15 Delicious Jello Dessert Recipes for Thanksgiving
These Jello Desserts for Thanksgiving are full of flavor, easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser for holiday meals. Whether you have a crazy sweet tooth or need a fun sweet side dish for your Thanksgiving meal, Jello desserts are a delightful addition to your holiday table. These nostalgic treats bring joy to any gathering.
You’ll love these dessert recipes with Jello
Jello desserts and old fashioned Jello salad recipes offer a burst of flavor and are sometimes the best things about your holiday meal (I am NOT a turkey fan). The combination of sweet, fruity flavors with the smooth texture of Jello creates a unique and enjoyable sensory experience.
Not only are these gelatin desserts delicious, but they are also incredibly easy to make. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create impressive Jello recipes that will leave your guests wanting more. And they are great for any skill level!
My grandfather-in-law loved Jello (anyway he could get it!) so it was always on the Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving) table.
Related: Strawberry Jello Angel Food Dessert
A Jello pretzel salad always stops me in my tracks (there are a few flavor options in this list – such a classic). And because this collection of Jello desserts is specifically for Thanksgiving, there are a few recipes that have a tangy flavor from cranberries.
I’ve skipped the savory versions in favor of holiday desserts and easy recipes for sides that are on the sweeter side.
These Jello desserts are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or a casual fall party at home, these delicious recipes make a great addition to the menu.
The vibrant colors and playful appearance of Jello desserts also make them an excellent choice for kids’ parties or festive celebrations. So, no matter the event, these desserts are sure to be a hit with your guests.
From Jell-o salad recipes to gelatin desserts, you will find crowd-pleasing dishes that everyone will love.
Jello Salads for Fall
If you're looking for fall desserts for the holiday season, you're going to love this collection of recipes with Jello. From traditional Jello fluffs and salads to layered desserts, we've got a tasty selection of new recipes to choose from! For most of these desserts you'll need boiling water so get that pot on the stove!
Cranberry Jello Salad
A classic cranberry jello salad recipe made with raspberry jello, crunchy walnuts, fresh orange, and tart apple. This is not a Jello mold salad, but a tangy and sweet cranberry salad that is similar to cranberry relish. It would pair perfectly with your holiday dinners.
Ingredients: cranberries, orange, apple, celery, walnuts, water, lemon juice, raspberry jello, sugar
Easy Wine Jello Shots Recipe with Sauvignon Blanc
Get the holiday party started right with these fun Jello Shots made with white wine. This boozy treat would be a fun dessert idea too or, heck, maybe your family needs these as a side dish. :)
Ingredients: grapefruit soda, frozen limeade concentrate, unflavored gelatin, sauvignon blanc white wine
Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad
For this Jello dessert, think of an orange dreamsicle with a twist! This three layer treat full of pretzels, cream cheese, and jello make up this a perfect side dish.
Ingredients: pretzels, butter, sugar, cream cheese, whipped topping, orange gelatin, watser, pineapple, oranges
Strawberry Jello Salad With Cool Whip
This strawberry jello salad with Cool Whip is simple to make, indulgent, and light. It’s a perfect individual party dessert recipe thanks to be serving in cups. Add this one to your recipe box immediately.
Ingredients: granola cereal, butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, whipped topping, strawberry gelatin, strawberries, water
Lime Jello Salad with Cream Cheese
Lime jello salad is the ultimate easy Jello salad recipe! Made with crushed pineapple, marshmallows, and cream cheese, this light and refreshing fruit salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. While they say you shouldn't put pineapple with Jello, it works here since this is more of a fluff and not made in a ring mold.
Ingredients: lime jello, cream cheese, water, pineapple, marshmallows, cool whip, cherries
Strawberry Pretzel Salad Without Cool Whip
Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a great recipe (a total classic) that is a favorite for family dinner and potlucks. It starts with a salty pretzel crust for the bottom layer and is creamy and fruity on top.
Ingredients: pretzels, butter, sugar, heavy cream, cream of tarter, vanilla, cream cheese, strawberry jello, water, strawberries
Black Cherry Jello with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe {Gluten-Free}
Black Cherry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans is an elegant side dish or dessert with a deep fruity flavor that is perfect for fall. This is one of the gelatin salads I would really like to try!
Ingredients: black cherry jello, water, canned bing cherries, cream cheese, pecans
Cranberry Jello Salad
This cranberry jello salad is a traditional molded dessert and so fun to serve for special occasions! The combination of tart cranberries, fresh fruits, and other simple ingredients makes a delicious side dish for your holiday dinner party.
Ingredients: cranberries, apples, sugar, walnuts, oranges, strawberry or cherry gelatin, water
Cream Cheese Jello Salad
Cream Cheese Lime Jello Salad is a creamy & fruity treat that’s so easy to make. Just 2 ingredients are needed for this delicious jello dessert recipe! This is one of the easiest recipes ever!
