Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy this recipe because it combines creamy and fruity textures in every spoonful. The strawberry mousse is light and airy, while the strawberry gelatin adds a refreshing, slightly firm layer that balances the dessert perfectly. I also appreciate that I can prepare it ahead of time, making entertaining much easier.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Strawberry Mousse
- Fresh strawberries, pureed
- Heavy whipping cream
- Cream cheese or mascarpone cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Jello Layer
- Strawberry gelatin
- Boiling water
- Cold water
For Garnish
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
- Crushed graham crackers or vanilla cookie crumbs (optional)
Directions
- I prepare the strawberry gelatin according to the package directions using the boiling and cold water.
- I pour the gelatin into a shallow dish and refrigerate it until it is set.
- I beat the cream cheese or mascarpone until smooth.
- I mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree.
- I whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form and gently fold it into the strawberry mixture to create a light mousse.
- I cut the chilled gelatin into small cubes or spoon it into small pieces.
- I layer the strawberry mousse into serving glasses.
- I add a layer of strawberry gelatin pieces.
- I repeat the layers until each glass is full.
- I top each parfait with whipped cream, fresh strawberry slices, and optional cookie crumbs or mint leaves.
- I chill the parfaits for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 parfaits
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Variations
- I use raspberry or mixed berry gelatin for a different fruity flavor.
- I fold diced fresh strawberries into the mousse for extra texture.
- I add a layer of crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers for a cheesecake-inspired parfait.
- I use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter mousse.
- I drizzle white chocolate between the layers for a richer dessert.
- I make mini parfaits in small glasses for parties and dessert tables.
Storage/Reheating
I store the parfaits covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I wait to add the whipped cream garnish until just before serving so it stays fresh and fluffy. I do not freeze these parfaits because the mousse and gelatin can lose their smooth texture after thawing. I do not reheat this dessert since it is meant to be served chilled.
FAQs
Can I make this parfait ahead of time?
Yes. I often prepare it a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until I am ready to serve.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. I thaw and drain the strawberries before pureeing them so the mousse maintains a smooth consistency.
Can I use homemade strawberry gelatin?
Absolutely. I can make a homemade gelatin layer using fresh strawberry juice and unflavored gelatin instead of a boxed mix.
How do I keep the layers neat?
I chill each layer slightly before adding the next one and spoon the mousse gently into the glasses for clean, defined layers.
Can I make this dessert without cream cheese?
Yes. I can replace the cream cheese with mascarpone or simply use whipped cream for a lighter strawberry mousse.
Conclusion
I always enjoy making this Strawberry Mousse Jello Parfait because it is creamy, refreshing, and beautifully layered. The combination of fluffy strawberry mousse and fruity gelatin creates a dessert that is both elegant and easy to prepare. Whether I serve it for a family gathering, holiday celebration, or casual dinner, it always brings a bright burst of strawberry flavor to the table.
PrintStrawberry Mousse Jello Parfait
Strawberry Mousse Jello Parfait is a light and refreshing layered dessert featuring fluffy strawberry mousse and fruity strawberry gelatin. Beautifully presented in individual glasses, it’s an easy make-ahead treat that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or everyday indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 parfaits
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chill
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese or mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- Fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish
- Whipped cream, for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves, optional
- Crushed graham crackers or vanilla cookie crumbs, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberry gelatin according to the package directions using the boiling water and cold water.
- Pour the gelatin into a shallow dish and refrigerate until fully set.
- Beat the softened cream cheese or mascarpone until smooth.
- Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree until well combined.
- Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks and gently fold it into the strawberry mixture to create a light, airy mousse.
- Cut the chilled gelatin into small cubes or spoon it into bite-sized pieces.
- Spoon a layer of strawberry mousse into serving glasses.
- Add a layer of strawberry gelatin pieces.
- Repeat the layers until each glass is full.
- Top with whipped cream, sliced fresh strawberries, and optional mint leaves or crushed graham crackers before serving.
- Chill the assembled parfaits for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Frozen strawberries may be used if thawed and well drained before pureeing.
- For neat layers, chill each layer briefly before adding the next.
- Homemade strawberry gelatin can be substituted for packaged gelatin.
- Greek yogurt can replace cream cheese for a lighter mousse.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and add whipped cream garnish just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parfait
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
