Use a fork, whisk, or rubber spatula to stir the powder.

Since the gelatin powder is already dissolved, this won’t take as much stirring.

If you’re using unflavored Jello, then this isn’t an issue. If you’re using mango-flavored Jello, for example, keep in mind what fruits you like with mango. This recipe is very forgiving, but in general you want about 2 pounds (32 oz) of fruit for 1 standard 3 oz package of Jello powder.

Fun science fact: these fruits contain protease enzymes that stop the proteins in the Jello from solidifying![6] X Research source If you’re using canned fruit, drain it, but save the liquid. You can use it to make your Jello.

Don’t bother cutting raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries. Just throw them in!

Make sure you don’t use a bowl that curves inward at the opening, or the Jello won’t be able to come out when you flip it upside-down. The width of the bowl will determine the thickness of the fruit layers. Use a tall, narrow bowl for thick layers, or a wide, shallow bowl for thin layers, whichever you prefer. Don’t worry if the fruit doesn’t fill the whole bowl. The Jello will get into all the cracks between the pieces of fruit.

You can buy agar-agar flakes online or at a specialty health food store.

Put your burner on high heat so that the mixture boils more quickly.

If you’re making green jello, add in a few drops of green food coloring now. If you’re making red jello, you don’t need to put any food coloring.

This works the same for both the conventional and the vegan version.

If the Jello hasn’t set after 2. 5 hours, that means something went wrong. You may want to try again, or make sure your fridge is fully cold.

The layers of colorful fruit will peek through the semi-translucent Jello. If you can’t see them too well from the outside, you will be able to see them once you slice the Jello.

Jello lasts about 7-10 days in the refrigerator once you’ve prepared it. Don’t put the Jello in the freezer because when you thaw it from frozen it turns into goop. When you’re ready to eat your Jello fruit cake, cut it into slices with a sharp knife, just as you would with an ordinary cake.