This Banana Milk Jelly Dessert is a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth treat made with ripe bananas, creamy milk, and a gentle gelatin base. It’s one of those delightful no-bake desserts that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Lightly sweet, subtly fruity, and with a silky texture that kids and adults adore, this dish is perfect for warm weather or as a soothing treat after a heavy meal. Popular in many European kitchens and beloved for its gentle flavor, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dessert that stores well in the fridge or freezer. Whether you’re new to no-bake gelatin desserts or a longtime fan, this banana milk jelly will surely become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
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30 g butter (about 2 tablespoons)
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3 ripe bananas
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50 g sugar (for banana mixture, about 1.75 oz)
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0.7 liters milk (about 3 cups)
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30 g gelatin powder (about 3 tablespoons)
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50 ml water (about 3.4 tablespoons, for blooming the gelatin)
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100 g sugar (for syrup topping, about 3.5 oz)
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50 ml boiling water (for syrup topping, about 3.4 tablespoons)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Banana Base
In a small saucepan, melt 30 g of butter over low heat. Peel and slice the 3 ripe bananas, then add them to the pan. Sprinkle in 50 g of sugar and stir gently. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the bananas are soft and the mixture is slightly caramelized. Remove from the heat and mash until smooth, or use an immersion blender for an ultra-smooth purée.
2. Bloom the Gelatin
In a small bowl, pour 30 g of gelatin powder into 50 ml of room-temperature water. Stir briefly and let it rest for about 5–10 minutes until the gelatin fully absorbs the water and swells (blooms). Once bloomed, place the bowl in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to fully dissolve the gelatin into a clear liquid. Stir well to ensure it’s smooth and lump-free.
3. Warm the Milk and Combine
In a medium saucepan, heat 0.7 liters of milk over medium-low heat. Do not let it boil—just warm it enough to incorporate the banana mixture and gelatin. Add the banana purée into the warm milk and stir gently. Then slowly pour in the dissolved gelatin, whisking continuously to ensure everything is evenly combined.
4. Pour Into a Mold
Choose your serving vessel: a loaf pan, silicone mold, or ramekins all work well. Pour the banana milk mixture into the mold and smooth the top with a spatula if needed. Let the mold rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to cool slightly.
5. Chill the Jelly
Transfer the mold to the freezer and let it set for 2 hours, or place it in the refrigerator for 4–6 hours for a softer finish. Once fully chilled and firm to the touch, it’s ready for serving.
6. Make the Syrup Topping (Optional)
For an optional sweet glaze, dissolve 100 g sugar in 50 ml boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Let this syrup cool, then drizzle it over the jelly just before serving.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Unmold the banana jelly onto a serving plate if using a loaf or silicone mold. Slice gently and drizzle with the syrup topping. Enjoy your chilled banana dessert!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 170 kcal
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Protein: 4 g
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Carbohydrates: 30 g
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Fat: 5 g
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Fiber: 1 g
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Sugar: 22 g
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Calcium: 120 mg
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Sodium: 30 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This kind of milk gelatin dessert is common across many European and Asian cuisines. Variations are often found in Eastern Europe, where creamy gelatin-based desserts are favored for their light texture and easy preparation. In Japan, banana milk is a popular drink flavor, and in Korea, milk-based jellies are a common after-meal treat. This fusion recipe borrows from all of these influences to create a globally inspired, no-bake banana dessert.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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No baking required – just mix and chill
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Minimal ingredients
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Naturally sweet and comforting
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Kid-friendly and adult-approved
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Make-ahead friendly – perfect for prepping in advance
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Versatile for toppings and mix-ins
Health Benefits
Bananas are packed with potassium and vitamin B6. Milk provides a rich source of calcium and protein, essential for bone health. This dessert contains no eggs, making it suitable for those with egg allergies. You can also control the sugar content and use natural sweeteners like honey or stevia if desired.
Serving Suggestions
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Slice into cubes and serve in small dessert bowls
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Drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or the sugar syrup
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Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt
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Garnish with sliced strawberries or mint leaves for color
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Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy finish
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overheating the milk: Boiling it can cause the mixture to separate
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Undissolved gelatin: Always dissolve fully in water before adding
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Unripe bananas: Choose soft, ripe bananas for best flavor
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Not letting it set: Be patient with chilling; it needs time to firm up
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Serving too soon: The jelly tastes better after fully chilling
Pairing Recommendations
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Serve with a light herbal tea or a glass of cold milk
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Pair with a chocolate or vanilla pudding for a dessert duo
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Top with crushed nuts or granola for crunch
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Enjoy with coconut whipped cream for a tropical twist
Cooking Tips
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For a firmer jelly, use slightly more gelatin
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Blend bananas very smooth if you prefer a silky texture
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Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for enhanced flavor
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Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version
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Want it less sweet? Skip the sugar syrup topping
Similar Recipes to Try
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Mango Coconut Milk Jelly
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Strawberry Yogurt Gelatin Cups
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Coffee Cream Gelatin Pudding
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Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding
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Layered Fruit and Cream Jelly Dessert
Variations to Try
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Coconut Banana Jelly: Swap part of the milk for coconut milk
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Chocolate Banana Jelly: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the milk
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Layered Jelly: Let one layer set before pouring the next
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Banana Yogurt Jelly: Replace half the milk with plain yogurt
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Tropical Twist: Add mango or pineapple purée with banana
Ingredient Spotlight: Banana
Bananas are not only naturally sweet but also a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. They’re excellent for digestion thanks to their fiber content and bring a creamy, rich texture to desserts without needing cream or eggs.
Conclusion
This Banana Milk Jelly Dessert is a beautiful example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something unexpectedly elegant and delicious. It’s light, creamy, and full of wholesome banana flavor—perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy evening treat. The best part? It’s no-bake, foolproof, and freezer-friendly. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk all work well in this recipe.
2. How long will the dessert keep in the fridge?
It lasts up to 4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
3. Can I freeze banana milk jelly?
Yes, it can be frozen. Thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
4. What kind of gelatin should I use?
Use unflavored gelatin powder. If using sheets, soak and melt according to package instructions.
5. Can I make this sugar-free?
Absolutely. Replace sugar with stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol to taste.
6. What molds work best for this dessert?
Silicone molds make unmolding easiest, but a loaf pan lined with plastic wrap also works well.
7. Can I use overripe bananas?
Yes, but ensure they’re not fermented or overly mushy. Brown spots are fine.
8. Can I add spices?
Yes, a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add depth to the flavor.
9. How do I know when the jelly is fully set?
It should be firm to the touch and not jiggle loosely in the center.
10. Can I turn this into a layered dessert?
Definitely. Allow one flavor or layer to set before gently adding another on top.