28 Deliciously Sweet Grape Jelly Recipes for Family Picnics

Posted on October 23, 2025

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Ranging from sweet treats to savory main courses, these creative recipes with grape jelly offer a refreshing twist on traditional flavors. Not limited to just sandwiches, they can be used in a variety of dishes such as meatballs and pulled pork, or even baked goods like donuts and cookies. With a jar of grape jelly typically lingering in most pantries, it’s common for people to wonder how to utilize the excess.

Rather than settling for the standard PB&J, consider experimenting with these recipes that elevate the humble condiment to new heights. By pushing beyond the ordinary, you can create dishes like pot of salty little smokies or a decadent cheesecake that are truly worth the extra time and effort.

13 Easy Grape Jelly Recipes (Sweet and Savory)

13 Easy Grape Jelly Recipes (Sweet and Savory)

Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Pork Tenderloin

Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Pork Tenderloin

When it comes to making pulled pork, simplicity is its best friend. All you need is the right cut of meat – one that’s packed with fat marbling – and a slow cooker to do all the work. The result will be tender, juicy, and delicious every single time, no matter how novice or seasoned you are in the kitchen. But, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always take it up a notch by adding an unexpected ingredient like grape jelly to the mix!

As the flavors meld together, you’ll be left with a sweet and sticky glaze that’s sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters.

Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce

Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce

Not only is this sweet and savory combination a game-changer, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make. Simply slow-cook your meatballs in a mixture of grape jelly and chili sauce, allowing their flavors to meld together in perfect harmony. When they’re finished, you’ll be left with tender and irresistible morsels that beg to be devoured. Serve them alongside roasted potatoes or rice for a well-rounded meal, or dress them up as party-ready appetizers by inserting toothpicks into the top.

Whichever way you choose to enjoy them, one thing is certain – these meatballs and grapes are a match made in culinary heaven.

Ritz Cracker Grape Jelly Icebox Cake

Ritz Cracker Grape Jelly Icebox Cake

Layered with crushed Ritz crackers, icebox cakes are a revelation for those who think they can’t bake. What sets them apart is their simplicity, requiring only the most basic of ingredients and no cooking skills whatsoever. To create this particular dessert, start by whipping heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks, then fold in grape jelly to give it a bright, fruity flavor. This contrast of textures and tastes will leave you wondering why you ever thought icebox cakes were dull.

Concord Jelly Sandwich Donuts

Concord Jelly Sandwich Donuts

Taking a traditional jelly sandwich to new heights, these aren’t ordinary grape jelly donuts. The twist? A simple yet ingenious technique that involves coating the sandwich in batter and deep-frying it to golden perfection. This stroke of genius gives your snack a delightful crunch on the outside while retaining its soft center, all without requiring you to make dough from scratch. In essence, these jelly sandwiches are transformed into donut-like treats with this clever little trick.

Peanut Butter & Grape Jelly Pop Tarts

Peanut Butter & Grape Jelly Pop Tarts

Creating a recipe that combines two childhood favorites into one show-stopping treat can be a daunting task. However, this PB&J pop tarts recipe does just that, filling the pastry with grape jelly and topping it with a rich and creamy peanut butter glaze. The result is a decadent dessert that’s far from your average sandwich.

It’s worth noting that this recipe isn’t suitable for beginners, as making the homemade pop tart dough requires kneading, rolling, and proofing – a process that demands time and effort. For those up for the challenge, the reward will be well worth the hard work.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake

Ditch the ordinary cheesecake flavors and try this indulgent recipe that will transport your taste buds to new heights. The rich, creamy, and silky peanut butter cheesecake is elevated by a layer of smooth grape jelly on top. To add an extra crunch and flavor dimension, you’ll mix in some chopped peanuts and peanut butter cups before finishing it off with a sprinkle of both on top.

Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Little Smokies

Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Little Smokies

Unlock the secret to creating an unforgettable party appetizer that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious – cooking little smokies in grape jelly. This unorthodox yet ingenious combination is sure to leave your taste buds and guests speechless! The smoky, savory flavor of the little smokies provides a perfect backdrop for the sweet, luscious contrast of the grape jelly. It’s a match made in heaven that’s guaranteed to be the talk of the party.

Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Chicken Wings

Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Chicken Wings

Finding myself in love with unconventional flavors, I recently discovered that grape jelly wings can be just as addictive as buffalo chicken wings. The slow cooker plays a significant role in infusing these wings with a perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes, making them surprisingly easy to prepare. Furthermore, the addition of chili sauce not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds an extra layer of heat, ensuring that every bite is a thrilling experience.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sugared Buns

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sugared Buns

Fresh from the oven, these delectable buns are a masterclass in texture and flavor. Their soft and pillowy interior provides the perfect base for the rich, sweet peanut butter filling, while the crunchy sugar sprinkles on top add a delightful contrast. The crowning glory is undoubtedly the grape jelly glaze, which adds an irresistible sheen to these already scrumptious treats.

Of course, the recipe itself may be a bit more involved than some, but trust us when we say that the end result is well worth the extra effort.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Rolls

Peanut Butter and Jelly Rolls

You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to elevate the classic cinnamon roll to new heights with this recipe! By filling them with grape jelly and topping with a rich peanut butter icing, you’ll experience a flavor combination that’s a million times more tantalizing than plain old cinnamon.

As with our previous recipe, this one still requires making dough from scratch, but don’t worry – it’s a breeze to make and is the perfect way to get started on your bread-making adventure if you’re just beginning.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Pancakes

Peanut Butter & Jelly Pancakes

Peanut Butter & Jelly Freezer Fudge

Peanut Butter & Jelly Freezer Fudge

Ready to indulge in a new and exciting dessert experience? This recipe for peanut butter and grape jelly fudge is sure to tantalize your taste buds. With just four simple ingredients, you can create a unique and delicious treat that’s unlike the usual chocolate-flavored fudge. The process of making this fudge is straightforward, but the hardest part lies in waiting for it to freeze – only 30 minutes will pass before you can indulge in its creamy goodness.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Observing the perfect union of peanut butter and grape jelly within a soft and chewy cookie is nothing short of delightful. The initial crisp exterior gives way to a chewy interior, while the gooey jelly filling slowly releases its sweetness with each bite. This unexpected textural combination is what elevates these cookies from merely good to truly exceptional.

With their straightforward preparation time of just 30 minutes, it’s no wonder they’re a favorite among cookie enthusiasts, and I’m sure you’ll be hooked after just one try!

13 Best Ways to Cook with Grape Jelly

Diverse applications of grape jelly in sweet and savory dishes demonstrate its adaptability and wide range of uses. Beyond the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it can be incorporated into various recipes such as meatballs, pulled pork, donuts, and cheesecake, showcasing its versatility and potential for creativity in cooking.

Instructions

Often, the key to cooking up a storm lies in being prepared and organized. One way to achieve this is by selecting a tried-and-tested recipe that you’re confident will yield great results. Once you’ve chosen your favorite dish, organize all the necessary ingredients, measuring cups, and utensils within easy reach. With everything at hand, you can quickly whip up a delicious recipe featuring grape jelly in no time!

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