Orange Jello Slices

These cute orange jello slices is a recipe that your kids will love. You can use packaged jello or add some unflavored gelatin to juice. They are so fun to make and great for holidays and parties.

Orange Jello Slices

I got this recipe for Orange Jello slices from my Mom years ago. She made them for the holidays and they were always a big hit. This is such an ingenious idea for serving jello in a more interesting way. You can use either store bought packaged jello or use most juices, add some unflavored gelatin to it. Slice up the oranges when the jello is chilled and they look so cute and festive.

Not only is the delivery method adorable, but I love that the jello gets infused with orange flavor too. It really elevates the taste and that is always great. My kids absolutely loved these! It’s creative and unique but is also made in advance too, so it’s great for parties. That’s always my biggest tip for hosting – get as much done in advance as possible. I make this dessert several days ahead, then all that’s left is to slice them up.

Whenever I make Layered Rainbow Jello, my kids and all their little friends get so excited, so I knew that would love this too.

Ingredients For Orange Jello Slices Recipe:

  • Oranges
    • I find that it’s best to use oranges that don’t have a really thick rind, although any oranges will work for this recipe.
  • packaged Jello
    • It’s really fun to use different colors and flavors.

OR

  • juice and unflavored gelatin – This can be found in most grocery stores, usually near the packaged Jello. (My kids love this version the best.)

How to make Orange Jello Slices

  1. First, prep the Oranges.
    • Wash the oranges, cut off the top and remove the center of the oranges, leaving behind only the orange rind. (I find that the best way to do that is to use a knife to go around the edges of the inside of the orange, then use a spoon to carefully remove the orange.)
    • I would never tell you to waste the oranges, of course! Squeeze out all the juice because it’ll be the most delicious freshly squeezed OJ ever. You can also use it to make the jello. My boys and I really enjoyed the orange juice for breakfast the next day.
  2. Make the Jello.
    1. If using packaged jello, follow on the instructions on the box.
    2. If using juice, whisk 1 cup of juice with 3 1/2 teaspoons of unflavored gelatin. Set aside to bloom for about 5 minutes. Then, bring another cup of juice to a boil. Pour it over the bloomed gelatin and juice. Whisk to combine until smooth.
  3. Then, Pour the jello mix/juice+gelatin mix into the prepped oranges.
  4. Lastly, chill in the refrigerator until set, 2-4 hours, depending on what you’re using and the size of the oranges. (This can be done up to 3 days in advance.)
  5. Slice the oranges into segments and serve.
How to make Orange Jello slices tutorial

Helpful Tips

How and why to bloom gelatin?

When using unflavored gelatin, you need to sprinkle it into a liquid, either water or juice, mix it up and let it stand for a few minutes. This will rehydrate the gelatin, each granulate. This will help to ensure that the jello will be smooth and without clumps. Never boil the gelatin. If you heat it up on the stove, bring it to a low simmer only or pour the boiling water/juice into the bloomed gelatin, like you would with most store bought jello.

What juice can be used?

Almost any juice can be used in this recipe. You can even use homemade kompot. Do NOT use any juice that has pineapple, mango, papaya, guava or kiwi in it, or it will not set. Cranberry, grape, apple, orange juices all work great.

Place the oranges in a deep dish with sides.

Stack them closely together so that they hold each other upright while the jello is setting.

I love how pretty and festive these look, especially if you use different colors! I am so excited for you to try these too. This would be a great activity to do with your kids too.

More refreshing gelatin desserts:

Print

Orange Jello Slices

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These cute orange jello slices is a recipe that your kids will love. They are so fun to make and great for holidays and parties.

  • Author: Olga’s Flavor Factory
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 5 min
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

Scale

68 oranges

24 packages Jello  (or Jel dessert)

OR 

4 cups juice 

7 teaspoons unflavored gelatin 

Instructions

  1. Wash the oranges on the outside, cut off the top and remove the center orange flesh, leaving only the rind. (Squeeze out the juice and drink it for breakfast, or strain it and use for the juice with the gelatin.)
  2. If using packaged jello, prepare according to the box instructions. Pour into the oranges. 
  3. If using juice and gelatin, pour 1 cup of juice in a medium bowl, sprinkle with 3 1/2 teaspoons of unflavored gelatin on top and whisk it in to combine. Set aside to bloom for about 5 minutes.
  4. Then heat up another 1 cup of juice and bring it to a simmer, just after it comes to a boil. 
  5.  Pour the hot juice over the bloomed gelatin and juice. Whisk to combine, until all the gelatin is dissolved and smooth. Pour into the oranges. 
  6. Repeat with another type of juice to make a different color and flavor, if you want to. 
  7. 2 cups of juice will fill up about 3 large oranges or 4 medium-small ones. I actually prefer the smaller ones. 
  8. Chill in the refrigerator until set, 1-4 hours, depending on the type of Jello/Jel dessert you use or juice+gelatin. You can make these up to 3 days in advance. 
  9. Cut the oranges into slices and serve. 

Notes

  • 2 cups of juice+gelatin will fill 3 large oranges or 4 smaller ones. 
  • If using juice, do not use mango, papaya, guava, pineapple or kiwi juices or the dessert will not set. 

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.