Jello tends to be a favorite dish of many people. It’s simple to prepare and is so versatile. If Jello is a favorite for you or those who gather around your table, you might be wondering can you freeze Jello. Technically speaking, yes you can freeze Jello, but there are aspects of your Jello that will be altered as a result of it being frozen that you’re going to want to be aware of in order to avoid disappointment.
Can You Freeze Jello?
Technicially speaking, you can freeze Jello but it will change the texture and consistency of the Jello. Since Jello is a food, you can put it in the freezer and store it there, but you might be disappointed in the outcome if you’re not prepared.
Jello is made of gelatin. It’s what causes it to have that gel-like consistency and texture that we’re all fond of. When you add boiling water to your gelatin powder, it causes a reaction to take place which creates new bonds as the Jello cools and makes it thicken and set up.
If you put Jello in the freezer, it will not freeze hard like an ice cube. And if you allow it to fully freeze, you ruin those bonds. So, when the Jello thaws out it is no longer gel-like. Instead, it turns to a soupy mess. If you’re planning to freeze Jello, you’ll want to be aware of this drawback. The consistency and texture will be altered.
Types of Jello
Jell-O is actually a brand that produces gelatin desserts and puddings. There are as many flavors of Jello gelatin and pudding as you can imagine. See the section below for available gelatin flavors produced by Jell-O.
Some Jello mixes for you
Jello mixes come in a variety of flavors. Here are all the flavors of Jello:
Apricot
Berry Blue
Black Cherry
Blackberry
Blackberry Fusion
Cherry
Cherry Lemonade
Concord Grape
Cotton Candy
Fruit Punch
Grape
Green Apple
Lemon
Lemon-Lime
Lime
Mango
Margarita
Melon Fusion
Orange
Peach
Pineapple
Raspberry
Strawberry
Strawberry-Banana
Tropical Fusion
Watermelon
How To Thaw Frozen Jello
To thaw or defrost frozen Jello, you can simply transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator. Leave them in place to thaw over several hours or overnight.
How to Make Jello
To make Jello, follow our step-by-step instructions below for success.
Step 1: Boil Water
Read the Jello package instructions to determine the amount of hot water that is needed. Add that amount of water to a saucepan or tea kettle and bring it to a boil.
Step 2: Mix
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the stovetop and mix it with the Jello powder. Stir well for one to two minutes until the powder is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Add Cold Water
Add the cold water to the mixture, according to the package instructions. There is usually an amount of cold water that can be added as well as an amount of ice cubes that can be added for a quick set Jello method. Choose whichever one you desire. Mix well.
Step 4: Pour Into Molds
Pour the Jello into a pan or a mold and place it in the refrigerator until it is fully set up. This takes about 4 hours for the traditional set method.
FAQs & Related Questions
Following are frequently asked questions about making and storing Jello. We trust you will find this information helpful to you in the kitchen.
1. How long does Jello last?
If you are fortunate enough to have some left, Jello can last for about 7-10 days if wrapped and stored properly in the refrigerator.
2. How can you tell if Jello has gone bad?
After several days, when Jello starts to go bad, it will start to separate and liquid will appear on it. You might also notice mold forming or a distinct and not so pleasant smell. If you notice any of these signs, throw the Jello away and do not consume it as it could make you sick.
3. Can you freeze Jello to make it set faster?
Kind of. You can place your Jello in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes to chill it faster so that it sets up more quickly. But don’t leave it too long or it will begin to freeze. If your Jello freezes it will likely be ruined.
4. Is There a Way to Cool Down Jello Faster, Without the Freezer?
Most boxes of Jello, regardless of the brand have instructions on the box for quick set methods. This is typically faster than just adding boiling water and then adding cold water and waiting several hours for it to set up.
Instructions usually include ice cubes in place of the cold water. Using ice cubes will speed up the process of the Jello setting up, compared to just using cold water. So if you’re in a pinch for time, we recommend following these instructions on the box.
