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
Amy @ Amy's Healthy Baking says
Wait a second... You can mix SODA into JELLO?? Where have I been all these years? My guy is the biggest soda fan ever -- as in he doesn't drink anything else, besides the occasional OJ or lemonade -- so I know he'd love these. His birthday is coming up in 2 weeks, so I just might have to surprise him with these!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Haha, thanks Amy! 🙂
shelly (cookies and cups) says
These sound fantastic! My kids will love them!
Chels+R. says
What a fun idea! I had no idea you could do that!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Chels!
Shae says
These look so fun and easy to do! This might be a good addition to our Fathers Day makeup dinner on Thurs!
Danielle says
These look fantastic! I'd love for you to link this up to my Feature Friday Link Party:>
Danielle @ Blissful & Domestic
http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Danielle! 🙂
Kentucky Lady 717 says
HOORAY......I am getting your emails again 🙂 don't know what happened !!!! This Dr. Pepper Jello looks so yummy and refreshing...such an easy recipe to make.....Faith & I will have to try it the next time she spends the nite 🙂 we try to make a recipe each week-end she stays 🙂 she loves it.....I usually show her several and let her choose one, and of course we have to go to the store, because there will be something that I do not have 🙂 I have several boxes of jello, a couple of cherry, and some others, so will need a couple more....have cool whip & cheeries, but no Dr. Pepper as we rarely drink any kind of pop....but I do have a 2 liter Rootbeer,,,,,,guess we could make root beer floats 🙂 she loves tho......and make this recipe the next week eh? we'll see,,,,, glad I'm back on your mailing list.....I wasn't even seeing you on FB either.....of course I don't get on there every day.....I am way behind on FB.....but I do open my email every day....usually...except yesterday, was gone all day with my daughter & family....Faith had a FATHER -DAUGHTER DATE AT CHICK FILET 🙂 and they had a carriage ride and she got a Rose. she loved it.....(my daughter and I went shopping ; her favorite past time lol.....I hate shopping......am I weird or what ? Except I do like to shop for kitchen gagets & bathroom items 🙂 but no clothes or shoes shopping.....
Jocelyn Brubaker says
I'm so happy to hear you're getting my emails again! 🙂 And it sounds like Faith had a lovely father daughter date!! So sweet! Thanks for commenting!!
Kayla says
This is mind boggling! I never did know that you could substitute soda... Awesome!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
What a fun recipe, Jocelyn! So creative and perfect for the summer! Pinned!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Gayle! 🙂
Jona says
This is a cute idea. I could easily suprise my children with this one.
Happy Valley Chow says
I haven't had jello in forever, but this is definitely making me crave some. That looks delicious, great job Jamie! 🙂
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Happy+Valley+Chow says
JOCELYN!!....sorry long day 🙂 haha
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Haha! Thanks Eric! 🙂
Johlene says
What a cute idea! My daughter would love this recipe because you used Dr Pepper 🙂 xoxo
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Johlene! Dr. Pepper is the best! 😉
Marion@Life Tastes Good says
What a great idea! I had no idea or ever thought of using soda to make Jello! Thanks for that great tip! Pinned!!
Jenn+@+Deliciously+Sprinkled says
What a AWESOME idea, I never knew you could sub soda for the water! 🙂 And I think there needs to be a Cherry Dr. Pepper that would be the best soda! 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Jenn. There is actually a cherry Dr. Pepper 🙂 It's what I used in these Jello squares! I wonder if it isn't sold in all the stores nationwide?
tahnycooks says
I have never subbed out the water for soda! Brilliant! Must try these!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
You must try this, it's the bomb! 😉
Liz Fourez says
I never would have thought to do this! Totally trying this with all the boxes of Jello I have in my pantry!
Terri S. says
Jello is one of my favorite desserts. So easy to make, refreshing, and there's always room for jello. 🙂
Your photos are great! Your Cherry Dr. Pepper Jello Squares look yummy & elegant. Thanks for recipe.
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Terri! 🙂
Betsy+|+JavaCupcake.com says
Add vodka and these could be SO MUCH FUN! haha 😉 GREAT idea and great recipe!!
Matt Robinson says
I could seriously devour the entire batch of these, my favorite soft drink turned into jello squares. Love 'em!!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Matt! 🙂
Chloe+@+foodlikecake says
Yum! I love jello 🙂
Librarian+Lavender says
This looks so good! And such a fun recipe that's perfect for the summer!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Lavender! 🙂