Description
This Healthy Homemade Jello recipe is a natural, dye-free gelatin dessert made with real fruit juice and unflavored beef gelatin. It is a delicious, kid-friendly treat that is dairy free, gluten free, paleo approved, and can be sweetened to taste. Perfect for a refreshing snack or dessert with clean, simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups juice (any natural fruit juice of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons unflavored beef gelatin (such as Vital Proteins or Great Lakes; do NOT use collagen or protein powder)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or agave, or cane sugar, optional)
Instructions
- Bloom The Gelatin: Pour 1/2 cup of the juice into a liquid measuring cup or small bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin powder evenly over the juice and stir to combine. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the gelatin thickens and becomes very thick and grainy in texture.
- Heat The Remaining Juice: While the gelatin blooms, heat the remaining 3 1/2 cups of juice in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until it starts steaming. The juice should be very hot but not brought to a boil or simmered.
- Melt The Bloomed Gelatin: Add the honey or chosen sweetener (if using) and the thickened gelatin mixture to the hot juice. Stir continuously until the gelatin is completely dissolved. This is a crucial step to ensure a smooth set.
- Set: Pour the gelatin mixture into a 2-quart ceramic pan (such as 8x8, 9x9, or 11x7 inch) or into heatproof containers. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours or until fully set.
- Serve & Store: Once set, enjoy your homemade jello immediately or store it covered in the refrigerator. For the best texture and flavor, consume within 4 to 5 days. It will generally remain good up to 7 to 10 days without spoiling.
Notes
- This recipe uses natural ingredients without artificial dyes or additives, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought gelatin desserts.
- You can substitute the sweetener with agave syrup or cane sugar, or omit it entirely if you prefer no added sugar.
- Gelatin must be fully dissolved in the hot juice to avoid grainy texture in the finished jello.
- Use 100% natural juice for best flavor; avoid juices with added sugars or preservatives for a cleaner final product.
- This dessert is dairy free, gluten free, paleo friendly, and suitable for people avoiding artificial ingredients.
- To remove the jello easily from the pan, dip the pan briefly in warm water before inverting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 cup
- Calories: 84 kcal
- Sugar: 4.3 g
- Sodium: 39 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
