This Greek Yogurt Raspberry Jell-O Mousse Dessert is a light, creamy, and refreshing treat that combines the richness of Greek yogurt with the fruity sweetness of raspberry Jell-O. Layered with fresh raspberries and a clear Jell-O topping, this mousse is not only visually stunning but also healthier than traditional mousse desserts. It’s perfect for any gathering or as a fun, make-ahead dessert!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Mousse:

• 1 lb (16 oz) plain Greek yogurt
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 16 oz Cool Whip (thawed) or 4 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 pack (6 oz) raspberry Jell-O
• 2 cups boiling water

For the Jell-O Layer:

• 1 pack (6 oz) raspberry Jell-O
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 large pack fresh raspberries

Directions

Make the Mousse:

1. Dissolve 1 pack of raspberry Jell-O in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Let it cool slightly (but not set).
2. In a mixing bowl, beat Greek yogurt with condensed milk for 30 seconds using an electric mixer. Scrape down the sides and mix again for another 30 seconds.
3. Add thawed Cool Whip or heavy whipping cream and beat for 30 seconds until smooth and well combined.
4. Slowly pour the cooled Jell-O into the yogurt mixture while mixing on low speed. Once fully incorporated, increase speed to medium and beat for another 30 seconds.

Assemble the Mousse:

5. Divide the mousse evenly among six 8-oz glasses (or sixteen 4-oz glasses), filling them about three-fourths full. Tap each glass gently to level the mousse.
6. Arrange 3-6 fresh raspberries on top of the mousse in each glass.
7. Place the glasses in the fridge to set for about 30 minutes.

Prepare the Jell-O Layer:

8. While the mousse sets, prepare the second pack of raspberry Jell-O by dissolving it in 2 cups of boiling water. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
9. Once the mousse has set, pour the cooled Jell-O over the mousse in each glass until it reaches the top.
10. Refrigerate again until fully set, about 30 minutes.

Serve:

11. Once fully chilled and set, your mousse is ready to enjoy! Serve as is or garnish with extra fresh raspberries.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: ~250 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Protein: ~8g
• Fat: ~8g
• Sugar: ~25g
• Calcium: ~150mg

The Allure of Greek Yogurt in Desserts

Greek yogurt has become a popular ingredient in many healthy recipes, and for good reason. Not only does it provide a creamy texture that is essential in mousse desserts, but it also boasts a higher protein content than regular yogurt. This added protein helps to make the dessert more filling, offering a healthier balance than traditional mousse recipes that often rely on heavy cream or whipped cream alone.

Greek yogurt also has a tangy, slightly tart flavor, which pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the raspberry Jell-O. This tartness helps to balance out the richness of the sweetened condensed milk, creating a perfect harmony of flavors in each bite. Additionally, Greek yogurt is packed with probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that promote gut health, making this dessert a treat that’s not only delicious but also good for you.

The Role of Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk is an essential ingredient in many dessert recipes, providing both sweetness and a smooth, rich texture. In this Greek Yogurt Raspberry Jell-O Mousse, the sweetened condensed milk adds the right amount of creaminess and sugar to complement the tangy yogurt. It also helps to stabilize the mousse, giving it a luscious consistency that isn’t too thick or too runny.

What makes sweetened condensed milk particularly useful in mousse recipes is its ability to dissolve easily and incorporate seamlessly into the mixture. The result is a mousse with a silky-smooth texture that’s both light and indulgent. While this ingredient adds sweetness, the overall dessert doesn’t feel overly sugary, thanks to the tanginess of the Greek yogurt and the slight bitterness of the fresh raspberries.

Cool Whip or Heavy Whipping Cream: Choosing the Right Texture

In this recipe, you have the option to use Cool Whip or heavy whipping cream to create the mousse’s airy, fluffy texture. Cool Whip is a convenient, store-bought option that offers the benefit of being quick and easy to incorporate into the mousse. It provides a light and creamy texture that blends perfectly with the yogurt and sweetened condensed milk, creating a mousse that’s both fluffy and indulgent.

