Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (3 oz) box flavored Jell-O mix (any flavor)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water (or cold milk for a creamier texture)
- 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or honey, adjusted to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Non-stick cooking spray (for the mold)
Instructions
- Step 1: Lightly coat an 8×8 inch baking dish or a decorative jello mold with non-stick cooking spray. In a heatproof mixing bowl, pour the Jell-O mix powder and 1 cup of boiling water, stirring vigorously until the powder is completely dissolved (about 2 minutes).
- Step 2: Allow the dissolved Jell-O mixture to cool slightly at room temperature for about 10 minutes, ensuring it is still warm but not boiling hot. Meanwhile, in a separate large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, alcohol-free vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Gradually stream the 1/2 cup of cold water (or milk) into the slightly cooled Jell-O mixture, stirring constantly. This cools the carrageenan further without causing clumping when combined with the cold yogurt.
- Step 4: Slowly pour the cooled Jell-O mixture into the Greek yogurt mixture, whisking continuously until the mixture is uniform, light pink (or based on the flavor used), and creamy without any streaks of plain yogurt remaining. This mixture will be much thicker and opaque than traditional Jell-O.
- Step 5: Carefully pour the creamy yogurt Jell-O mixture into the prepared mold or baking dish. Refrigerate uncovered for 1 hour, then cover and chill for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the jello is completely firm and set.
Notes
- Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though the ideal texture is best achieved when consumed within the first 72 hours.
- As this is a chilled dessert, avoid letting it sit at room temperature for longer than 20 minutes; for easiest un-molding, briefly dip the bottom of the mold into warm water just before inverting.
- For an elegant finish, serve individual slices topped with fresh, tart berries (like raspberries or chopped kiwi) and perhaps a whisper of citrus zest to complement the lemon juice already in the base.
- To guarantee a perfectly smooth set, always stream the slightly cooled Jell-O mixture into the yogurt very slowly while whisking continuously to prevent the cold Greek yogurt from seizing up or becoming grainy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American