This cherry Dr Pepper Jello is an easy dessert for summer picnics and parties. Adding soda pop to Jello creates a fun twist on a classic cold dessert.
Did you know you could substitute your favorite flavor of soda for water to make Jello? Think of all the variations you can make with this information. Mind-blown!
I actually made these Jello squares and this Red Hot Jello two years ago for a picnic. I snapped a few pictures of the squares before we left, thinking it would be fine.
Well, turns out that Jello is a little bit harder to photograph than other desserts. It may be the cheapest dessert on the block, but it will give you a run for your money when you try to capture a good headshot.
The pictures I took in a hurry were definitely not usable. Or maybe I'm just extremely picky when it comes to sharing photos here. Whatever the reason, I never posted the recipe and picture here.
A few weeks ago, while we were driving home from Florida, I was writing up a list of "to-do" recipes that I wanted to make this summer. The infamous soda Jello finally made it back on the list. We got home, finished the mountain of laundry, and did some grocery shopping.
A 2 liter of Dr. Pepper and 4 boxes of Jello were part of that grocery trip. I was so excited about this easy treat that I made it the next day and took pictures a day after.
Summer is definitely Jello time, so it was no surprise to me when I saw all the different versions of the wiggly treat popping up everywhere.
I'm totally craving another bowl of this Cherry Jello Salad now, too!
How to make Soda Jello
This Jello dessert is seriously so easy to make. The best part is that you can use any flavor of soda and Jello to create your own flavor combo.
- Spray a pan with non-stick spray and wipe out the excess with a napkin. This will keep your squares from sticking later. A flat spatula is also helpful for removing the squares after they are set up.
- Heat the Dr. Pepper over medium heat until it starts to bubble. You need to watch it because it heats very quickly. It will bubble the entire time it is heating up, but wait until you see the bigger bubbles to remove it from the heat.
- Stir in all the packs of Jello and stir until it is completely dissolved. Pour it into your prepared pan and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours.
- Cut your Jello into squares using a hot knife. Run the knife under hot water and dry it off. This works for any dessert you want to cut into a nice, clean slice.
To give it a little pizzazz, swirl on some Cool Whip and add a cherry with the stem. These cute little squares are ready for any picnic now—or just for you to devour one at a time.
Other Easy Picnic Desserts
- Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats
- Chocolate S'mores Pudding Cake
- Lemon Mousse Fruit Parfaits
- Reese's Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies
- No Bake Mini Key Lime Pies
Recipe
Dr Pepper Jello
This cherry Dr Pepper Jello is an easy dessert to make for summer picnics and parties. Adding soda pop to Jello creates a fun twist to a classic cold dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cherry Dr. Pepper
- 12 ounces cherry Jello (4 - 3 oz. boxes)
- Cool Whip, optional
- maraschino cherries with stems, optional
Instructions
- Spray an 8x8 pan with non-stick spray and wipe out the excess with a paper towel.
- Place the Dr. Pepper in a large saucepan and heat over medium to high heat just until it starts to bubble.
- Remove from the heat and stir in all the Jello packets until completely dissolved.
- Pour the hot Jello into the prepared pan and refrigerate until completely set.
- Cut into 36 squares and remove with a spatula. Top with Cool Whip and a cherry, if desired. Keep refrigerated in a sealed container.
Notes
You can use any flavor of Jello and soda pop to create your own custom creation.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 36 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 18Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 10mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 0g
Wendi
Just wondering if you could do that with the sugar free Jello and Dt. Dr. Pepper?
I might have to try it:)
Jocelyn Brubaker
Yes, you can use the sugar free and diet products to make this. I hope you like them.
Savannah
Hi, is it 2 and a half cups or 2 and a half cans for 4 small boxes/2 big boxes?
Jocelyn
You need 2 1/2 cups of Dr. Pepper. That amount can come from a bottle or cans. You use less liquid because it makes a firmer Jello like Jigglers.
Shae
You inspired me to put my own spin on this recipe! Please check it out and let me know what you think!
http://cestlavie22.wordpress.com/2014/06/30/vanilla-coke-strawberry-jello/
Julie
Made these for my eight year old who loved them. In order to simplify things, I made them in a mini muffin pan so they are round vs. cut square. Worked great!