Jello Popsicles
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Jello Popsicles are the easiest way to beat the heat with a fun, kid-approved treat that won’t melt into a sticky mess. If you’re searching for a cool snack that’s bright, fruity, and holds its shape longer than your average popsicle, this simple recipe delivers
Searching for more delicious ways to beat the heat? Whip up a batch of Fresh Strawberry Lemonade or Refreshing Mint Limeade!
This post is not sponsored and in no way affiliated with Jell-O or the Kraft Heinz brand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy summer dessert: These popsicles come together in minutes and are perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
- Kid-friendly treat: Bright colors and fruity flavors make this a fun, no-fuss snack kids actually get excited about.
- No-drip popsicle recipe: Thanks to the Jello base, these hold their shape better than traditional juice pops.
- Budget-friendly frozen dessert: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is super affordable and easy to scale up.
These jello and kool aid popsicles are the ultimate throwback treat—bright, fruity, and ridiculously easy to make. With just four pantry staples and a few hours in the freezer, you’ll have a freezer full of icy snacks that beat the store-bought kind any day. Plus, the texture is smoother and less drippy thanks to the Jello base, making them a win for both kids and adults.
What makes them even better? You can mix and match flavors, prep them ahead of time, and stash them in the freezer for hot days, parties, or after-dinner treats. It’s a low-effort, high-reward recipe that delivers summer fun in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just four ingredients, these Jello Pops are as easy as they are colorful. Perfect for a hot day, a birthday bash, or when your kid declares they’re “literally melting.” Here’s what you’ll need and a few quick tips to make it foolproof:
- Jello mix – Any flavor works, so go wild with your color combos. Just make sure it’s the standard 3 oz box (not sugar-free unless you’re tweaking the recipe).
- Kool-Aid packet – This adds an extra punch of flavor. Choose a matching or contrasting flavor for a fun twist (think cherry Kool-Aid with orange Jello = creamsicle vibes).
- Sugar – Yes, even with Jello and Kool-Aid. It sweetens things up just right—don’t skip it unless you like tart surprises.
- Water – You’ll need both boiling and cold water to get that classic Jello texture before freezing. No shortcuts here—temperature matters!
That’s it! Super simple ingredients, big flavor payoff. Mix, freeze, and snack away like it’s 1999.
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
These Jello Popsicles are a total win in my house. They’re nostalgic, ridiculously easy, and somehow manage to taste like summer in the best way. The texture is smoother than a regular popsicle and way less drippy, which makes them mom-approved for sticky-finger-prone kids (and husbands). Plus, they last forever in the freezer—assuming they don’t get eaten the same day.
Tip from Jesseca:
Use silicone molds for easy removal and zero popsicle-stick casualties. Just wiggle and pop!
Substitutions and Variations
Want to mix things up? These popsicles are super flexible, which means you can tweak the recipe to fit whatever’s in your pantry—or your picky eater’s demands.
- Sugar-free Jello – Watching sugar intake? Swap in sugar-free Jello and skip or reduce the added sugar. The texture will be slightly softer but still delicious.
- Different Kool-Aid combos – Get creative with flavor pairings! Try grape Jello with lemon-lime Kool-Aid for a tangy twist or strawberry Jello with tropical punch for a beachy vibe.
- Fruit juice instead of water – For a boost of natural sweetness and a more complex flavor, sub cold water with juice (like white grape or apple).
- Add-ins – Drop in small fruit pieces (like strawberries or blueberries) before freezing for a fun surprise in every bite.
There’s no wrong way to customize these popsicles. It’s all about what tastes good to you—and maybe using up that random box of Jello hiding in the back of the pantry.
How To Make Jello Popsicles
Making these Jello Popsicles is seriously simple. If you can stir and pour, you’re already a pro. Here’s a quick peek at how it’s done:
- Mix it up: Combine your Jello mix, Kool-Aid packet, sugar, and boiling water in a large pitcher. Stir until everything is fully dissolved.
- Cool it down: Add cold water and give it a good stir.
- Freeze it: Pour the mixture into your popsicle molds and freeze for 4–6 hours, or until they’re completely solid.
That’s it! Just three steps and a little patience for freezing time. Bonus points if you make a double batch—these disappear fast.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
These easy popsicles are the ultimate make-ahead treat—just mix, freeze, and forget (until the cravings hit). Once frozen solid, you can keep them in the molds or transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container to save space.
