished with mint leaves for a pop of color.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the Jell-O starts to separate from the sherbet, give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing the dessert, as it can change the texture of the Jell-O and sherbet. Serve chilled straight from the fridge for the best taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Jello contains roughly 927 calories, with 14g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (79% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1510mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).

927 kcal 46% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.7g 27% DV
Total Fat 13.7g 18% DV
Carbs 187.3g 68% DV
Fiber 13.7g 49% DV
Sugar 54.9g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1509.6mg 66% DV
Potassium 411.4mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Calcium 1030.6mg 79% DV
Iron 7.4mg 41% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 a different type of ice cream instead of orange sherbet?

Yes, you can absolutely use any flavor of ice cream you prefer, such as vanilla or strawberry. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor profile will change. If you want to maintain a citrus theme, lemon or lime sherbet would also work well. Experiment to find your favorite combination!

How long does it take for the Jell-O to set?

Typically, the Jell-O will take about 2-4 hours to fully set in the refrigerator. For best results, allow it to set overnight if you have the time. Factors like the ambient temperature and the size of the mold can affect setting time, so check it periodically to ensure it's firm enough before serving.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the Jell-O a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to add the sherbet and serve. Just remember to add the sherbet and graham cracker topping right before serving to keep everything fresh and visually appealing.

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).

American recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →