Homemade Jello popsicles are the best way to beat the heat without the mess on hot summer days. All you need are 3 simple ingredients and you can easily make different flavors of no drip popsicles following the same instructions. It’s an easy recipe that even the smallest kids can help with.
I think my favorite part about making easy jello popsicles is the fact that as they start to melt, they are still mess free. The popsicle turns into regular jello, so you still don’t have to worry about it dripping everywhere as you would with a regular ice pop. Not to mention they are budget friendly and you can make your family’s favorite flavors, versus just having to choose a box from the store.
Another fun summer treat we make every year is rolled ice cream. The kids love helping, and again much cheaper than the creameries! We also like using gelatin for layered jello pie, raspberry cream cheese pie, and peach pretzel salad.
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🍦 Ingredients:
- Box of jello – choose your favorite flavor of jello. See how we made rainbow pops with different colors in the variations section.
- granulated sugar and water
- popsicle sticks and molds
For a full list of ingredients and their measurements, 📋 please view my printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Substitutions and Variations
- Fresh fruit – dice your favorite fresh fruit in small pieces and add to the jell-o popsicles for more flavor and a little nutrition.
- Dixie cups – use small plastic cups (or paper cups) and wooden sticks if you don’t have a popsicle mold.
- Rainbow Jello Pops – Decide on how many flavors you want to use for each. Divide the capacity of the mold by the number of colors to know how much to put in. I used a generous tablespoon of each color. Depending on the size of your popsicle molds, you may need more or less. You will need to freeze each layer before adding the next to keep the colors from mixing together.
- Sugar free popsicle – for those on a low carb diet, you can use sugar-free jello and your favorite sweetener in place of the sugar.
- Creamy – add a little heavy cream to the jello mixture once it has cooled slightly before pouring to the molds.
- Red, white, and blue – use cherry jello (or strawberry jello), blue jello, and cream with limeade for white (like when we make homemade Bomb Pops).
🔪 Instructions:
Step 1: Combine Jell-O and the sugar in a large measuring cup with a pour spout or in a large bowl.
Step 2: Pour in 1 cup of boiling water and whisk until the gelatin dissolves.
Step 3: Add a cup of cold water to the jello mixture and stir.
Step 4: Pour the mixture into the molds, leaving ½ inch at the top. Place the lids on and insert the popsicle stick.
Pro Tip: If your mold doesn’t hold the sticks in place, wait for the jello to firm up, then place the sticks in to freeze the rest of the way.
Step 5: Freeze the jello ice pops for 8 hours or until they are frozen.
Step 6: Take the molds off and place the frozen popsicles on a parchment lined sheet pan and store in the freezer until ready to serve.
SERVE: If you are serving them and need to keep them cool, place them on a tray with ice cubes then store in the freezer.
Tips for Easy Jello Popsicles
- The jello will set up quickly, but before removing them from the molds they need to be solid.
- If you need to freeze the popsicles in batches, cover the excess jello mixture with plastic wrap and leave at room temperature. If it’s too thick to pour, microwave for 20-30 seconds.
- To layer the flavors of jello, partially fill the molds. Freeze for 1-2 hours until the jello has set like it would be in the refrigerator, then repeat with the remaining jello flavors.
- Run the molds under hot water for a few seconds, or dip them in warm water to loosen the popsicles. If using silicone molds, press up on the bottom. The popsicles must be frozen solid before removing so they don’t squish out.
- For a single flavor, fill each mold with just one color.
Fun Fact
Jello pudding pops were a huge hit in the 80s but were discontinued. They made a come back later, but were no were near as good as the first time debut. – Mashed
Recipe FAQs
Keep the pops in an airtight container or freezer bag separated by parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Jello does make the popsicles a little less icy. The major factor is that they don’t melt as much as they thaw and leave a mess. Instead, they are more jello texture.
Usually this is due to using too much water. However, when using gelatin to make popsicles this will not be an issue.
More Fantastic Frozen Desserts
If you try these Jello Popsicles or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the 📝 comments below.
Jello Popsicles
Ingredients
- 3 ounce package of jello
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water divided
- popsicle sticks and molds
Instructions
- Place jello powder and sugar in a medium bowl or large measuring cup.
- Add 1 cup of boiling water and whisk until jello powder and sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add 1 cup of cold water to the jello mixture and stir until combined.
- Pour mixture into popsicle molds, leaving about ½” of space at the top of the mold for expansion. Secure lid and popsicle sticks. (if you are using a mold that doesn’t hold popsicle sticks in place, wait for the jello to firm up (1-2 hours) and then place the sticks into the popsicles to freeze the rest of the way.)
- Freeze the popsicles for about 8 hours or until very firm.
- Remove from the molds and place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper to store in the freezer or place in layers in a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment paper between popsicles to prevent them from sticking together.
Notes
Nutrition
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