I love experimenting with unique flavors in the kitchen, and this Mountain Dew Jelly is one of my favorite creative recipes! It’s a vibrant, citrusy spread that combines the bold, fizzy taste of Mountain Dew with the classic texture of homemade jelly. Whether you spread it on toast, drizzle it over pancakes, or use it as a fun dessert topping, this jelly is sure to brighten your day with its tangy sweetness.
A Bold and Refreshing Jelly
If you’ve never tried making soda-based jelly before, you’re in for a treat! The carbonation in Mountain Dew gives this jelly a light, airy texture, while the citrus notes create a refreshing balance of sweetness and tang. The addition of fruit pectin ensures the perfect gel-like consistency, making it easy to spread on anything from warm biscuits to fluffy waffles.
The best part? This recipe is surprisingly simple to make. With just three ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up a batch of Mountain Dew Jelly that’s both delicious and fun. It’s a fantastic way to bring a burst of citrus flavor to your breakfast or snack time. Plus, it makes a unique homemade gift that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients for Mountain Dew Jelly
To make this vibrant and citrusy Mountain Dew Jelly, you only need a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
What You’ll Need:
- 3 cups Mountain Dew 🥤 – The star ingredient! This soda adds a bold citrus flavor and slight fizziness that gives the jelly a unique taste.
- 1 package powdered fruit pectin (1.75 ounces) 🍏 – Essential for thickening the jelly, ensuring it reaches the perfect consistency.
- 4 cups granulated sugar 🍬 – Helps preserve the jelly while balancing out the tartness of the Mountain Dew.
How to Make Mountain Dew Jelly
Making Mountain Dew Jelly is a straightforward process that requires just a few steps. Follow these instructions carefully to achieve a perfectly set and flavorful jelly.
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
Before you start cooking, gather all your equipment. You’ll need a large saucepan, sterilized jars with lids, and a boiling water bath canner for preserving the jelly.
Step 2: Combine Mountain Dew and Pectin
In a large saucepan, pour in 3 cups of Mountain Dew. Add 1 package of powdered fruit pectin and stir well to dissolve it.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent clumping. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, meaning it continues to bubble even when stirred.
Step 4: Add the Sugar
Once boiling, pour in 4 cups of granulated sugar, stirring continuously. Make sure the sugar fully dissolves into the mixture.
Step 5: Boil Again
Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil and let it cook for one full minute, stirring constantly. This step is crucial for the jelly to set properly.
Step 6: Remove from Heat & Skim Foam
After boiling, remove the saucepan from heat. If any foam has formed on the surface, skim it off with a spoon to ensure a smooth, clear jelly.
Step 7: Fill the Jars
Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace at the top. This space allows for expansion and proper sealing.
Step 8: Seal the Jars
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue. Place the lids on top and screw the bands on until fingertip-tight (secure but not too tight).
Step 9: Process in a Boiling Water Bath
To ensure long-term preservation, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes. This step helps create an airtight seal, preventing spoilage.
Step 10: Cool and Store
Carefully remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool at room temperature. Once cooled, check that the lids have sealed properly. If the center of the lid does not pop back when pressed, the jar is sealed correctly.
How Long to Cook Mountain Dew Jelly
Cooking Mountain Dew Jelly is a quick process, but timing is essential to achieve the right consistency. The key moments in cooking include bringing the mixture to a boil, dissolving the sugar, and ensuring the jelly sets properly.
General Cooking Time Breakdown:
- Heating the Mountain Dew & Pectin: About 5 minutes over medium-high heat.
- Boiling After Adding Sugar: Once the sugar is added, stir continuously and bring the mixture back to a rolling boil. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Final Boiling Time: After reaching a rolling boil, the mixture should boil for exactly 1 minute before removing from heat.
- Total Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes from start to finish.
If you boil the jelly for too long, it may become too thick. If you don’t boil it long enough, it may not set properly.
How to Store Mountain Dew Jelly
If stored correctly, your homemade Mountain Dew Jelly will stay fresh and delicious for months. Here’s how to store it properly:
1. Storing Sealed Jars
- Keep sealed jars in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard.
- Properly processed jars can last up to 12 months without refrigeration.
- Always check the seal before use—if a jar lid pops when pressed, it may not be safe to eat.
2. Storing Opened Jelly
- Once opened, store the jelly in the refrigerator.
- Use within 2-3 weeks for the best flavor and freshness.
3. Can You Freeze Mountain Dew Jelly?
- Yes! If you prefer, you can store the jelly in freezer-safe containers instead of canning.
