Vanilla Mousse Berry Jello (Printable)
Light layered dessert with creamy vanilla mousse and vibrant berry jello layers
# Ingredient List:
→ Berry Jello Layer
01 - 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 1/2 cups water
04 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
05 - 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin powder (14 g total)
→ Vanilla Mousse Layer
06 - 1 cup whole milk
07 - 1 vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
09 - 3 large egg yolks
10 - 1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
11 - 1 tablespoon cold water
12 - 1 cup cold heavy cream
→ Garnish
13 - Fresh berries
14 - Fresh mint leaves
# Steps:
01 - Combine berries, sugar, and 1 cup water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, gently mashing berries with a spoon. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp; return liquid to saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water in a small bowl and let bloom for 5 minutes. Stir bloomed gelatin into hot berry liquid until fully dissolved. Add lemon juice and mix well. Pour into serving glasses or trifle dish about halfway up. Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firmly set.
02 - Split vanilla bean and scrape seeds into saucepan. Add milk and heat just until steaming. Remove from heat. Whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale. Slowly pour hot milk mixture into yolks, whisking constantly. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring until slightly thickened and coats back of spoon (do not boil). Sprinkle gelatin over 1 tablespoon cold water; let bloom 5 minutes, then stir into warm custard until dissolved. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. Whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold whipped cream into cooled custard until fully combined.
03 - Once berry jello is firmly set, spoon or pipe vanilla mousse over the jello layer. Chill at least 2 hours more until mousse is completely set.
04 - Garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves just before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The texture contrast between silky jello and airy mousse is magical
- Make them ahead and they look like you hired a pastry chef
- Fresh berries make every bite feel like summer
02 -
- Make sure the berry layer is completely set before adding the mousse or the layers will blur together
- The custard must be cooled to room temperature before folding in whipped cream or the cream will deflate
03 -
- Run a thin knife around the inside of the glass before the mousse layer sets to create a swirled pattern
- A splash of berry liqueur in the jello layer makes this an elegant adult dessert