I’ve had this idea for months, although it changes to suit the occasion. I think originally I’d planned to do it for a birthday party, and then for the holidays, now for Valentine’s Day. Of course, it can be personalized for a variety of holidays with a simple color change and shape. However, I’m very happy that I did it for Valentine’s Day and I’m so pleased with the results.

I’ve seen the varieties of Jello molds on Pinterest and various bloggers sites. I love the rainbow one in the bundt pan, and I’ve been looking forward to an occasion to try it. A few weeks back I bought the cutest pan that created 6 little heart shaped molds. They could be for anything, but I was planning to finally create my jello molds. I took a break from unpacking from our move to make some fun treats, and just loved how they came out!

My inspiration came from Pioneer Woman and Cooks.com with a lot of great tips from Jello Mold Mistress whose entire page is devoted to making an art from gelatin.

Now, I have to admit, at first I was a bit apprehensive. It seems like a lot of steps and a lot of time. But it’s actually pretty easy and not too difficult to do. You can prepare all the ingredients at once, in various bowls and just heat each bowl in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds when they start to solidify as needed. Worked like a charm. I made a little extra and also prepared them in two large cups, perfect for sharing with your honey.

Now, I’m back to unpacking.

Ingredients:

• 5 envelopes unflavored gelatin, divided.
• 1 and 1/4 cup cold water, divided
• 4 cups boiling water, divided
• 3 small (3 ounce) packages of flavored Jell-O, (I used cherry for the red, watermelon for the pink and grape for the purple)
• 1 (14 ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

Begin with one bowl for each colored jell-o. Pour 1/4 cup cold water in each bowl.
Sprinkle 1 envelope of unflavored gelatin over the top of each bowl (three envelopes total).
Let sit for about 2 minutes.
Now empty the contents of each flavored Jell-O into each bowl (three flavors total).
Pour one cup of boiling water over the top of each bowl (3 cups total).
Mix until combined.
Let sit out on your counter until cool.
If it starts to thicken, heat it in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds.
In two separate bowls you will be combining the condensed milk mixture that goes between each layer of jello.
In the first bowl, pour 1/2 cup of cold water. Sprinkle 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin over the top.
Let sit for a few minutes and set aside.
In the second bowl, pour the can of condensed milk.
Empty it completely, then add the teaspoon of vanilla.
Add 1 cup of boiling water, then stir in the dissolved gelatin.
Stir and combine until mixed well.
Now line everything up and we’re ready to rock and roll.

Be sure to spray your mold with non stick spray before you begin.

Pour the first layer into your mold, for these little hearts I used about 2 tablespoons of Jell-O for each layer. Stick it in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes, or until it begins to set and doesn’t move when you rock it side to side.

Add the milk layer, I used about 2 teaspoons per layer. Place it in the fridge again for 10-15 minutes or until set.

Repeat the process again, for this particular mold 3 layers of Jell-O and 2 layers of the milk mixture was perfect. You can mix it up depending what you’re using. I also decided to use 2 cups for the remaining Jell-O and made a little more of each mixture to fill the cup up all the way. The process is the same as the little molds.

Once you’re done, refrigerate for at least 4 hours to really set it. I refrigerated overnight.

When you’re ready to removed from the mold, get a large pan (I used a roasting pan) and fill it with warm/hot water. Let your mold pan sit in it for about 45 seconds, then flip it over. It may not come out too easily, I had to start the process by coaxing it just a little with my fingers and it popped out with no problem. You may have to submerge in the water again, this time only 30 seconds. Don’t do it too long or the Jell-O will loosen and it will be a mess!

I just love how they came out, the layers are the perfect colors for Valentine’s day.

Once on a plate or platter I refrigerated again, the water bath loosened it up just a bit and I want them nice and firm.

Aren’t they just too adorable?

The kids just loved them. Add whipped cream (optional) and enjoy!

What’s your favorite way to make Jell-O?