Finger Jello Recipe
Do you ever eat Jello with your fingers? I think it is a regional trait- some of my friends have never heard of such a thing, but here in the midwest, we do it all the time! Whether you are a pro or a newbie, you can add a little jiggle to your get-togethers with a fun and colorful Finger Jello Recipe!
Fun desserts are one of my favorite parts of throwing a party – they taste good and are so decorative! Our Sparkler Cupcakes for 4th of July taste amazing and also work as a centerpiece for your table! This Finger Jello Recipe is just as fun and even easier to make. Little ones love to help make and eat finger jello and there are no plates needed- just grab a square and enjoy the day. Talk about easy cleanup!
What makes Jello so versatile?
Jello is so versatile- I love that I can add a little extra fun by tossing in some blueberries and strawberries before the Jello hardens. So when I sneak in a little fruit it becomes a finger Jello fruit salad!
My other go-to for finger jello is adding a little alcohol for the adults for Jello shots, for the 4th of July make it into a 4th of July Jello Shot– just make sure to clearly mark which is which!
The other great thing about the Finger Jello Recipe is that it can be used all year and even for other holidays. By changing the Jello colors (or even shapes- there are some awesome Jello molds out there!) you have a quick, festive, and fun dessert! It is definitely one of my go-to desserts when I am low on time. To make 36 squares, I used three small boxes of Jello and unflavored gelatin, all available at Walmart.
I have found a great hack for using gelatin and making it not clump, simply stir together the flavored jello and gelatin before adding the hot water – it works like a charm,
If you have multiple parties going on, be sure to make extra Jello, then you can turn it into 4th of July Treat Jello Parfaits. Nothing is better than two for one!
Like I said, I love the 4th- be sure to try our other fun and festive 4th of July recipes! Hope yours is great!
Love Jello? You will definitely love these desserts!
4th of July Jello Shots
4th of July Jello Parfaits
Finger Jello Recipe
What? You have never eaten jello with your fingers? Well you are in for some F-U-N! This easy to make Finger Jello Recipe is one that I have made for years, and is loved by kids AND adults!
Ingredients
- 3 small boxes Jell-O - your favorite flavor
- 4 envelopes (1 box) (1 oz) unflavored gelatin
- 4 1/2 cups boiling water
Instructions
- Set out a 8 x 8 square pan
- Heat water in microwave or on the stove until boiling
- In a large bowl, combine the jello and unflavored gelatin - this is important to do, because it prevents the unflavored gelatin from clumping when the boiling water is added
- Carefully pour boiling water and stir 2-3 minutes to dissolve
- Pour into square pan
- Place in refrigerator at least 4 hours or until set
- Repeat with other flavors if desired
- Cut into squares and serve
- Store leftovers in fridge
Celebrate 4th of July on Hoosier Homemade!
This post contains affiliate links and if you click on these links we might make a little money so that we can bringing more great content to you. If you have any questions please read our disclosure policy.
I made this recipe as directed; the jello squares were very sturdy but when eating them I was aware of the gelatin in a way that wasn’t super pleasant. I’ve since tried it with [2 large boxes (12oz) jello, 4 packets of gelatin, 4 1/2 cups of water] and [2 large boxes (12oz) jello, 3 packets of gelatin, 4 1/2 cups of water] and both turned out well, still plenty firm enough to eat by hand
Hi Katie, I’m happy to hear that you found an alternative combination that you like.
-Liz
I just want to make with one box 3oz jello can you tell me how much water and gelatine I need to add in please
Hi Polly, I haven’t made that small of a batch of jello jigglers.
You can try – 1 box of jello, 1 packet of unflavored gelatin (1 oz), and 1 cup boiling water.
-Liz
For the original recipe, it says 4 envelopes of gelatin (1 oz) but if I want to make just one box, would it still require 1 oz of gelatin?
Hi Kira,
I haven’t made that small of a batch of jello jigglers.
You can try – 1 box of jello, 1 packet of unflavored gelatin (1 oz), and 1 cup boiling water.