Ingredients: lime jello, water, cream cheese
4 Ingredient Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
Mandarin Orange Jello Salad is a delicious sweet salad made with Cool Whip, orange jello, and mandarin oranges, and I can almost taste this. It's a childhood favorite. YUM. Serve in a large bowl topped with mini marshmallows on your holiday buffet.
Ingredients: orange jello, water, cool whip, orang
Cherry Pineapple Jello Salad
This fun cherry pineapple Jello salad is sure to be a hit with your family. It is a simple make-ahead side dish or simple dessert that is festive for a holiday.
Ingredients: cherry gelatin, water, pineapple, cherry pie filling
Grandma's Lime Jello Salad
This Lime Jello Salad is an old-fashioned dessert just like grandma used to make! This is a family favorite for sure!
Ingredients: hot water, lime gelatin, crushed pineapple, cream cheese, whipped topping, nuts
Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe
Yummy Cranberry Jello Salad with pineapple, oranges, and pecans. This amazing cranberry salad is sweet, tart, and crunchy and the beautiful color makes it a perfect addition to your holiday meal. This eats more like a relish than a jiggly dessert.
Ingredients: raspberry gelatin, water, apples, pineapple, oranges, pecans, cranberries, sugar
Easy Peach Pretzel Salad
This Easy Peach Pretzel Salad is a simple, delicious dessert for just about any occasion. The sweet, light and creamy Jello and Whipped Topping pairs perfectly with the crunchy, salty Pretzel Crust.
Ingredients: pretzels, sugar, butter, cream cheese, whopped topping, peach gelatin, water, peaches
Cranberry Fluff Jello Salad
This vegan Cranberry Fluff Jello Salad is a retro classic with a festive holiday flavor! And it's a great alternative to have on hand in case you are dealing with any special dietary needs at your holiday table.
Ingredients: cashew milk, vegan mini marshmallows, vegan gelatin, cranberry sauce, vegan cream cheese, cocowhip
Tips
Chilling Time: After making your Jello recipe, it’s essential to allow it to chill in the refrigerator for the recommended time. This ensures that the Jello sets properly and attains the desired texture. Make sure you have ample space to store the dishes while they chill and solidify.
Adding Fruit: If you plan to add fresh fruits to your Jello dessert, make sure to let the Jello cool down slightly before incorporating the fruits. Adding fruits to hot Jello can cause them to become mushy or sink to the bottom.
Greasing the Mold: If you’re using a Jello mold, it’s a good idea to lightly grease the mold with non-stick cooking spray. This helps in easy unmolding and ensures that the Jello releases smoothly without sticking to the edges.
Experiment with Layers: To create visually stunning Jello desserts, try layering different flavors and colors. Allow each layer to set before adding the next one. This adds a fun and vibrant element to your dessert, making it even more enticing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Savory gelatin dishes are often referred to as aspic. These dishes are made by combining savory ingredients like meat, vegetables, or seafood with gelatin to create a jiggly and flavorful dish. Um, no thank you. I am sure that there is a recipe that must be tasty if people make these over and over but I think it’s a no for me.
Certain fruits, such as pineapple, kiwi, figs, and papaya, contain enzymes that prevent gelatin from setting properly. These enzymes break down the gelatin structure, resulting in a runny or liquid-like consistency. It’s best to avoid using these fruits in Jello desserts that are prepared in a ring mold. They work ok in fluffs or salads where you can serve it in a bowl.
The best fruits to add to Jello desserts are those that are naturally high in water content, such as berries, diced peaches, diced oranges, and grapes. These fruits add a burst of flavor and texture to the Jello while maintaining its structure.
Absolutely! Using fruit juice instead of cold water adds a delightful burst of flavor to the Jello dessert. You can choose a juice that complements the fruits used in the recipe for an extra layer of taste.
Essential Tools for Making Jello Desserts
You’ll need a few basic tools for you Jello dessert-making. Here are some essential tools you’ll need:
1. Mixing Bowls: Have a set of mixing bowls in different sizes to prepare the Jello mixture and mix in additional ingredients if necessary.
2. Whisk or Spoon: A whisk or spoon will be your trusty companion for stirring the Jello mixture until it dissolves completely.
3. Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for successful Jello desserts. Use measuring cups to measure water, fruit juice, or any other liquid required for the recipe.
4. Jello Mold: If you plan on creating molded Jello desserts, invest in a Jello mold. These molds come in various shapes and sizes, adding a fun and festive touch to your desserts. My mother-in-law has an amazing collection of holiday molds that are really fun.
6. Knife and Cutting Board: Depending on the recipe, you may need to slice or dice fruits or other ingredients. Keep a sharp knife and a cutting board handy for these tasks.
8. Serving Utensils: Remember to have appropriate serving utensils such as dessert plates, spoons, or forks readily available to serve and enjoy your Jello desserts.