5. When Do You Put Plastic Wrap on Jello?
After the Jello has setup, if you plan to store it for any length of time, even just over night, you should cover it with plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
6. Can You Freeze Jello? Here are Few Tips!
We don’t recommend freezing jello. If you’re placing it in the freezer to cool it more quickly so that it sets up more rapidly, we recommend only leaving it in there for 15 to 20 minutes. You don’t want to leave it until ice begins to form.
If you forget and leave your Jello in the freezer until ice begins to form, it will likely be ruined. Once Jello is frozen, the consistency changes and Jello is no longer gel. It becomes more of a crystalized soup.
7. What are the basics I should know about Jello?
It is important to follow package instructions when making Jello. If the hot and cold-water ratios are not followed, it’s possible that you will have Jello that either does not set up because it’s had too much liquid added or Jello that is too rubbery and dense because not enough liquid has been added.
8. How Jello is formed?
Jell-O and other flavored gelatin contain gelatin, flavoring, water, and sweetener. The key ingredient is the gelatin which is a form of collagen, an animal protein.
Jello is formed when you dissolve the gelatin powder in hot water, which causes the bonds to break that hold the collagen protein chains together. After the gelatin cools it causes new bonds to form with the amino acids in the protein, creating the gel consistency.
9. What happens after freezing Jello?
When you freeze Jello, it causes the new bonds that were formed to be broken. As a result, the Jello separates and becomes liquified again. The consistency of the Jello is ruined.
10. How Do You Know It Has Gone Bad?
Jello might go bad if it is not stored properly or is stored too long. Jello will typically last for 7-10 days if wrapped and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You will know that Jello has turned bad because it begins to separate and forms liquid, it begins to grow mold or other bacteria, or it emits a strange aroma.
11. Why Is It Bad to Freeze Jello?
It’s bad to freeze Jello because it changes the consistency of it causing it to no longer to have the consistency of gelatin. It becomes a liquid mess after frozen. However, the flavor is unaltered.
12. Can You Use the Freezer to Make Jello Set Faster?
Yes, but set a timer for 15 to 20 minutes and then take it out of the freezer. If ice begins to form on your Jello, it could be a recipe for disaster. After the 15-20 minutes have passed, you’ll want to finish the cooling time in the refrigerator.
13. How Long Does Jello Last?
At our house, Jello will only last for a meal. There are absolutely no leftovers and the bowl is scraped clean. But if you’re fortunate enough to have leftovers, you can place plastic food wrap directly on the Jello and then in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days.
14. How Should You Store Jello?
Jello should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 7-10 days.
15. Can you freeze gelatin?
In essence gelatin is the ingredient that makes Jello gelatin like. And we don’t recommend freezing Jello, so we also don’t recommend freezing gelatin. It changes the texture and ruins the setup gelatin aspect of the dish.
16. Side Dish or Dessert?
Whether you choose to serve Jello as a side dish or dessert is up to you. It’s a matter of personal preference. We have served it as either one. Typically, if we’ve included fruit in our Jello, we’ll serve it as a side dish.
And if we’ve included a sweet ingredient such as whipped cream or cherries, then we’ll have it for dessert. But again, it’s a matter of personal preference and there is no right or wrong way to serve Jello.
17. Can It Become Inedible?
Yes, like any food Jello can become inedible. If your Jello has already been prepared, watch for the signs that Jello has gone bad listed above, if you are storing Jello for a length of time. If your Jello has not yet been prepared and is still at the powder stage, you will want to check the expiration date and whether your gelatin powder has formed itself into a brick or large clumps. If this is the case, it might not be good anymore.
18. Can You Refrigerate and Freeze Jello?
We just recommend refrigerating, and not freezing it for the long term. Freezing Jello will ruin its consistency. Refrigerating it will help it to maintain its freshness.
19. What Happens When You Freeze Jello?
It’s not good. When you freeze Jello the sky doesn’t fall or anything like that, but it does make it so the Jello loses its wonderful consistency. It’s what why you made the Jello after all. All of that turns to a pile of mush.
20. What is the Shelf Life of Jello?
The shelf life of Jello varies depending on whether the Jello has already been prepared or whether it’s still in its powder form. If the Jello is still in its powder form, it can last for years. You can go by the expiration date on the packaging as a guideline.