On the other hand, heavy whipping cream offers a richer, more luxurious texture and flavor. When whipped, heavy cream forms stiff peaks that give the mousse a more substantial and silky consistency. For those who want a more decadent treat, heavy whipping cream is the ideal choice. However, if you’re looking for a lighter dessert, Cool Whip is a great alternative that still delivers that satisfying creaminess.

The Raspberry Jell-O Layer: A Sweet and Colorful Finish

One of the standout features of this dessert is the vibrant, glossy raspberry Jell-O layer that tops the mousse. The clear Jell-O layer provides a beautiful contrast to the creamy mousse beneath, adding a burst of color and a refreshing fruity taste. The raspberry flavor is naturally sweet and slightly tart, which perfectly complements the creaminess of the mousse.

In addition to the flavor, the Jell-O layer adds a fun, jelly-like texture that makes each bite of the mousse a delightful experience. The Jell-O is made by dissolving raspberry-flavored gelatin in boiling water, which creates a slightly firm layer that holds its shape. This layer is poured over the set mousse, sealing in the fresh raspberries and giving the dessert a polished, professional finish. The addition of the Jell-O layer also helps to balance the richness of the mousse, providing a refreshing contrast that makes each bite feel light and refreshing.

The Fresh Raspberry Topping: A Natural Burst of Flavor

To elevate the visual appeal and flavor of this dessert, fresh raspberries are added both inside the mousse and on top as a garnish. The fresh raspberries bring a natural sweetness and tartness that enhances the overall flavor profile. They also provide a beautiful pop of color that makes the dessert even more eye-catching.

Fresh raspberries are an excellent choice for this dessert because of their vibrant red hue, delicate texture, and sweet-tart taste. They are the perfect complement to the creamy mousse and raspberry Jell-O, adding a refreshing element to every bite. Not only do raspberries taste great, but they’re also packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, making them a healthy addition to this dessert.

Why This Dessert is Perfect for Any Occasion

This Greek Yogurt Raspberry Jell-O Mousse is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party, a holiday gathering, or a special celebration like Mother’s Day or a wedding, this dessert fits seamlessly into any event. Its light, refreshing taste makes it an excellent choice for warmer months when you’re craving something sweet but not too heavy. Additionally, because it’s made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, it’s a convenient dessert that won’t keep you in the kitchen while your guests are enjoying their time.

The individual glass servings make it a visually appealing and practical option for serving at large gatherings. The layers of mousse, fresh raspberries, and raspberry Jell-O are sure to impress your guests and make the dessert the focal point of the meal. Plus, because this dessert is lighter than traditional mousse recipes, it’s a great option for those who are looking to indulge without feeling too full or sluggish afterward.

Making It Your Own: Customizing the Dessert

One of the best things about this Greek Yogurt Raspberry Jell-O Mousse is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste preferences. While raspberry Jell-O and fresh raspberries are the star ingredients in this version, you can easily swap in other flavors to create a different variation. For example, you could use strawberry or blueberry Jell-O for a different fruity flavor, or mix in different types of berries like blackberries or strawberries for the topping.

If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or substitute it with a lower-sugar alternative. You can also experiment with using a different type of yogurt, such as plain or flavored non-dairy yogurt, for a dairy-free version. The possibilities are endless, making this mousse a customizable treat that can be adapted to meet your dietary needs and flavor preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Greek Yogurt Raspberry Jell-O Mousse Dessert is a light, creamy, and refreshing treat that combines the best elements of mousse and Jell-O into one visually stunning dessert. With its rich Greek yogurt filling, fruity raspberry flavor, and fresh berry topping, this dessert is not only delicious but also healthier than traditional mousse recipes. It’s a versatile and make-ahead dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a refreshing sweetness that will satisfy your cravings without feeling too heavy. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this mousse is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds.