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Turn a watermelon into the ultimate summer treat with this fun and easy watermelon jello recipe. Perfect for parties, picnics, or a refreshing snack.
Make this show-stopping fruit dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! This Watermelon Jello is a refreshing and colorful way to celebrate summertime! Packed with fresh fruit and set inside a real watermelon shell, it’s the perfect centerpiece for backyard parties, picnics, or a sweet summer snack. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think, and the results are absolutely stunning!
Watermelon Jello – ingredients
- 1 large watermelon
- 2 cups chopped peaches
- 1 pound chopped strawberries
- 1 pint of blueberries
- 1 pound green grapes
- 3 1/2 cups water (for the gelatin)
- 5 packets unflavored gelatin powder (like Knox)
- 1/3 cup sugar
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon
Turn the watermelon on its side and slice off the top about 1–2 inches down. Be sure to save the top piece, you’ll use it later as a lid!
Place the watermelon in a large bowl to keep it stable, then scoop out all the watermelon flesh from the inside, leaving a hollow shell. (You can save the scooped-out watermelon to snack on or use in smoothies!)
Step 2: Add the Fruit
Fill the hollowed-out watermelon shell with your chopped peaches, strawberries, blueberries, and grapes. Mix and layer the fruit for a colorful, juicy blend.
Step 3: Make the Clear Jello
In a small pot, sprinkle the 5 packets of gelatin powder over the cold water. Let it sit for a few minutes to “bloom”. Stir in the water, then heat the mixture until it’s steaming but not boiling. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Pour and Set
Carefully pour the cooled gelatin mixture into the watermelon, covering the fruit completely. Place the reserved watermelon “lid” back on top.
Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or until the jello is completely set.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once the jello has firmed up, remove the watermelon from the fridge. Slice it just like you would a regular watermelon, and get ready for the wow factor! You’ll see colorful chunks of fruit suspended in clear, wiggly jello.
Why You’ll Love It
This Watermelon Jello isn’t just gorgeous, it’s also delicious and refreshing. The juicy fruit combined with the gentle sweetness of the clear jello makes every bite a treat.
Plus, using the watermelon shell as a natural bowl means there’s minimal cleanup!
Tips for Success
- Make sure the gelatin mixture cools completely before pouring it over the fruit; pouring it in while too hot could cook the fruit and make it mushy.
- For even more flavor, you could replace some of the water with white grape juice or another clear, light fruit juice.
What fruits does gelatin not work with?
Gelatin doesn’t set properly with certain fresh fruits because they contain enzymes that break down proteins, preventing the gelatin from firming up. These fruits include:
-
Pineapple
-
Kiwi
-
Papaya
-
Mango
-
Figs
-
Guava
Why? These fruits contain proteolytic enzymes (like bromelain in pineapple or actinidin in kiwi) that break down the gelatin’s collagen proteins.
Workaround: If you cook the fruit first (like canned pineapple), the heat deactivates the enzymes, and gelatin will work just fine.
Final Thoughts
This Watermelon Jello is an easy, impressive dessert that’s perfect for any summer gathering. It’s fun to make, beautiful to serve, and guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds. So grab a watermelon and your favorite fruits, and start creating your own slice of edible art!
More watermelon treats
Watermelon Jello
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the WatermelonTurn the watermelon on its side and slice off the top about 1–2 inches down. Be sure to save the top piece, you’ll use it later as a lid!Place the watermelon in a large bowl to keep it stable, then scoop out all the watermelon flesh from the inside, leaving a hollow shell. (You can save the scooped-out watermelon to snack on or use in smoothies!)
- Step 2: Add the FruitFill the hollowed-out watermelon shell with your chopped peaches, strawberries, blueberries, and grapes. Mix and layer the fruit for a colorful, juicy blend.
- Step 3: Make the Clear JelloIn a small pot, sprinkle the 5 packets of gelatin powder over the cold water. Let it sit for a few minutes to "bloom". Stir in the water, then heat the mixture until it's steaming but not boiling. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Step 4: Pour and SetCarefully pour the cooled gelatin mixture into the watermelon, covering the fruit completely. Place the reserved watermelon "lid" back on top.Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or until the jello is completely set.
- Step 5: Slice and ServeOnce the jello has firmed up, remove the watermelon from the fridge. Slice it just like you would a regular watermelon, and get ready for the wow factor! You’ll see colorful chunks of fruit suspended in clear, wiggly jello.
Video
Notes
- Make sure the gelatin mixture cools completely before pouring it over the fruit; pouring it in while too hot could cook the fruit and make it mushy.
- For even more flavor, you could replace some of the water with white grape juice or another clear, light fruit juice.
- Want to switch it up? Try adding different fruits like raspberries or mango!
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Agnes Hsu is a mom of three and has been inspiring parents and kids to get creative with easy activities and family friendly recipes for over 10 years. She shares her love for creative play and kids food to her 2MM+ followers online. Agnes' commitment to playful learning and kindness has not only raised funds for charity but also earned features in prestigious nationwide publications.