Homemade Orange Jello or Gelatin

Wiggly, jiggly jello is a favorite for young and old alike.  Given the popularity of the powdered mixes and pre-made gelatin snack containers – you’d think making jello from scratch is a difficult, labor and time intensive task.  Well, it’s not. All it takes is a package of unflavored gelatin and fruit juice – sugar or other sweeteners are totally optional.  No added colours or preservatives required.

Orange Gelatin

Read more: Grapefruit parfait, Pomelo salad, Orange & Mint Salad with pepitas & Honey Lime Drizzle.

With citrus season in full swing, orange jello – pardon me, orange gelatin was on our list of favorite orange foods to make.  First step – juicing the oranges.

How much juice in jello?

An average sized orange will yield about 1/3 cup of juice. For one batch of jello, you’ll need the juice of about 6 oranges.

To get the most juice out of any citrus fruit follow these 4 tips to juicing citrus.

Once you’ve got your juice – you’re all set to go.

homemade orange jello or gelatin

Next time, I think I’ll try making it with blood oranges – can you imagine the color of that jello!

Print Recipe
4.34 from 6 votes

Homemade Orange Jello or Gelatin

As easy as making boxed jello – but with fresh OJ and no added colours or preservatives.
Prep : 5 minutes
Cook : 3 hours 55 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Orange Juice – fresh squeezed for best flavor
  • 1 Tbsp Unflavored Gelatin 1 envelope
  • 1/4 cup Sugar optional

Instructions

  • Place 1/4 cup orange juice (pulp in or pulp-free – your choice) in a medium sized bowl and sprinkle gelatin on top. Allow to rest for 1-2 minutes as gelatin soaks up juice and swells.
  • Meanwhile, heat 1/4 cup juice in microwave or on stove top.
  • Add hot juice to gelatin mixture and stir briskly until gelatin is dissolved about 1-2 minutes.
  • Taste your juice and add as much or as little sugar as you desire. Stir until any sugar is dissolved.
  • Add remainder of the juice.
  • Pour into serving dish or individual dishes and allow to set for 3 to 4 hours (less if in small individual dishes).
  • Top with freshly whipped real cream.

Notes

The gelatin will not add any noticeable flavor – the quality and taste of the juice you use will determine the final flavor.
To get 2 cups of freshly squeezed orange juice plan on juicing about 6 medium sized oranges.
Use the same instructions for whatever juice you have available – other than pineapple, mango or papaya which won’t set with gelatin.
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While it’s always best to eat whole fruits, using fresh squeezed orange juice for homemade orange gelatin is one way to get picky eaters to get a serving of fruits and veggies.

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8 Comments

    1. To prevent the fruit from sinking, add it as the gelatin is starting to set but isn’t completely firm.

    1. Hi Savi,
      Glad you enjoyed the article and recipe for orange jelly. You can use the same technique and ratios for any fruit juice. Go ahead and try fresh apple juice.
      Enjoy!

  1. Great method! I used 1/2 cup of to bloom and mix the gelatin, for the rest of the liquid, I used a combination of vanilla yogurt, mango sorbet, mandarin orange juice, and mandarin oranges. It’s really easy and much better than boxed gelatin desserts. Thanks so much!

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