Psychedelic Dessert Fondue
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How to Make a Fun 1970s Psychedelic Dessert Fondue
Vintage desserts like Psychedelic Dessert Fondue are made for gathering colorful, playful, and perfect for turning any get-together into a cheerful throwback party.
This is a classic Betty Crocker recipe from the early 1970s, and it honestly makes me smile knowing there’s a vintage Betty dessert out there officially called Psychedelic Dessert Fondue. It feels like such a perfect snapshot of the era.
I discovered this fun little recipe on the back of one of my old Betty Crocker recipe cards, and it’s wonderfully simple to prepare. With just a box of Jell-O in your favorite fruit flavor and a few easy dippers — angel food cake, pound cake, or marshmallows you can create a vintage dessert that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat.
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What type of fondue pot do I use?
While there are several types of fondue pots this recipe calls for a dessert fondue pot a small flame proof ceramic or metal pot warmed by a candle or other heat source, and you can use a small electric fondue pot.
Make sure the pot is stable when set over the flame and the flame is not too close to the pot.
Equipment
Fondue Pot
Fondue Forks
Fondue Plates
Small Bowls
Extension cord If you're using an electric fondue pot, you may need an extension cord to safely plug it in.
Setting Up Your Dessert Fondue Station
Choose a fondue pot that’s the right size and suitable for the type of fondue you’re serving.
Place the fondue pot on a heat-resistant surface, such as a sturdy trivet or a heat-safe tabletop.
Arrange all dipping ingredients within easy reach of the fondue pot to keep things flowing smoothly.
Provide several fondue forks so guests can dip comfortably without crowding.
Set out a plate of dippers, such as cubes of cake, marshmallows, or fresh fruit.
Offer an extra plate for guests to place their dipped treats after removing them from the fondue.
Keep plenty of napkins and paper towels on hand fondue can get messy.
Lastly, be sure any extension cords are safely tucked away to prevent tripping and keep the party worry-free.
Cut the cake into neat, bite-size cubes, about 1 inch each.
*This post features a great fondue pot, perfect for small fondue recipes.
The pot is conveniently designed with a separate component that makes it easy to clean.
Retro Jell-O Fondue (1970s Party Dessert)
Era: 1970s
Serves: 4
Style: Vintage party dessert / dessert fondue
Ingredients
1 (6-ounce) package fruit-flavored Jell-O
1 to 1½ cups water
1 (8-ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed
Food coloring (3 colors of your choice)
Angel food cake, pound cake, or marshmallows, cut into bite-size pieces (for dipping)
Directions
Bring 1 to 1½ cups of water to a boil, either on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Place a dessert fondue pot on low heat. Pour the boiling water over the Jell-O powder in the fondue pot.
Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
Adjust the heat as needed to keep the Jell-O warm and fluid, but not boiling.
Divide the Cool Whip evenly into three small bowls. Add 2 drops of food coloring to each bowl, using a different color for each.
Gently swirl the color into the Cool Whip with a fork, creating a marbled effect rather than fully mixing.
Spear cake pieces or marshmallows with fondue forks, dip into the warm Jell-O, then swirl through the colored Cool Whip before serving.
This playful dessert fondue is pure 1970s fun, colorful, interactive, and perfect for casual parties or retro entertaining. It’s less about precision and more about enjoying the moment around the table.
The combination of strawberry Jello and cool whip had an amazing flavor reminiscent of strawberry shortcake.
Jello can stain make sure you are using some kind of covering like a cutting board by the fondue pot to catch any Jello spilling and staining.
More dipper ideas: soft cookies, apples, oranges, bananas, pineapple chunks, sliced strawberries.
The Original Psychedelic Dessert Fondue Recipe
original recipe
(Tip: Be sure to select the exact page you want to print - otherwise it may print the whole post!)
authentic vintage recipe from the 1970s
Closing words
Dessert fondues can be used for a variety of gatherings, such as date nights, family get-togethers, birthday parties, bridal or baby showers, or corporate events.
I hope this blog post has inspired you to try your own version of a delicious dessert fondue.
Most dessert fondues use chocolate so this is a rare recipe using jello.
Have fun creating your own version with unique toppings, the possibilities are endless.
Plus, it's a fun activity to do with family and friends. So go ahead and create your own masterpiece – the perfect sweet ending to any gathering.
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