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Halloween Brain Jello Mold

This dish is a gelatin-based dessert that resembles a realistic brain, crafted by combining flavored gelatin with a creamy component to achieve a lumpy, brain-like texture. The final presentation features a grotesque, brain-shaped mold with a pinkish hue, offering a fun and spooky table centerpiece that looks terrifying yet tastes sweet and fruity.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin powder
  • 2 cups fruit juice (e.g., grape or cherry) for flavor and color
  • 1 cup water divided
  • 1 cup heavy cream for a milky, brain-like appearance
  • 1/4 cup sugar optional, for sweetness
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Brain-shaped gelatin mold
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

  1. Pour 1 cup of fruit juice into a mixing bowl and sprinkle the gelatin powder evenly over the surface. Let it sit for 5 minutes to let the gelatin bloom and soften.
  2. Heat 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan until just simmering, then pour it over the bloomed gelatin. Whisk until completely dissolved and smooth.
  3. Add sugar and vanilla extract to the gelatin mixture, then stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled gelatin mixture to create a lumpy, brain-like texture.
  5. Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of water into a saucepan and warm until just simmering, then add the remaining fruit juice. Stir well.
  6. Slowly add the warm fruit juice mixture into the gelatin-cream mixture, folding gently until combined and slightly thickened, resembling brain tissue.
  7. Pour the combined gelatin mixture into the brain-shaped mold, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
  8. Once set, carefully invert the mold onto a serving plate. Gently tap or wiggle the mold to release the gelatin, revealing a realistic, brain-like structure with a textured, gross appearance.
  9. Decorate with additional colored gels or edible blood if you'd like for extra gruesome detail. Slice and serve, revealing the fleshy, brain-like interior.

Notes

For a more authentic look, use uneven textures and add small ridges with a toothpick before refrigerating.