Happy Halloween, everyone! I hope you all have a safe and fun Halloween. In honor of the spookiest day of the year, I'm sharing a recipe for brain jello. This is a great way to creep out your guests at your next Halloween party. Enjoy!
Looking for more great Halloween Party food? See our For more spooky Halloween party treats see our Halloween Orange Sherbet Punch, Sweet & Sour 'Bat' Wings, Spider Web 7 Layer Dip, Halloween Meat & Cheese Platter, and Hocus Pocus Cookies! You will be the talking head this Halloween season!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Halloween, add a little bit of creepiness to your party with some brain jello! It's easy to make and will be a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it's perfect for a spooky themed party. Keep reading for the recipe.
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Ingredients
I used to live in the Philippines, so when I was planning this Brain Jello dessert, macapuno coconut was the first thing that popped in my brain! Pun intended!
Macapuno is thread of baby coconut. A tool is used to cut noodles of coconut in a immature and tender coconut. It is then preserved in either a syrup or in water. The jar in the photo below is preserved in the jam like syrup.
Macapuno threads are using in traditional Halo Halo ice cream toppings, and other baked goods. It's a sweet, tender coconut in long noodle like threads. Perfect for tasty "brains" in Lime jello! If you can't find it, or it's too pricey, use a can of fruit cocktail!
- Lime Jello, two large packages
- Coconut Milk
- Macapuno strings (or Fruit Cocktail)
- Gummy Eye Balls
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make a Brain Jello
The mold we used a plastic brain jello mold that hold about 9 cups liquid. With two 6 oz packages of Jello, water, coconut milk, and coconut threads, it filled the mold to the brim.
Step 1. Mix the Jello Ingredients
Dissolve the two 6 oz packages of Jello with three cups of boiling water. Stir well to completely dissolve. Add yellow food color to lighten the green to lime.
Mix in the can of coconut milk and stir well. Add the jar of coconut threads, or use drained fruit cocktail. Mix well.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 2. Mold and Chill
Place the brain mold in a stainless steel bowl to stabilize it. Stainless will retain more chill and allow the gelatin to set up faster.
Pour the lime green Jello mixture into the brain mold. Refrigerate until firm. Run hot water on the outside of the mold, then tip out onto a platter.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creepy looking Brain Jello on your Halloween party buffet table with other fun and spooky treats. It's a fun fruit salad or dessert that your guests will enjoy!
See our For more spooky Halloween party treats see our Halloween Orange Sherbet Punch, Sweet & Sour 'Bat' Wings, Spider Web 7 Layer Dip, Halloween Meat & Cheese Platter, and Hocus Pocus Cookies! You will be the talking head this Halloween season!
Substitutions
You can use any color of Jello if lime is not your vision of an alien brain. Additionally, fruit cocktail or pineapple tidbits are great alternatives to the coconut threads.
Equipment
This mold fits nicely in a bowl so that it's stabilized while chilling in the refrigerator.
Storage
Keep this Jello molded dessert in the refrigerator until firm. Keep chilled until ready to serve, and to store any leftovers.
Tips for Success
- Use a stainless steel mixing bowl to stabilize the filled mold while setting up in the refrigerator. The stainless steel will chill it faster.
- If you can't find Macapuno String, any canned fruit cocktail will look great also!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can easily make this recipe up to 3 days prior to serving.
Food Safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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📖 Recipe
Brain Jello
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 6 oz packages of Lime Jello
- 14 oz Coconut Milk
- 3 cups Boiling Water
- 12 oz jar Macapuno String or 16 oz can of Fruit Cocktail
- 12 drops yellow food coloring
- 4 gummy eye balls for garnish optional
Instructions
- Boil the three cups of water.3 cups Boiling Water
- Empty both 6 oz boxes of jello in a bowl. Pour the three cups of boiling water over and still until dissolved.2 6 oz packages of Lime Jello
- Add the Coconut milk to the Jello mixture and stir well. Add the yellow food color drops to change the dark green to a lime green.14 oz Coconut Milk, 12 drops yellow food coloring
- Mix in the jar of Macapuno coconut threads, or use a drained can of fruit cocktail.12 oz jar Macapuno String
- Pour the Jello mixture into the brain mold that is inverted into a bowl for stability. Place in the refrigerator for 4 to 8 hours, or overnight.
- To serve, remove from the refrigerator. Run hot water on the OUTSIDE of the mold for about 1 minute. Use a knife and run it gently around the top edge of the mold. Place a plate or a platter over the top of the brain mold, then tip right side up so that the mold releases onto the plate or platter. Garnish with the gummy eye balls.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.4 gummy eye balls for garnish
Notes
- Use a stainless steel mixing bowl to stabilize the filled mold while setting up in the refrigerator. The stainless steel will chill it faster.
- If you can't find Macapuno String, any canned fruit cocktail will look great also!
Nutrition
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