This Refreshing Fruit and Milk Jelly Delight is a beautiful, light, and luscious chilled dessert that layers vibrant fresh fruits with a delicate, creamy milk jelly. It’s a no-bake treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings, special occasions, or when you want to serve something elegant yet easy to prepare. Made with gelatin, milk, condensed milk, and a colorful medley of fruits like kiwi, banana, strawberries, and oranges, this dessert is both stunning to look at and refreshing to eat.
The final presentation is enhanced with a fruity glaze made from lemon juice, strawberry syrup, and fresh mint, giving the dish a glossy finish and an extra layer of flavor. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating your family, this dessert is sure to impress with its delicate texture and sweet, fruity taste.
Preparation and Chilling Time
-
Prep Time: 25 minutes
-
Chilling Time: 3 hours
-
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Milk Jelly Base:
-
60g gelatin
-
100ml water (for blooming gelatin)
-
400ml milk
-
200ml sweetened condensed milk
-
2 oranges (peeled and segmented)
-
3 strawberries (sliced)
-
2 kiwis (peeled and sliced)
-
1 banana (sliced)
For the Glaze Topping:
-
3 strawberries (blended or crushed)
-
Juice of ½ lemon
-
Water (to loosen the glaze)
-
Sugar (to taste)
-
Fresh mint leaves
-
Strawberry syrup (optional, for added flavor and color)
-
Ice cubes (for serving or chilling quickly)
-
Lemon juice (extra, for flavor balance)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Bloom the Gelatin
In a small bowl, mix the 60g gelatin with 100ml cold water. Stir well and let it sit for 10–15 minutes until fully bloomed and spongy.
2. Prepare the Milk Mixture
In a saucepan, combine 400ml milk and 200ml condensed milk. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring constantly until warm but not boiling. Once the milk is heated, add the bloomed gelatin and stir until fully dissolved and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Fruits
While the milk jelly mixture is cooling, peel and slice the fruits:
-
Peel and segment the 2 oranges, removing seeds and membranes.
-
Slice the 3 strawberries, 2 kiwis, and 1 banana into bite-sized pieces.
4. Layer the Dessert
In a mold or glass dish (silicone molds work best for unmolding), begin layering the fruits:
Start with a layer of orange slices, followed by strawberries, kiwi, and banana.
Pour the slightly cooled milk gelatin mixture over the fruits, making sure all pieces are covered and suspended in the liquid.
Tap the mold gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
5. Chill the Jelly
Place the mold in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, or until the jelly is completely set and firm.
6. Prepare the Glaze Topping
In a blender or small pan, combine 3 strawberries, juice of half a lemon, a bit of water, and sugar to taste. Add a few fresh mint leaves for fragrance. Optionally, mix in strawberry syrup to intensify the color. Blend or heat gently until combined. Chill until ready to use.
