Get ready for the ultimate summer showstopper! These Watermelon Jello Fruit Slices are a vibrant, refreshing, and incredibly fun dessert that will be the talk of any party.

Imagine juicy, fresh fruit suspended in sweet watermelon-flavored Jell-O, all served right inside a watermelon rind! It’s a whimsical and delicious treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or a unique family dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles.

Related: Learn How to Select, Store and Serve Watermelon

If you enjoy watermelon, here are a few other recipes to try this summer!

• Chocolate Covered Watermelon
• Watermelon Salad Cups – perfect for serving at your next BBQ!
• Watermelon Popsicles – kids of all ages will enjoy these! We love that they are quick to make!
• Watermelon Caprese – all the flavors of a caprese, but, the tomato is switched out for juicy watermelon!
• Watermelon Margarita Slices – having friends over? Soak slices in alcohol and top with a lime zest for a boozy treat.

Why You’ll Love These Watermelon Jello Fruit Slices:

• Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors and unique “slice” presentation make this dessert a true showstopper.
• Deliciously Refreshing: A perfect cool treat for hot summer days, bursting with fresh fruit and sweet Jello.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Children (and adults!) will be delighted by this edible fruit “bowl.”
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite fruits and flavors.
• Naturally Sweet: Uses real watermelon juice for an authentic, fresh taste.

Tips, Substitutions & Variations:

• Mini Watermelon Size: The size of your mini watermelon will determine how much gelatin mixture and fruit you’ll need. If your watermelon is larger, you might need to increase the gelatin and liquid slightly.
• Watermelon Juice: Freshly blended watermelon juice gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, you could use store-bought watermelon juice (ensure it’s 100% juice with no added sugars or flavors that would clash).
• Fruit Choices:
  • Substitutions: Almost any soft or small fruit works well! Try raspberries, kiwi slices, mango chunks, or even small pieces of pineapple. Avoid fresh pineapple or kiwi directly in gelatin, as enzymes can prevent it from setting (lightly steam or blanch them first if you must use them).
  • Variations: Create a monochromatic Jell-O, using only red fruits (strawberries, raspberries, red grapes) or green fruits (green grapes, kiwi).
• Gelatin Flavor:
  • Variations: For a different flavor profile, you could use flavored gelatin (like cherry or strawberry Jell-O) instead of unflavored gelatin and watermelon juice. Just follow the package directions for liquid amounts.
• Sweetness: Taste the strained watermelon juice before adding boiling water to the gelatin. If your watermelon isn’t very sweet, you can whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to the hot liquid to sweeten the gelatin mixture.
• Presentation: For an extra fun touch, use cookie cutters to make shapes from the scooped-out watermelon flesh to mix into the Jell-O or to garnish the serving platter.
• Cutting: Use a long, sharp chef’s knife for clean slices. You might need to gently “rock” the knife through the rind.

Frequently Asked Questions

My Jello didn’t set! What went wrong?

Common reasons for unset gelatin include:

• Using fresh pineapple or kiwi (their enzymes break down gelatin).
• The boiling water wasn’t hot enough to fully dissolve the gelatin.
• The gelatin mixture wasn’t allowed to cool completely before adding fruit or pouring into the watermelon (this can prevent proper setting or cause fruit to float).
• Not enough gelatin for the amount of liquid.
• Not chilling for long enough.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes! This dessert needs ample chilling time, so it’s perfect to make the day before your event. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, though the appearance of the cut fruit might slightly soften over time.

How do I easily scoop out the watermelon flesh?

An ice cream scoop works wonders for efficiency and getting a clean scoop. A large, sturdy metal spoon can also do the trick. Scrape gently to avoid breaking the rind.

Can I use a larger watermelon?

Yes, but you will need to scale up the gelatin and liquid amounts accordingly. A rough guide: for a standard 10-15 lb watermelon, you might need 6-8 packs of gelatin and proportionally more watermelon juice and water.

Why do I need to double-strain the watermelon juice?

Double straining ensures a very smooth and clear gelatin base, free of any pulp or tiny seeds, which contributes to a more appealing final texture and appearance.

Ingredients for Watermelon Jello Fruit Slices:

• 1 mini watermelon (about 5-7 pounds)
• 4 packs (0.25 oz each) unflavored gelatin
• 1 ½ cups freshly blended watermelon juice (from the scooped out watermelon flesh)
• ½ cup cold water
• 1 ½ cups boiling water
• ½ cup strawberries, quartered
• ½ cup blueberries
• ½ cup blackberries
• ½ cup red grapes
• ½ cup green grapes

How to Make Watermelon Jello Slices

Prepare the Watermelon: First, carefully slice the top off the mini watermelon. Reserve this cut piece. Then, place the watermelon (cut side up) into a sturdy bowl to help keep it balanced and steady during the filling process.

Scoop Out Flesh: Using an ice cream scoop or a large spoon, carefully scoop out the red flesh from the watermelon, leaving about ½ to ¾ inch of the white rind intact around the edges. Be gentle to avoid piercing the rind.

Make Watermelon Juice: First, put the scooped watermelon flesh into your blender. Then, blend on high for 10-15 seconds until smooth. Double-strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve (and a cheesecloth if you have one) into a separate bowl to remove any pulp or seeds. Next, measure out 1 ½ cups of this fresh watermelon juice.

Bloom the Gelatin: First, in a large bowl, whisk together the 4 packs of unflavored gelatin with the ½ cup cold water and 1 ½ cups strained watermelon juice. Then, whisk thoroughly to ensure the gelatin is evenly distributed and “blooms” (softens and swells).

Dissolve Gelatin: Next, quickly whisk in the 1 ½ cups of boiling water with the bloomed gelatin mixture until the gelatin is completely dissolved and no granules remain. Set the mixture aside and allow it to cool to room temperature. It’s crucial for it to be cool, not hot, when adding fruit.

Add Fruit to Watermelon: First, place your prepared fruits – strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, red grapes, and green grapes – directly into the hollowed-out watermelon bowl. Then, gently shake the watermelon a few times to help the fruit distribute evenly.

Fill with Gelatin Mixture: Carefully pour the cooled gelatin mixture into the fruit-filled watermelon rind until it reaches the top.

Chill & Set: Next, place the reserved cut-off top back onto the watermelon (it doesn’t need to seal, just cover). Then, carefully transfer the entire watermelon to the refrigerator. Finally, allow it to set for at least 5 hours, or ideally, overnight, until the Jello is firm.

Slice and Serve: Finally, once the Jello is completely set, remove the watermelon from the fridge. Then, using a sharp, large knife, carefully cut the watermelon in half vertically, then cut each half into slices of your desired thickness (like cutting a regular watermelon).

Enjoy Watermelon Fruit Slices

Enjoy Cold! Serve your beautiful Watermelon Jello Fruit Slices immediately and enjoy!

These Watermelon Jello Fruit Slices are a guaranteed hit that combine healthy fruit with a fun, wobbly Jell-O experience. Prepare to impress with this delightful and refreshing creation!

What fruits will you add to your Watermelon Jello creation? Share your ideas in the comments below!