How to Suspend an Object in Jello

Reviewed by Maria Short

Last Updated: March 22, 2024 Approved

Whether you're trying to make a creative dessert or prank one of your office mates at work, suspending a solid object in Jello is a fun, easy activity. Start by mixing 1 packet of Jello into a large mixing bowl. Let the Jello set and then place the object on it. Mix up 2 more packets of Jello and pour them in. After the whole mixture sets in the refrigerator, pop it out onto a flat plate and serve!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Setting the First Jello Layer

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1
Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of boiling water into a large glass bowl. Use either a kettle or pot and boil 1 cup of water. When the water starts bubbling, remove it from the flame. Then pour it into a large glass mixing bowl. ^{[1]
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- Pour the water gently so it doesn’t splash and burn you. Use an oven mitt while handling the pot for extra safety.
- This amount of water should fill about 1/3 of the bowl. If the bowl you’re using is larger than this, double the Jello servings.
- This recipe is for small packets of Jello, which contain 6 oz. (170 g). If you’re using large packets, which hold 12 oz. (340 g), boil 2 cups (480 ml) instead.
2
Stir in 1 small packet of Jello mix until all the powder dissolves. Right after you pour the boiling water in, add the Jello mix. Use a long spoon or whisk and stir the mixture. Continue stirring until all the mix dissolves. ^{[2]
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- Don’t forget that the water is hot. Be careful holding or grabbing the bowl.
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3
Add 1 cup (240 ml) of cold water to the mixture and stir for 2 minutes. Pour the cold water in and stir at the same time. Stir for at least 2 minutes so everything mixes together. ^{[3]
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- If you stir for less time, the Jello won’t be as firm. This is important because the Jello needs to be very firm to support an object.
4
Leave the Jello in the refrigerator for 4 hours. This gives the Jello plenty of time to cool and firm up so it supports the weight of the object. Place the bowl out of the way where no one will disturb or knock it over. ^{[4]
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- If there is uncovered food in your refrigerator that might transfer to the Jello, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. If not, then leave the Jello uncovered while it's setting.
- The Jello needs to be very firm for this to work, so don’t take it out early.
- There are “speed-setting” tricks to make Jello set faster, but don’t use them for this trick. The Jello won’t be firm enough.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Inserting the Object

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1
Wash the object you’re using if you plan to eat the Jello. Keep everything sanitary by washing the object with soap and warm water. Then rinse it off thoroughly to remove any suds. ^{[5]
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- Placing office supplies like staplers into the Jello is a common workplace prank. For party desserts, try using plastic fish and blue Jello to look like a lake. Other toys and action figures also add a fun twist to this project.
- If an object is heavier, like a stapler, make sure it has a flat surface area so it sits on top of the Jello rather than poking through.
- Also if you’re going to eat the Jello, don’t use a small or sharp object that could injure someone. Be especially careful if you’re serving the Jello to children. Use large objects that they can’t swallow.
- Check any objects you use for small pieces that might break off. Remove these before encasing it in Jello.
2
Lay the object on top of the Jello. After 4 hours have passed, remove the Jello from the refrigerator. Then gently lay the object onto the Jello. Let it sit for a few minutes to make sure it doesn’t sink. ^{[6]
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- If the object does start sinking, take it off and put the Jello back into the refrigerator for another hour.
- If the object keeps sinking after that, it may be too heavy. Consider using a different object.
Follow the same procedure you did for making the first batch of Jello, but use 2 packets instead of 1. Boil 2 cups (480 ml) of water, pour it into a separate bowl, stir in 2 packets of Jello, add 2 cups (480 ml) of cold water, and stir for 2 minutes. ^{[7]
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4
Pour the second batch of Jello over the object. Pour gently. Don’t dump the water in or the water will splash out. Cover the object with this new batch of Jello. ^{[8]
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- If you’re using a large bowl and this serving size doesn’t cover the object, try adding another Jello packet or 2 and using more water. Add 1 cup (480 ml) of hot and cold water for each packet you use.
5
Let the Jello set in the refrigerator for 4 hours. Once you’ve poured the second batch of Jello, place the bowl back into the refrigerator. Give the Jello another 4 hours to set completely. ^{[9]
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- Remember, the Jello has to be very firm for this trick. Don’t take it out early.
- Only cover the bowl with plastic wrap if there is uncovered food in your refrigerator that might transfer to the Jello.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Removing the Mold

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After 4 hours have passed, remove the bowl from the refrigerator. Take a flat serving plate and lay it face-up on top of the bowl. ^{[10]
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2
Flip the bowl upside down. Hold the plate and bowl together and flip them. Lay the plate on a flat surface with the bowl on top. ^{[11]
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- Press the plate and bowl together tightly while you’re flipping them. If the Jello comes free and you aren’t pressing down, it could spill all over the place.
3
Pull the bowl off of the Jello. Tap around the bowl to dislodge the Jello. Then slowly pull the bowl up and let the Jello slide out. Give the bowl a little shake as you lift if the Jello isn’t coming out. ^{[12]
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- If the Jello is stuck, flip the bowl back over and place it in a larger bowl full of warm water. Make sure the water doesn’t flow into the Jello. Let the bowl sit for a few minutes and try to dislodge the Jello again.
4
Serve the Jello. Now you have an object suspended in Jello! Place the plate on a table for everyone to see your creation.
- If you aren't serving the Jello right away, put it back into the refrigerator until you're ready to serve it.

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Question

Is it safe to eat the Jell-O with the object inside?

Stephen Leccese

Community Answer

Yes as long as you wash the object and use something that doesn't have any small pieces. Use something large that no one can swallow accidentally. Check it for any small pieces and remove them.

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How easily will the jello release from the bowl?!? I don't want to spend all that time only to have it break when I'm trying to get it out at the end.

Stephen Leccese

Community Answer

Sticking isn't too common, but if you want to prevent it then spray the bowl with a very thin layer of cooking spray before mixing the Jello. If the Jello is stuck when you're trying to remove it, run a knife under warm water and gently work it around the Jello to loosen it up.

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How do you put stuff in jello?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

Putting something inside of jello is actually pretty easy to do. First, mix the jello according to the directions on the packaging. Wash off the item you want to place in the jello if you plan to eat it. Then place it on top of the jello. Make another batch of jello and pour that on top, let it set in the refrigerator, and you're done!

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Tips

It is also possible to add more than one object but if you want them suspended at different levels, you'll need to layer them with more batches of Jello.

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Warnings

If you plan on eating the jello, don’t suspend anything small or sharp in it.

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Things You'll Need

2 large bowls
Flat serving plate
Jello
Object (such as a coin)
Mixing spoon
Measuring cup
Water

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How to Suspend an Object in Jello

Steps

Setting the First Jello Layer

Inserting the Object

Removing the Mold

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

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