Mini Valentine's Jello Molds

It doesn't take much to win over my husband's heart; a big bowl full of Jell-O topped with whipped cream will do. (Sort of perfect considering I am a huge Jell-O lover myself.) I've been eager to use my vintage Jell-O molds that were a given to me by Jason's Grandmother some time ago. Their shape reminds me of little baby cakes and make for the perfect individual portioned desserts. You should have seen the look on Jason's face when he opened the refrigerator to find six of these Mini Valentine's Jell-O Molds layered with cherry cream jello, raspberry jello, and whipped cream all sitting in a row.

But before I share the recipe for this super simple Valentine's Day dessert, let's talk about a few tips for achieving the perfect molded Jell-O every time!

Tip #1: Don't grease your Jell-O molds. This might sound surprising but it's not at all necessary. Greasing a Jell-O mold pan will only result in greasy Jell-O. Yuck!
Tip #2: Cut your liquids down in order to create a firmer Jell-O that is easier to unmold and will hold it's shape. If the Jell-O is too loose you risk it leaning.

Tip #3: Allow Jell-O molds to set up completely over night before un-molding. You want the Jell-O to be as firm as possible and hold it's pretty shape.
Tip #4: Prepare a bowl of hot water and dip the outside of the Jell-O molds into the water before inverting to a plate. This will loosen the Jell-O from its mold and result in a clean removal.

That's it! A simple and nostalgic Valentine's Day dessert that even Cupid himself would love.

photos by Leah Bergman

Mini Valentine's Jello Molds

1-6oz box of Raspberry Jell-O
1-6oz box of Black Cherry Jell-O
1-12oz can Evaporated Milk
fresh raspberries
homemade whipped cream - recipe follows
candy gummy hearts & red sprinkles - optional for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large dish arrange mini Jell-O molds upside down. Place 3-4 fresh raspberries in the bottom of each and set aside.
2. Prepare the raspberry Jell-O. Stir 2 cups boiling water into gelatin in medium bowl until completely dissolved. Stir in 1 ½ cup cold water. Pour raspberry Jell-O into molds until they are half way filled. Refrigerate at least 1 hr or until firm.
3. Prepare the cherry cream Jell-O. Stir 2 cups boiling water into gelatin in a medium bowl until completely dissolved. Stir in 1 ½ cup evaporated milk. Add cherry Jell-O on top of set raspberry layer and refrigerate overnight.
4. To remove from molds, dip in a bowl of hot water and invert onto a plate. Wiggle and squeeze molds gently until the Jell-O releases. If you need more help, use a small sharp knife to cut around the base of the Jell-O. This should get it started!
5. Top with homemade whipped cream, red sanding sugar and a gummy heart candy. Enjoy!

Homemade Whipped Cream
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoon granulated sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Beat the cream on high-speed until it begins to thicken and get slightly stiff. Add the sugar and vanilla extract to the cream. Continue whipping until it forms stiff peaks.

Freutcake Note: I have a small set of 6 jello molds so I made used the left over jello mix to make a standard layered jello dessert in a square glass dish. This recipe will make one large jello mold or 16 (plus) small Jell-O molds however!