If you love a fun twist on traditional fruit jellies, the Mountain Dew Jelly Recipe is an absolute game changer you have to try. This vibrant, citrusy-sweet jelly captures the unmistakable zing of Mountain Dew soda, transforming it into a glossy spread that’s perfect for toast, biscuits, or even as a glaze for savory dishes. It’s refreshing, bright, and surprisingly simple to make, bringing a pop of sunshine and soda-fueled nostalgia to your pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mountain Dew Jelly Recipe lies in a few straightforward ingredients that work together perfectly to create that unique flavor and perfect jelly texture. Each plays a crucial role, from providing gel strength to enhancing brightness and balance.
- Mountain Dew soda (2 cups): The star ingredient, offering citrus notes, sweetness, and a lively soda sparkle to your jelly.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds just the right amount of acidity to help the jelly set and intensify the citrus flavor.
- Powdered fruit pectin (1 box, 1.75 oz): Essential for turning the soda mixture into a gel, creating that classic jelly texture.
- Granulated sugar (3 ½ cups): Provides sweetness and helps the jelly achieve the proper consistency.
How to Make Mountain Dew Jelly Recipe
Step 1: Combine and Heat Ingredients
Start by pouring the Mountain Dew soda and lemon juice into a large saucepan. Whisk in the powdered fruit pectin thoroughly to prevent any clumping. Turn your stove to high heat and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. This step activates the pectin and begins the thickening process.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Boil
Once you reach a full rolling boil, dump in all the granulated sugar at once. Stir briskly to dissolve the sugar completely. Then bring the mixture back up to a strong boil and maintain it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring the entire time. This ensures the sugar and pectin work together properly so the jelly sets perfectly.
Step 3: Remove Foam and Jar
Take the saucepan off the heat and use a spoon to carefully skim off any foam forming on top of the jelly. This will make your jelly clearer and more appealing. Then ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving a ¼-inch space at the top to allow for expansion during processing.
Step 4: Seal and Process
Clean the rim of each jar to ensure a good seal, then apply lids and bands firmly. To preserve your jelly long-term, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, adjusting time if necessary based on your altitude. Afterward, set the jars aside to cool completely on a towel-lined surface, then check each lid to make sure it sealed properly.
How to Serve Mountain Dew Jelly Recipe
Garnishes
This jelly shines on a warm biscuit or freshly toasted bread, especially when topped with a thin spread of butter. For a fun twist, add a small slice of fresh lemon or lime on the side to enhance its citrus charm.
Side Dishes
Pair this sweet and tangy Mountain Dew Jelly Recipe with breakfast favorites like pancakes, waffles, or yogurt parfaits. The jelly’s bright flavor effortlessly lifts savory dishes too, such as roasted chicken or ham, where it doubles as a vibrant glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
Surprise your guests by serving this jelly in mini mason jars for a charming gift or snack. You can also stir a spoonful into cream cheese for a quick and delicious spread or dollop it on top of cheesecake for a pop of playful soda sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once opened, keep your Mountain Dew Jelly refrigerated and use it within a month to enjoy its best texture and flavor. Unopened, properly sealed jars store wonderfully in a cool, dark place for up to a year — perfect for gifting or keeping on hand.
Freezing
Though jelly can be frozen, it may lose some firmness once thawed due to moisture separation. If you want to freeze this Mountain Dew Jelly Recipe, consider freezing it in freezer-safe containers rather than jars, and thaw in the fridge gradually.
Reheating
If your jelly becomes too firm, warming it gently in a microwave-safe bowl or in a small saucepan over low heat can help regain spreadable consistency. Stir well to bring back that smooth finish before serving.
FAQs
Can I use diet Mountain Dew for the jelly?
It’s best to use regular Mountain Dew rather than diet versions because the sugar content is essential for the jelly to set properly and develop the right texture.
What type of pectin works best?
Powdered fruit pectin designed for making jams and jellies, like Sure-Jell, works well in this recipe to create that classic gel without affecting the flavor.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes! However, reducing sugar can impact the jelly’s ability to set and its shelf life. If you want less sugar, consider testing with small batches and adding alternative sweeteners cautiously.
How long does the jelly last once opened?
After opening, store your jelly in the refrigerator and enjoy it within 3 to 4 weeks to keep it fresh and tasty.
Is this jelly gluten-free and vegetarian?
Absolutely! The Mountain Dew Jelly Recipe contains no gluten or animal products, making it suitable for gluten-free and vegetarian diets.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely joyful about making and sharing your own jelly, especially when it’s something as fun and flavorful as this Mountain Dew Jelly Recipe. The lively citrus and soda sweetness make it a delightful surprise for family and friends. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, whether spreading it on your morning toast or adding an unexpected twist to your favorite meals.
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Mountain Dew Jelly Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 half-pint jars
- Category: Preserves, Spread
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
A bright and citrusy homemade Mountain Dew Jelly made with real soda, lemon juice, and powdered fruit pectin. This sweet and tangy jelly is perfect on biscuits, toast, or as a glaze for meats, offering a unique twist on traditional preserves.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups Mountain Dew soda (not diet)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 box (1.75 oz) powdered fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
- 3 ½ cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine Mountain Dew and lemon juice. Whisk in the powdered pectin and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Sugar and Boil: Once boiling, add all the sugar at once. Stir thoroughly to dissolve completely and return to a rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring constantly to activate the pectin.
- Remove Foam: Remove the saucepan from heat and skim off any foam on the surface with a spoon for a clear jelly finish.
- Fill Jars: Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized half-pint jars, leaving a ¼-inch headspace. Wipe rims clean and apply sterilized lids and bands tightly.
- Process Jars: Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, adjusting time for altitude if necessary. This seals the jars and preserves the jelly safely.
- Cool and Store: Carefully remove jars and place on a towel-lined counter to cool completely. Check that lids have sealed properly. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year and refrigerate after opening.
Notes
- This jelly offers a bright citrusy-sweet flavor, ideal for spreading on biscuits, toast, or as a glaze for chicken or ham.
- Ensure jars and lids are sterilized before filling to prevent spoilage.
- Adjust water bath processing time based on your altitude for safe preservation.
- Use regular Mountain Dew, not diet, to achieve proper gel consistency due to sugar content.