7. Serve
Unmold the fruit milk jelly carefully onto a serving plate. Spoon the strawberry glaze over the top, or serve it on the side. Add ice cubes or serve chilled for extra refreshment.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 servings)
-
Calories: ~180
-
Fat: 3g
-
Protein: 6g
-
Carbohydrates: 35g
-
Sugars: 27g
-
Fiber: 2g
-
Calcium: 15% DV
-
Vitamin C: 40% DV
Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This type of fruit jelly dessert has roots in many global cuisines, particularly in Eastern European and Middle Eastern kitchens, where gelatin-based fruit desserts are common. Similar versions are found in Japanese “raindrop cakes,” Russian “zhele,” and even Latin American gelatinas. The use of milk with fruit in gelatin creates a soft, pudding-like dessert that’s light, refreshing, and endlessly customizable. Its popularity continues to rise thanks to social media, where vibrant layers and fruit-studded domes catch the eye and make a striking impression.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
No baking required
-
Easy to customize with seasonal fruits
-
Beautiful presentation for events and parties
-
Kid-friendly and nutritious
-
Light and refreshing, perfect for hot weather
-
Can be made ahead of time
Health Benefits
-
Rich in calcium and vitamin D from the milk and condensed milk
-
Natural fiber and antioxidants from the fruits
-
Gelatin supports gut health and skin elasticity
-
Low in fat and cholesterol compared to creamy desserts
-
Hydrating thanks to the high water content in fruit
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve cold with a few mint leaves for color and aroma
-
Garnish with extra fresh fruit or edible flowers
-
Add a whipped cream dollop for extra indulgence
-
Present in individual glasses for elegant single servings
-
Pair with fruit coulis for a restaurant-style finish
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Not allowing gelatin to fully bloom—this causes clumps and uneven texture
-
Pouring hot liquid onto fruit—this can cook or discolor the fruit
-
Using very juicy fruits like watermelon that release too much water
-
Skipping the chilling time—the jelly won’t set properly
-
Using too much acid in the fruit layer—it can prevent gelatin from setting
Pairing Recommendations
-
Beverages: Try a chilled herbal tea (like hibiscus), fresh lemonade, or sparkling water with mint
-
Snacks: Pair with light tea biscuits or almond cookies
-
Other desserts: Great alongside panna cotta or sorbet for a refreshing trio
Cooking Tips
-
Use a non-stick silicone mold for easy unmolding
-
Strain the milk mixture before pouring for ultra-smooth texture
-
Add zest of lemon or orange to the milk base for extra aroma
-
Use a spoon to slow the milk pour over fruits to keep layers clean
-
If using canned fruits, drain well to prevent soggy jelly
Similar Recipes to Try
-
Creamy Mango Coconut Jelly
-
Strawberry Yogurt Panna Cotta
-
Layered Rainbow Gelatin Cubes
-
Lemon Curd Gelatin Slice
-
Japanese Milk Raindrop Cake with Berries
Variations to Try
-
Use coconut milk instead of dairy for a tropical, dairy-free version
-
Replace some milk with fruit juice (like mango or berry)
-
Try flavored gelatin packets for fun color and taste
-
Make mini versions in cups or ramekins for parties
-
Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the milk layer for texture
Ingredient Spotlight: Gelatin
Gelatin is the unsung hero of this recipe. It’s a collagen-based thickening agent derived from animal sources, giving jelly its signature wobble and silky mouthfeel. In addition to structure, gelatin offers health benefits, including improved joint health, better digestion, and stronger hair and nails. It’s essential to bloom gelatin in cold water first, then dissolve it in warm liquid to activate its setting properties.
Conclusion
This Refreshing Fruit and Milk Jelly Delight is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Light yet satisfying, visually stunning yet easy to make, this dish offers a perfect balance of nutrition, indulgence, and creativity. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced host looking to impress, this recipe delivers every time. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to chilled dessert for every warm-weather occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin?
Yes! Agar is plant-based and sets more firmly. Use half the amount of gelatin called for.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap milk and condensed milk for almond or coconut milk and dairy-free condensed milk.
3. Why didn’t my jelly set?
The gelatin may not have bloomed properly, or the mixture was too hot when poured over the fruit. Also, acidic fruits like pineapple or kiwi (unless cooked) can interfere with setting.
4. Can I freeze this dessert?
Freezing is not recommended as it changes the texture of gelatin and fresh fruit.
5. What mold should I use?
Silicone molds are best for easy release. A glass or metal tray works too but may need parchment lining.
6. Can I make it in advance?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it great for make-ahead meals or parties.
7. Is this suitable for children?
Definitely! It’s mildly sweet, packed with fruit, and free from artificial ingredients.
8. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. The condensed milk is already sweet, so feel free to reduce or skip added sugar in the glaze.
9. How can I make clean layers?
Chill each layer slightly before adding the next and pour slowly over a spoon to prevent splashing.
10. Can I use canned fruit?
Yes, but drain them well and avoid those packed in syrup if you want to control sweetness.