Here’s a perfect sweet-and-sour summer treat you can make for the whole family. Read on to learn how to make refreshing Lemonade Jello from scratch.
Summer and lemonade are a natural pair. The bright tang of lemonade cools you down on hot days, and it’s easy to prepare at home. You can squeeze fresh lemons or use bottled lemon juice for convenience. I often sweeten mine with honey or use a sugar-free sweetener depending on the crowd — both work well for jello.
This Lemonade Jello turns the classic summer drink into a light, fruity dessert. It’s simple, requires just a few pantry staples, and sets in the fridge. Make it in a large pan for easy slicing or pour into individual ramekins or silicone molds for fun shapes. Below you’ll find ingredient notes, step-by-step instructions, storage tips, and a few variations to try.
Ingredients Used to Make Lemonade Jello
Most ingredients are easy to find at grocery stores. Use sugar-free lemonade if you want a low-calorie option.
- Lemonade – Homemade lemonade is just lemon juice, water, and a sweetener of your choice. Store-bought lemonade works fine too.
- Sweetener – Use sugar, honey, or any granulated/liquid sweetener you prefer. For sugar-free results, choose your favorite sugar substitute. Blending sweeteners (for example, monk fruit with a little stevia) can balance flavor if single sweeteners taste off to you.
- Unflavored gelatin – Available in the baking aisle. I used Knox unflavored gelatin; other brands work similarly.
How to Make
Step 1
In a microwave-safe glass bowl or measuring cup (4–5 cup capacity), sprinkle 4 packets (about ¾ oz) of unflavored gelatin over ½ cup room-temperature water. Let it bloom for 5 minutes.
Step 2
Microwave the gelatin mixture until hot, about 90 seconds. Stir to ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved.
Step 3
Pour up to 4 cups of room-temperature or cool lemonade into the hot gelatin and whisk until smooth and lump-free.
Step 4
Pour the mixture into a glass Pyrex pan or individual ramekins. Let it cool slightly at room temperature, then refrigerate overnight (or for several hours) until fully set.
Recipe Variations and Optional Add-Ins
- Strawberry Lemon Jello – Use strawberry lemonade or add a puree of fresh strawberries to the lemonade before combining with gelatin.
- Pour the jello into silicone molds for fun shapes, or layer with fresh fruit pieces for texture.
How to Store
- Keep the jello refrigerated. It’s best eaten within several days. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than a few hours.
Final Tips
- Use a microwave-safe glass bowl or measuring cup to dissolve gelatin.
- Smaller containers set faster. If you’re short on time, pour into individual molds or ramekins.
- Taste the lemonade before mixing; adjust sweetness so the finished jello isn’t too tart or too sweet.
Sugar Free Lemonade Jello Made in the Microwave
Prep Time: 30 mins • Servings: 8 • Calories: 29 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 4 packets (or ¾ oz) unflavored gelatin (I used Knox)
- ½ cup water
- 4 cups prepared sugar-free lemonade
Instructions
- In a large glass microwaveable bowl or measuring cup, dissolve 4 packets of gelatin in ½ cup room-temperature water. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Microwave until the mixture is hot, about 90 seconds, then stir to fully dissolve the gelatin.
- Gradually whisk in up to 4 cups of lemonade until smooth.
- Pour into a glass pan or individual molds, cool slightly, then refrigerate until set (overnight is ideal).
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 29 • Carbs: 8 g • Protein: 1 g • Fat: 1 g • Sugar: 3 g • Vitamin C: 47 mg
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