This Jello Whipped Cream Dessert is one of my favorite no-bake treats—light, fluffy, colorful, and refreshingly sweet. It combines the fruity flavor of Jello with the creamy richness of whipped topping to create a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m making it for a party, a holiday table, or just a weekday craving, it’s always a nostalgic crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this dessert because it’s ridiculously easy to make and can be customized with different flavors and add-ins. It requires only a few ingredients, no oven, and minimal prep time. I also appreciate how well it works as a make-ahead dish—I can throw it together in advance and let it chill until it’s time to serve. It’s cool, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Flavored gelatin (Jello—any flavor I like)
- Boiling water
- Cold water or ice cubes
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Fresh fruit or mini marshmallows (optional, for extra texture or color)
Directions
- I start by dissolving the gelatin in boiling water, stirring until it’s completely dissolved.
- I add cold water or ice cubes to cool it down quickly, following the box instructions for quick set.
- Once the gelatin is slightly thickened but not set (usually after chilling for 30–45 minutes), I gently fold in the thawed whipped topping.
- I mix until fully combined, creating a creamy, fluffy texture.
- If I’m adding fruit or marshmallows, I fold those in now.
- I transfer the mixture to a serving dish or individual cups and chill for at least 2 hours until set.
- Before serving, I sometimes top it with extra whipped cream or fruit for decoration.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people, depending on portion size.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Variations
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is. I’ve used strawberry Jello with sliced strawberries, orange Jello with mandarin oranges, or lime Jello with crushed pineapple. Sometimes I layer different flavors in a trifle bowl for a colorful presentation. For a creamy twist, I add a spoonful of cream cheese or yogurt to the mix. I’ve also made a layered version with graham cracker crust for a no-bake pie feel.
Storage/reheating
This dessert stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture can change once thawed. No reheating needed—it’s best served cold, straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, I’ve used homemade whipped cream and it works great. I just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks before folding it in.
How do I know when the Jello is ready to mix with whipped cream?
I check when it’s thickened but not fully set—like the consistency of egg whites. That’s the perfect time to fold in the whipped topping.
Can I make this in individual cups?
Absolutely. I often portion it into small dessert cups for parties or kids’ treats—it’s easy to serve and looks great.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes, I use sugar-free Jello and a light or sugar-free whipped topping for a lower-sugar version. It still tastes delicious and has the same fluffy texture.
What kind of fruit can I add?
I usually go with berries, chopped peaches, pineapple, or mandarin oranges. I avoid fresh pineapple or kiwi because they can prevent the Jello from setting properly.
Conclusion
This Jello Whipped Cream Dessert is one of those feel-good recipes that takes me back to childhood while still feeling fresh and fun. It’s sweet, simple, and endlessly customizable, making it a staple in my fridge for hot days, celebrations, or just when I want something cool and creamy. Every spoonful is a little bit of joy—and I never get tired of making it.
Print
Jello Whipped Cream Dessert
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Jello Whipped Cream Dessert is a light, fluffy, and refreshing no-bake treat made with flavored gelatin and whipped topping. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 box (3 oz) flavored gelatin (any flavor)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water or ice cubes
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 cup fresh fruit or mini marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Dissolve gelatin in boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
- Add cold water or ice cubes as directed on the box to cool it quickly.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge until slightly thickened but not set, about 30–45 minutes.
- Gently fold in thawed whipped topping until fully combined and fluffy.
- If using, fold in chopped fruit or mini marshmallows.
- Transfer to a serving dish or individual cups.
- Chill for at least 2 hours until fully set.
- Optional: top with additional whipped cream or fruit before serving.
Notes
- Use different Jello flavors and matching fruits for variety.
- Layer in a trifle bowl for a colorful presentation.
- Add cream cheese or yogurt for a richer texture.
- Avoid fresh pineapple or kiwi as they prevent gelatin from setting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