If you’re referring to the shelf life of Jello that is prepared in your home, it has a shelf life of approximately 7-10 days, if stored properly.
21. How Should Jello Be Stored?
Jello in its powder form should be stored at room temperature in a dry, not damp location. A food pantry or kitchen cupboard is adequate for storing unprepared Jello. It is important that Jello be kept free of moisture.
Jello that has been prepared can be stored covered in the refrigerator. We recommend using plastic wrap and then an airtight container for storing prepared Jello.
22. What is Jello?
Jello is a brand of flavored gelatin that is sold in a powder form or prepared form and can be eaten as a side dish, dessert or snack.
23. Will freezing affect the texture of Jello?
Yes, freezing Jello will ruin its texture and will make it so that it no longer has a jiggy Jello effect. Freezing Jello does not affect the flavor of Jello. The flavor of frozen Jello is unaltered.
24. Will Jello lose its taste if we freeze it?
No, Jello doesn’t lose its taste if we freeze it. If you made strawberry Jello and put it in the freezer, after it’s frozen it’s still going to taste like strawberry Jello. The flavor does not go away. Only the texture is altered.
25. Can You Unfreeze Jello?
Can you unfreeze Jello? Hmm. We assume you’re wondering if Jello can be thawed after it’s been frozen. If that’s the case, yes, Jello that has been frozen can be thawed. As it thaws, however, it will begin to separate and turn into a soupy mess.
Also, Jello that has been set up can be liquified once again by placing the container that holds it in hot water. This will cause the Jello to melt.
26. Can You Freeze Jelly?
In our opinion, jelly doesn’t freeze well either. It is made thick by gelatin just like Jello. But with that being said, there are however some types of jam that freeze well, such as freezer jam. The gelatin is made in such a way that it is specifically meant to go in the freezer.
27. Can You Freeze Jello To Help It Set?
We don’t recommend freezing Jello to help it set. If you place it in the freezer too long and it becomes frozen, the consistency will be lost. If you’re looking for a way of speeding up the process of setting up your Jello, you can place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes, but be sure to set a timer so you don’t forget it. When the time is up, move it to the refrigerator.
28. Can You Freeze Mousse With Gelatin?
Yes, you can freeze mousse with gelatin if you wish. Mousse with gelatin will not fully freeze if placed in the freezer and gelatin is used sparingly in most mousse recipes making it freezer friendly. It should be wrapped well in an airtight container and can be stored there for up to two months. Place it at room temperature when you are ready to defrost your mousse.
29. Can You Freeze Cheesecake With Gelatin?
The same is true for cheesecake in that if you haven’t used too much gelatin, the cheesecake should freeze just fine. Be sure to wrap it before placing it in the freezer to keep it from becoming freezer burnt. Cheesecake can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.
30. Will Jell-O Set Without Boiling Water?
No, Jello needs boiling water in order to activate the gelatin particles that makes it bloom and set up. If you don’t use boiling water, you likely won’t have Jello.
31. Can you increase the shelf life of Jello?
The self life of Jello can’t really be increased, but you can keep from shortening its shelf life by storing it in a dry location before it’s been prepared, and after it’s prepared by storing it covered in the refrigerator.
32. How To Store Jello In The Kitchen?
The best way to store Jello in the kitchen is to make sure any boxes of powdered Jello are in a dry location. Simply storing them in a kitchen cupboard is adequate so long as it’s nice and dry. Storing prepared Jello is best kept covered and in the refrigerator.
33. Can You Freeze Jello Shots?
Jello shots are made with gelatin so they won’t freeze like an ice cube. It’s quite easy to freeze Jello shots, but the problem comes into play when the Jello shots are frozen. They lose their Jello-like consistency.
34. How to Freeze Jello Shots?
If you opt to freeze your Jello shots despite knowing that they will sacrifice their consistency and texture, the best way to freeze them is by covering them with plastic wrap and placing them in the freezer.
35. How to Defrost Frozen Jello Shots?
To defrost frozen Jello shots, move them in their container to the refrigerator for 4 hours or up to overnight to allow them to thaw.
How to Cool Jell-O Faster
To cool Jell-O faster, either use the official ice trick found on the back of the box, or place the mixture in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. Don’t leave it there to let it freeze though.
