Description
This delightful Strawberry Jello Parfait is a refreshing and visually appealing dessert featuring vibrant layers of strawberry-flavored gelatin and a creamy strawberry mousse topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream. With a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy textures, this parfait is an ideal treat for warm days or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Jello Layers
- 2 (3-ounce) packages strawberry Jell-O mix
- Boiling water (as called for the Jell-O package directions)
- Cold water (as called for the Jell-O package directions)
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 2 cups + 1 for garnish, optional)
- 2-1/2 cups lemon-lime soda (like Sprite), divided
Mousse Layer
- 1 (3-ounce) package strawberry Jell-O mix
- 1 1/2 cups lemon-lime soda (like Sprite), heated to boiling
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda (cold)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, full-fat and softened
- 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip), completely thawed
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh mint leaves
- Additional whipped topping or fresh whipped cream
- Small strawberry
Instructions
- Prepare Muffin Pan: Use a 9-cavity muffin pan and place 9 small balls of aluminum foil or paper inside each cavity. This will create a tilted support for the cups.
- Position Cups: Place 9 clear plastic cups on top of the balls inside the muffin pan, angling each cup slightly to allow the gelatin to set at a slant.
- Make Jell-O Layers: Prepare both packets of strawberry Jell-O according to the regular package directions (not quick set), dissolving the mix in boiling water and then adding cold water. Pour the prepared Jell-O evenly into the angled cups.
- Add Strawberries: Hull and slice the strawberries, then add a few slices into each cup filled with Jell-O before it fully sets.
- Refrigerate to Set: Carefully transfer the muffin pan to the refrigerator and allow the gelatin to set completely but not harden fully, so you can proceed with the mousse layer.
- Heat Sprite and Dissolve Jell-O: Microwave 1 1/2 cups of lemon-lime soda in a microwave-safe bowl until boiling. Whisk in the remaining single packet of strawberry Jell-O mix until fully dissolved.
- Blend Mousse Mixture: Transfer the hot Sprite and dissolved Jell-O mixture to a high-powered blender. Add the softened cream cheese and blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Add Cold Sprite: Pour in the remaining 1 cup of cold lemon-lime soda and blend again to mix thoroughly and maintain a light consistency.
- Add Whipped Topping: Stir in the completely thawed whipped topping (Cool Whip) by blending just until smooth. Reserve about 1/2 cup of whipped topping if you plan to use it for garnish.
- Layer Mousse: Pour the mousse mixture evenly over the partially set Jell-O layers in the tilted cups. Use less mousse than Jell-O to keep a balanced flavor profile.
- Chill to Set: Place the assembled parfaits back into the refrigerator and allow them to set completely and firm up.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish each parfait with fresh whipped cream or reserved cool whip, a small strawberry, and fresh mint leaves for a decorative and flavorful finish.
Notes
- Using foil balls to angle the cups helps create the signature slanted look of the parfait, adding an attractive visual element.
- Dissolve the gelatin fully in hot liquid to ensure a smooth texture without lumps.
- Do not overuse mousse; too much can overpower the strawberry flavor and make the dessert too rich.
- The parfait must be kept refrigerated until fully set and ready to serve.
- Fresh strawberries can be replaced with frozen if necessary, just thaw and drain excess liquid before use.
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and thaw whipped topping completely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (includes microwaving and blending time)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