Storage Tips:
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Label your bags with the flavor and date so you’re not playing mystery popsicle roulette later.
Make-Ahead Tip:
Make a double or even triple batch! These are perfect to prep ahead for birthday parties, summer BBQs, or just to have on hand for surprise snack attacks.
Recipe FAQs
Yep! The Kool-Aid adds an extra punch of flavor, but if you skip it, the popsicles will still work—just expect a slightly milder taste.
If you’re using regular Jello and Kool-Aid, yes—you still need the sugar. The Kool-Aid is unsweetened, so without it, the popsicles will taste super tart. You can reduce the sugar if your tastebuds prefer less sweetness, but don’t skip it entirely unless using pre-sweetened alternatives.
Typically, 4 to 6 hours. For best results, let them freeze overnight so they’re solid all the way through.
Yes! Just be aware that sugar-free versions may slightly change the texture (they can be a bit icier), and you may want to adjust sweetness to taste.
No problem! Use small paper cups and popsicle sticks, or even ice cube trays for mini pops. Just cover with foil and poke the sticks through the top so they stay upright.
Run the outside of the mold under warm water for 10–15 seconds to help loosen them. Avoid twisting the sticks—this can cause breakage.
Absolutely! Layer or mix your favorite flavors for a fun color effect or to use up half-empty boxes.
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Easy Jell-O Popsicles
Ingredients
- 1 3oz package Jell-O
- 1 packet of Kool-Aid
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 cup boiling water
- 2 cup cold water
Instructions
- In a large heat-safe pitcher or mixing bowl, combine the Jello mix, Kool-Aid packet, and sugar. Carefully pour in 2 cups of boiling water and stir until all the powders are completely dissolved. This may take a minute or two—make sure there are no grainy bits left.
- Once everything is dissolved, stir in 2 cups of cold water to bring down the temperature and help the mixture set properly.
- Slowly pour the mixture into your popsicle molds, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. If your molds come with sticks, insert them now.
- Place the molds in your freezer and freeze for 4 to 6 hours, or until fully solid. For best results, freeze overnight.
- To remove the popsicles easily, run the mold under warm water for a few seconds and gently pull them out.
Notes
Equipment
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
I am 50 plus and my mom made these every week when I was growing up.
My sisters and I would mix all sorts of jello/koolaid combos for the best flavors!!!
My mom made these when we were kids. I have definitely carried on the tradition. I did notice you mentioned adding some vanilla ice cream…that sounds very intriguing to me. When and how much do you add?
Another question, if you’re using complimentary flavors (pineapple jello & peach mango koolaid) do you only need 1 pkg of koolaid or would 2 blend the flavors better? I’m just worried the jello will be stronger in the flavoring.
Hi Kristen! When I make these with ice cream, I try to keep it super simple and add a little vanilla ice cream into the mold before pouring the jello.
As for the complimenting flavors, I’ve only ever tried it with one package of Kool-Aid. I actually like the idea of two, but I’m not sure how the flavor would turn out. I’ll definitely be trying that this summer.
See this is an old post but these would be great for kids having a tummy bug as a gentle way to rehydrate.
You have kool-aid in ingredients but not in directions?
read directions again…it says to mix jello, kool-aid, sugar, & boiling water into pitcher…LOL…
what is Kool – Aid
@Brenda Wilkie, it type of sugar drink in the usa
Im at the store but cannot seem to find 13oz Jell-o boxes they only come in 3oz and 6oz. Am I missing something? Thank you for your help!
I should add a dash in there or adjust how it is written. You need 1 (3oz) box
One 3 ounce package jello lol
Two great things together! What a great idea, it’s so hot here and these popsicles would be perfect to cool things off
Delicious and easy! My two faves!
One of my favorite childhood treats – definitely those nasty white and pink frosted animal crackers with rainbow sprinkles. So gross, but I love them!
HA! What are the chances?! I’m looking for easy treats to make with the kids and I don’t usually look at people’s comments, but then BAM!…there’s your beautiful face! I’ll be pulling these bad boys out of the freezer for snack today. Love you, Kaylynn!
These look delicious! And so easy to make, looks like I’ll be making some soon. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Oh my girls will love these because the just love being able to choose out of so many different colors! Thanks for sharing!