Use the Official Ice Trick
If you haven’t learned the official ice trick yet, which results in a more rapid setup of your Jello, you’ll want to read the back of the box to learn more about how to use ice instead of cold water. It might cut an hour or two off the amount of time you need to wait for the Jello to set up as compared to just using cold water.
Chill Your Mold
If you’re using a mold to make fancy shapes with your Jello, we recommend chilling your mold first by simply placing it in the freezer for a few minutes. This will help speed up the process of it setting up.
Tips on increasing the shelf-life of Jello
There are three main tips that we’ll give you for increasing your Jello’s shelf life. First, to maintain the longevity of your Jello before it’s prepared, store it in a dry location. Keep it away from any place that might cause it to get damp.
Second, after your Jello has been prepared, cover it and store it in the refrigerator. We recommend using plastic wrap touching the Jello itself with an added sealed food storage container with a lid.
Finally, wait to apply your plastic wrap and lid after the Jello has cooled. If you apply the lid while the Jello is still warm, you will create condensation and the added liquid can shorten the shelf-life of Jello.
Alternate Jello Recipes
There are many recipes out there that use Jello in a variety of fun ways. Following are just a few ideas to use Jello in dishes other than plain Jello.
Jello cake
Jello poke cakes can be fun to make and delicious to enjoy. Just bake your favorite cake mix and after the cake is cooled, poke holes in the cake. Next, prepare the Jello according to package instructions and pour it over the cake. Place in the refrigerator to cool and frost as desired.
Jello yogurt pudding
You can make flavored Jello yogurt pudding by mixing a packet of Jello with your favorite kind of yogurt. There are so many ideas on the internet just overflowing with Jello and yogurt pudding combinations.
Frozen Creamy Lime Jello Recipe
To make frozen creamy lime Jello recipe, you’ll need 8 ounces crushed pineapple, ½ cup sugar, 3 ounces lime Jello, ½ pint whipping cream, 1 cup sour cream.
To prepare this dish you’ll bring sugar, and crushed pineapple with juice to a rolling boil and then add the Jello. In a mixing bowl, whip the whipped cream and fold in sour cream and Jello mixture. Place in a parchment lined pan and freeze overnight. Serve and enjoy!
How to Make Frozen Creamy Whipped Jello
To make frozen creamy whipped Jello, you’ll need 3 cups fresh lemon juice, 1 cup water, ½ cup honey, 3 tbsp unflavored gelatin, berries for garnish.
To prepare place lemon juice, honey and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle gelatin over the mixture and let sit for 5 minutes. Stir until the mixture is dissolved and begins to steam. Refrigerate until firm, about 5 hours. Pour the Jello into a stand mixer and whip for 20 minutes. Place in the freezer and freeze for 3 hours. Serve and enjoy!
How to use Jello
Jello can be used in a variety of recipes and it can be served as a side dish or dessert. It is a versatile product. The fun thing about Jello is that it comes in so many flavors, practically every fruity flavor under the sun. Enjoy being creative with Jello and how you use it in your kitchen.
Conclusion & Final Verdict
We don’t recommend freezing Jello because of the alteration of the physical properties that takes place. The texture and consistency of the Jello is ruined, causing it to turn to a soupy mess after it’s thawed.
Printable Recipe
How To Make Jello
Equipment
- saucepan
- jello mold or pan
Ingredients
- 2 boxes Jello gelatin
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Step 1: Boil Water
- Read the Jello package instructions to determine the amount of hot water that is needed. Add that amount of water to a saucepan or tea kettle and bring it to a boil.
Step 2: Mix
- Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the stovetop and mix it with the Jello powder. Stir well for one to two minutes until the powder is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Add Cold Water
- Add the cold water to the mixture, according to the package instructions. There is usually an amount of cold water that can be added as well as an amount of ice cubes that can be added for a quick set Jello method. Choose whichever one you desire. Mix well.
Step 4: Pour Into Molds
- Pour the Jello into a pan or a mold and place it in the refrigerator until it is fully set up. This takes about 4 hours for the traditional set method.
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