Ingredients:

  • 1 package (3 oz / 85 g) Strawberry Flavored Gelatin Mix (e.g., Jell-O)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Boiling Water
  • 1 block (8 oz / 225 g) Cream Cheese, full-fat, softened to room temperature
  • ¼ cup (60 g) Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream, full-fat
  • ¼ cup (30 g) Confectioners' Sugar (Icing Sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 container (8 oz / 225 g) Frozen Whipped Topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed in the refrigerator
  • 2 cups (100 g) Mini Marshmallows
  • 1 bag (10 oz / 280 g) Frozen Sliced Strawberries, slightly icy
  • ½ cup (60 g) Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional)
  • Fresh Strawberries, hulled and sliced (for garnish)
  • A sprig of fresh Mint (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Dissolve Gelatin: Place the gelatin powder in a medium bowl. Pour the boiling water over the powder and whisk immediately until the powder is completely dissolved (about 2 minutes).
  2. Cool: Allow the gelatin mixture to cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes. It must be cool enough not to melt the cream cheese, but still fully liquid. Do not allow it to begin setting.
  3. Whip the Cream Cheese: In the large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until the mixture is completely smooth, airy, and free of lumps. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently.
  4. Incorporate Gelatin: Slowly pour the cooled, liquid gelatin mixture into the cream cheese mixture while beating on low speed until just combined. The mixture will be thin and rosy pink.
  5. Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently, using a rubber spatula, fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese-gelatin base. Use a gentle scraping motion to incorporate without deflating the air.
  6. Add Final Ingredients: Quickly and gently fold in the mini marshmallows, the slightly icy frozen strawberries, and the optional chopped nuts. The icy strawberries will help begin the setting process immediately.
  7. Transfer and Chill: Scrape the mixture into your serving dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until firm and fluffy.
  8. Garnish: Just before serving, garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a sprig of mint for visual appeal. Serve directly from the chilled dish.