- Leave ½ inch of space at the top to allow for expansion.
- Frozen jelly stays fresh for up to 6 months.
Tips for Perfect Mountain Dew Jelly
Want to make sure your jelly turns out just right? Follow these tips:
1. Use the Right Pectin
- Powdered fruit pectin works best in this recipe. Using liquid pectin may require adjustments to the sugar and boiling time.
2. Stir Constantly
- To prevent clumping and burning, stir the mixture continuously during cooking.
3. Adjust Sweetness if Needed
- If you prefer a less sweet jelly, you can reduce the sugar slightly. However, sugar helps with the setting process, so don’t reduce it too much.
4. Test for Doneness
- If you’re unsure if your jelly has set, use the plate test:
- Place a small spoonful of jelly on a chilled plate and let it sit for a minute.
- If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it’s ready. If it stays runny, it may need a bit more boiling.
5. Experiment with Flavors
- Try adding a splash of lemon or lime juice to enhance the citrusy taste.
- Mix in a little zest for a fresh, natural kick.
Mountain Dew Jelly: A Fun and Zesty Homemade Spread
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-5 jars (depending on size) 1x
Description
This Mountain Dew Jelly is a bold and refreshing twist on homemade jelly! It captures the citrusy, sweet flavor of Mountain Dew in a smooth, spreadable form. Perfect for toast, biscuits, or even as a dessert topping, this jelly is easy to make and fun to share.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Mountain Dew 🥤
- 1 package (1.75 oz) powdered fruit pectin 🍏
- 4 cups granulated sugar 🍬
Instructions
- Prepare the jars – Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water. Set aside.
- Heat the Mountain Dew & Pectin – In a large saucepan, combine Mountain Dew and powdered fruit pectin. Stir over medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil.
- Add Sugar – Stir in 4 cups of granulated sugar. Keep stirring until fully dissolved.
- Boil Again – Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil and let it cook for 1 full minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove from Heat & Skim Foam – Turn off the heat and skim off any foam from the top of the mixture.
- Fill the Jars – Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace.
- Seal the Jars – Wipe the rims clean, place the lids on, and screw on the bands until fingertip-tight.
- Water Bath Processing – Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
- Cool & Store – Remove jars and let them cool at room temperature. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 2-3 weeks
Notes
- For extra citrus flavor, add ½ teaspoon lemon or lime zest to the mixture.
- If the jelly doesn’t set properly, try re-boiling with 1 additional teaspoon of pectin.
- To make a spicy-sweet version, stir in chopped jalapeños before filling the jars.
- This jelly can also be used as a cake glaze, doughnut filling, or savory sauce for meats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions about Mountain Dew Jelly
1. Can I Use Diet Mountain Dew Instead of Regular Mountain Dew?
Yes, you can use Diet Mountain Dew, but the jelly may not set as well. Regular Mountain Dew contains sugar, which helps with the texture and consistency. Since artificial sweeteners behave differently when heated, you may need to add extra pectin or adjust the sugar ratio to get the right gel consistency.
2. Why Didn’t My Jelly Set Properly?
There are a few reasons why your Mountain Dew Jelly might not set:
- Boiling time was too short – Make sure you let the mixture reach a full rolling boil and cook for at least 1 minute after adding sugar.
- Not enough pectin – The recipe uses powdered pectin, which helps thicken the jelly. If you used liquid pectin, the ratio might be off.
- Too much liquid – If you accidentally added extra Mountain Dew, it could cause the jelly to be too thin.
If your jelly is too runny, try re-boiling it with extra pectin to help it firm up.
3. Can I Add Fruit or Other Flavors to the Jelly?
Absolutely! While Mountain Dew Jelly has a bold citrus flavor on its own, you can add other ingredients to customize it:
- Lemon or lime zest – Enhances the citrus taste and adds a fresh touch.
- Crushed pineapple – A fun tropical twist that pairs well with the soda flavor.
- Chopped jalapeños – For a spicy-sweet kick, perfect for pairing with crackers and cheese.
Just be sure to adjust the pectin slightly if adding extra liquid ingredients.
4. Can I Use This Jelly in Baking or Cooking?
Yes! Mountain Dew Jelly isn’t just for spreading on toast—it can be used in different ways:
- Glaze for cakes or pastries – Warm the jelly slightly and drizzle it over baked goods.
- Filling for doughnuts or pastries – Adds a fun, unexpected citrus flavor.
- Sauce for meats – Mix with a little mustard or soy sauce for a sweet-savory glaze on chicken or beef.