Mexican Milk Jello 🍓
A light, creamy, mousse-like gelatin dessert made with chilled evaporated milk and strawberry gelatin. It’s incredibly airy, refreshing, and easy to prepare—perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a simple make-ahead treat.
Ingredients
- 1 (6 oz) box strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk, thoroughly chilled
Optional for serving:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries or other berries
Instructions
1. Chill the evaporated milk
Place the unopened can of evaporated milk in the freezer for at least 1 hour before preparing the dessert. It should be very cold but not frozen solid.
2. Prepare the gelatin
Add the strawberry gelatin powder to a large bowl. Pour in the boiling water and whisk until the gelatin has completely dissolved.
Add the cold water and stir well. Set aside and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
3. Whip the milk
Pour the thoroughly chilled evaporated milk into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on high until it becomes fluffy and forms soft peaks. The milk should roughly double in volume.
4. Combine
With the mixer running, slowly pour the cooled gelatin mixture into the whipped evaporated milk. Continue mixing until everything is evenly incorporated and the mixture looks light and airy.
5. Chill and set
Immediately pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch glass baking dish or divide it among individual serving dishes.
Refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until completely set.
6. Serve
Cut into soft squares or spoon into individual dishes. Top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries if desired.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1–2 hours
- Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired dessert
- Diet: Gluten-free
- Main Allergen: Milk
Tips
- Make sure the evaporated milk is very cold before whipping; this is what helps create the airy texture.
- Let the prepared gelatin cool to room temperature before combining it with the whipped milk. Hot gelatin can deflate the mixture.
- Pour the gelatin mixture in slowly while mixing for a smooth, evenly blended dessert.
- For a different flavor, try lime, lemon, orange, cherry, or raspberry gelatin.
- Refrigerate until fully set before cutting for the cleanest pieces.
- Keep leftovers covered and refrigerated.
