Strawberry Jell-O Mold (2025)

What’s old is new again. We’re all plunging into grandma’s recipe box for a delicious dessert, asking dad for help with a classic roast chicken recipe and maybe even thinking about some old-fashioned dishes we miss—like this strawberry Jell-O mold. There’s something about a wiggly, jiggly, fruit-filled Jell-O mold that just brings joy. They’re sweet, refreshing and, when they turn out right, pretty to look at.

Now, don’t think that the Jell-O mold is something only our grandparents could master. It’s just gelatin, after all! We’ll show you how to make a Jell-O mold filled with fruit and finished with a creamy layer. It’s perfect for a side dish or light dessert.

Ingredients for Strawberry Jell-O Mold

• Strawberry gelatin: Make sure you’re buying the 6-ounce box of strawberry gelatin—nothing bigger, nothing smaller! Otherwise, the ratios of this strawberry Jell-O mold recipe will be off, and the dessert won’t come out quite right.
• Strawberries: You can use fresh or frozen strawberries here. If you’re going with frozen, make sure you thaw them first. Don’t discard the juice—you’ll need it in the recipe!
• Pineapple: Grab an 8-ounce tin of crushed pineapple from the store. Do not discard the juices. Just like the strawberries, you need the juice for this recipe.
• Sour cream: Don’t be wary of the sour cream! The juice and gelatin will sweeten it up, making it creamy and fruity.
• Garnishes: While optional, we love using lettuce leaves and fresh strawberries to garnish the strawberry Jell-O mold. They make the dessert look perfectly complete.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the gelatin

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In a large bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in the boiling water. Add the thawed strawberries and crushed pineapple, including the juices.

Josh Rink for Taste of Home

Strain, reserving both the liquid and fruit. Set aside 1 cup of the liquid at room temperature.

Editor’s Tip: While these molds can take time to create, do keep a timer handy. You need the gelatin to be almost (but not entirely) set before adding the next layer. This nearly set consistency helps the layers stick together.

Step 2: Prep the mold and add the first layer

Josh Rink for Taste of Home

Pour the fruit and the remaining liquid into a 5-cup ring mold or 9-inch square pan that has been coated with cooking spray. Cover and refrigerate the gelatin mold until it has set, about one hour.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t let the gelatin sit any longer; otherwise, the second layer will not adhere to this base.

Step 3: Add the sour cream layer

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Whisk together the sour cream and the cup of reserved liquid.

Josh Rink for Taste of Home

Pour this pale pink mixture over top of the gelatin. Cover and refrigerate the gelatin mold until it has set.

Step 4: Slice and serve the Jell-O mold

Once the gelatin is completely set, slice the strawberry Jell-O mold and place it on individual plates, or unmold it onto a serving platter. Garnish it with lettuce and strawberries if desired.

Editor’s Tip: To unmold the gelatin, place a plate over the bottom of the mold and flip. You can also garnish it with other fresh fruit and a few mint leaves. If you plan on serving this as a dessert instead of a side, spoon some sweetened whipped cream over the top.

Josh Rink for Taste of Home

Recipe Variations

• Change the flavor: You can change the flavor of this gelatin mold however you want! Pick out your favorite gelatin mix and replace the fruit to match. From orange to pineapple and raspberry to mango, the options are pretty much endless.
• Use canned fruits: Most gelatin mold recipes call for defrosted frozen fruits or canned fruits. Both options have a softer texture that works well with gelatin. If you feel that canned fruit is calling you, use that instead of our frozen strawberry suggestion!

How to Store Strawberry Jell-O Mold

Strawberry Jell-O mold can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Cover the mold tightly with storage wrap so it doesn’t absorb any funky fridge smells, or place pieces in an airtight container.

Can you make strawberry Jell-O mold ahead of time?

Yes, you can make a strawberry Jell-O mold ahead of time. Multi-layer molds take time to create, so we recommend making this the day before you plan on serving it. Each layer needs to set for about an hour before adding the next. Don’t rush the process!

Strawberry Jell-O Mold Tips

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What are the best gelatin molds to use?

When it comes to gelatin molds, there are so many options to choose from! Check out the materials and then find the designs that speak to you.

• Copper: Everyone has seen these copper molds before (most likely hanging up in Grandma’s kitchen). But they’re not just for decoration; you can absolutely use a copper mold to make a gelatin salad. These molds provide a bit more vintage flair to your recipes.
• Plastic: Whether you’re new to making molds or prefer the convenience of a dishwasher-safe container, plastic molds are a good option. Many of these molds have a removable seal on the top and bottom, so you can unmold the gelatin more easily. Plus, this extra seal that covers the top of the mold is perfect for transporting your mold (or just keeping strong fridge smells out of your gelatin).
• Silicone: You can also use silicone molds to make Jell-O salads. Silicone molds come in all sorts of shapes, from flowers to seasonal shapes to mini versions of classic mold shapes. If you use a silicone mold, place it on a sheet pan or tray while you work and chill it to keep it stable.

How do you remove gelatin from the mold?

Whichever type of mold you decide to use, make sure you spray it with cooking spray before filling it. This will make removing the gelatin easier. If your mold isn’t releasing from the pan, set it in a pan of hot water for 10 seconds and try to remove it again. Repeat the process until the gelatin slides out of the pan.

Watch How to Make Strawberry Jell-O Mold