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.
Don’t forget that the water is hot. Be careful holding or grabbing the bowl.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you aren’t serving the Jello right away, put it back into the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.