-Liz
So if you are making more than one color, do you divide the unflavored into 2 as I am making 2 colors?
Hi Dawn, the recipe is for 1 flavor/color of jello.
-Liz
I don’t have any unflavored gelatin. have you ever just decreased the amount of water to make it firmer?
I have not decreased the amount of water on the finger jello. The unflavored gelatin gives the jello stability.
-Liz
i have and it works
I’m curious, usually when I make jello I need to mix hot water and cold water. It seems that no cold water is needed for finger jello. Is that right or am I missing something?
Yes that is correct because the jello is a lot more firm without the cold/extra water.
-Liz
Hi, I use silicones mold so they pop out, my question, they are stickie and would like to know how to fix that?
I love the strawberry flavor, very real. Thank
Hi Diane, you can toss the jello in a very small amount of granulated sugar if they are sticky.
-Liz
Hi Liz, may I use 2 6 oz boxes of jello? How would I change the water and unflavored gelatin amounts and pan size?
Hi Jill, I haven’t used 6 oz boxes before, so this is my best help.
2 – 6 oz boxes = 12 oz.
4 packets unflavored gelatin
5 cups boiling water
In my recipe, I used 10.2 oz of jello, so I believe increasing the water some will work.
Let me know how it turns out.
-Liz
how do you get the jello out of the pan – mine sticks
If you cut them into squares, they should lift out with a small spatula.
If not, then you can try running some hot water on the bottom. But don’t use a lot of water.
-Liz
Ok what’s the conversion for vodka. When make shooters cold water replace vodka. How you do finger
Hi Robert, you can get the adult version of jello shots recipe over here > https://hoosierhomemade.com/candy-corn-jello-shots/
-Liz
how can you make the finger jello with alcohol. jello shots are different since they are each in their own cup. I would love to make some boozy finger jello
Hi Tammie, I haven’t tried the Finger Jello with alcohol.
Here is a recipe that may work for you –
2 boxes (6 ounces) jello
2 1/2 cups boiling water
1 cup vodka
2 packets unflavored gelatin
I would make them the same way that I make the Finger Jello.
Combine the jello and unflavored gelatin first, so it doesn’t clump.
Then add the boiling water. Dissolve the jello.
Then stir in the vodka.
Chill overnight, or until firmly set.
If you are making Jell-o shots you don’t need gelatin. Just take your boxes of Jell-O and depending on how strong you want them to be, replace the cold water with Vodka. So for 1 large box of Jell-0 use 2 cups boiling water and 1 cup cold water 1 cup vodka give or take depending on how strong you want.
I have only two packets of Knox gelatin…how can I make the finger jello recipe. Can I reduce the amount of Jello boxes.
thank you.
Suzie
Hi Suzie, yes you can decrease the amount of flavored jello in half.
-Liz
How much unflavored gelatin would i use for one box of flavored gelatin? Thank you
Hi Max, I have not made it that way. You could try 1 envelope of unflavored with 1 box of flavored.
You will also need to decrease the water, I would try 1 cup boiling water.
-Liz
I have a container of gelatin. How much should I use? Would I just measure out 1 oz?
Hi Heather, yes for the unflavored gelatin, you will need 1 oz. I believe it’s about 2 tablespoons.
-Liz
Which size jello should I use. I know it says small, but is that the 0.3oz or 3 oz box?
Hi Nancy, 3 oz size is a small box, it’s 4 – 1/2 cup serving.
-Liz
How far in advance do you typically make these for parties? How long can they sit out during the party without melting?
Hi Brittany, The jello can be made 2-3 days ahead and get in a container in the refrigerator. For serving, it should be fine several hours, depending on the weather.
-Liz
can you just use the flavored jello? and not the unflavored?
Hi Rhonda, the unflavored Knox gelatin gives the finger jello substance, it’s different than regular jello.
You can use just the flavored jello if you want regular jello, but for the finger jello you will need to use the Knox gelatin or a store brand similar.
-Liz
Can I use a bigger pan other tha n an 8 x 8?
Hi Joni, sure a bigger pan is fine. The jello would just not be a thick.
-Liz