Delightful & Easy Strawberry Jelly Christmas Dessert for Kids (with Ice Cream!)
Get ready to add a burst of color and joy to your holiday table with this incredibly fun and simple strawberry jelly dessert! Layered with creamy ice cream, fluffy whipped cream, and vibrant strawberries, this dessert is a surefire hit with kids and adults alike. While it’s perfect for a festive Christmas gathering, its playful presentation and delightful flavors make it a fantastic treat any time of year.
You might be thinking, “Strawberries in winter?” And yes, I agree, fresh strawberries aren’t typically in season during the colder months. Normally, I stick to seasonal produce for my recipes to ensure the best flavor. However, my children absolutely adore strawberries, and with Christmas being such a special time, I couldn’t resist creating a festive dessert that truly captured their hearts. The secret? I used fresh strawberries primarily as a vibrant garnish. The rich strawberry flavor within the ice cream actually comes from my summer harvest, which I carefully froze right after picking. This simple trick allows us to enjoy the full, sweet taste of peak-season strawberries, making this a truly unforgettable and delicious dessert, even when the snow is falling outside.
The Magic of Angled Jelly: A Visual Delight
The idea for this eye-catching, multi-layered jelly dessert has been circulating on platforms like Pinterest for a while, and its popularity is no surprise! While I can’t pinpoint the exact source that first inspired me, the concept of creating perfectly angled jelly layers immediately struck me as a brilliant and fun addition to any kid’s menu. It’s not just easy to make; it looks absolutely spectacular, transforming a simple dessert into a work of art. The technique is surprisingly straightforward and adds a touch of whimsical elegance to each glass.
To achieve this impressive effect, all you need to do is carefully pour your prepared gelatin mixture into a glass and then position the glass at a 45-degree angle. You can easily do this by leaning the glass against the side of a sturdy bowl, a measuring cup, or even a muffin tin to hold it securely in place. Once the jelly has set and become firm – a process that takes a few hours in the refrigerator – you can return the glass to its upright position, and the distinct, beautiful angled shape will remain. This clever trick creates visual intrigue and makes each spoonful a delightful discovery as the layers reveal themselves. It’s a fantastic way to elevate a simple dessert and impress your guests with minimal effort.
A Taste Sensation for the Holidays!
This dessert isn’t just about pretty looks; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors. The vibrant, wobbly jelly, the smooth and creamy strawberry ice cream, and the light, airy whipped cream create a truly decadent experience. Each bite offers a delightful contrast, from the refreshing coolness of the jelly to the rich sweetness of the ice cream, all complemented by the delicate freshness of the strawberries. It’s a balanced and incredibly satisfying treat that perfectly embodies the festive spirit of Christmas. Plus, its colorful appeal ensures it will be a showstopper at any holiday gathering, instantly bringing smiles to faces, especially those of the little ones!
Tips for Success and Creative Variations
Creating this stunning strawberry jelly dessert is straightforward, but a few tips can ensure your success and inspire you to experiment with different flavors and presentations. Always make sure your gelatin fully dissolves in the warm liquid for a smooth, lump-free jelly. When setting the glasses at an angle, ensure they are stable to avoid any spills or uneven setting. Patience is key during the chilling phase; allow ample time for the jelly to firm up completely before adding the next layers.
For an extra festive touch, consider adding a layer of lime or green apple jelly for a vibrant red and green combination, or a clear sparkling wine jelly for an adult version. You could also swirl in some vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a different flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other fruits too – raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries would be equally delicious and visually appealing. A sprinkle of edible glitter or some holiday sprinkles on top of the whipped cream can further enhance its celebratory look.
Making Ahead and Storage
This dessert is a fantastic make-ahead option, which is a huge bonus during the busy holiday season. The jelly layers can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Assemble the ice cream, whipped cream, and fresh strawberry garnish just before serving to maintain freshness and texture. If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the whipped cream might lose some of its stiffness over time. The jelly itself, however, will remain perfectly delicious.
Did you make this Christmas dessert with strawberries? Don’t forget to tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram or Twitter ! I absolutely love seeing your culinary creations and look forward to featuring them. You can also share your own delicious recipes on my Facebook channel or save this recipe to your boards on Pinterest so it’s easy to find next time. Happy baking and see you soon!
📖 Recipe Card
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Refrigerator
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Saucepan
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Whisk
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Glasses or dessert bowls
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Electric mixer (for whipped cream)
Ingredients
- 200 ml strawberry syrup (or strawberry cordial/concentrate)
- 300 ml water
- 6 sheets gelatin
- 1 jar strawberry ice cream (about 500g / 1 pint)
- 150 ml heavy cream (whipping cream)
- 2 tablespoons icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- strawberries , fresh for garnish
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Begin by soaking the gelatin sheets in a bowl of cold water for about 5-10 minutes until they are soft and pliable. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free jelly.
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In a small saucepan, gently heat the strawberry syrup (or lemonade/cordial) along with the water. Bring the mixture just to a simmer, but do not allow it to boil vigorously.
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Remove the saucepan from the heat. Squeeze any excess water from the softened gelatin sheets and add them directly into the warm strawberry mixture. Stir continuously with a whisk until the gelatin is completely dissolved and no lumps remain.
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Carefully pour the gelatin mixture into your chosen dessert glasses or bowls. To create the distinctive angled look, place each glass at a 45-degree angle (for example, by nesting them in a muffin tin or leaning them against a bowl). Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the jelly is fully set and firm.
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Approximately 15-20 minutes before you plan to serve, take the strawberry ice cream out of the freezer. This allows it to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop and providing a more pleasant, creamy texture.
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In a separate chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with the icing sugar using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as it can turn granular.
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Once the jelly is firm, gently scoop the slightly softened strawberry ice cream on top of the set jelly layer in each glass.
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Finally, generously top each dessert with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and garnish with some beautiful, fresh strawberries. Serve immediately and enjoy your colorful, festive treat!
Nutrition
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Essential Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
To whip up this fantastic dessert, you’ll need a few basic kitchen utensils. While most are common, having the right tools can make the process even smoother and more enjoyable. The links provided will take you to another page with a brief explanation of each item, and give you the option to order directly if you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen arsenal.
- A good pair of sharp kitchen knives: Essential for slicing fresh strawberries neatly.
- A sturdy cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for all your chopping needs.
- Brushes, spatulas, and other cooking utensils: Useful for stirring the gelatin, scraping bowls, and precisely placing ingredients.
- Small saucepan: For gently heating the strawberry syrup and water.
- Whisk: For ensuring the gelatin dissolves completely and for beating the cream.
- Dessert glasses or bowls: To showcase the beautiful layers of your dessert.
- Electric mixer: For quickly and effortlessly whipping the heavy cream to perfection.