🍓🫐 Cream Cheese Gelatin
This Cream Cheese Gelatin is a creamy, silky, lightly sweet dessert with the perfect balance of rich cream cheese and milky sweetness. It has the smoothness of cheesecake but the light, refreshing texture of gelatin, making it an easy no-bake dessert for family gatherings, holidays, potlucks, or special occasions.
Fresh strawberries and blueberries add a bright burst of color and freshness to every slice.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4–6 hours
- Total Time: About 4–6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 10–12
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: No-bake
- Pan: 9-inch (23 cm) round mold or 9 × 9-inch (23 × 23 cm) dish
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Gelatin
- 2 bars cream cheese (226 g each), softened
- 1 can (12 oz / 354 ml) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unflavored powdered gelatin
- ½ cup (120 ml) cold water
For the Topping
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Fresh blueberries
- Optional: additional whipped cream or mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Gelatin
Pour the ½ cup cold water into a small heatproof bowl.
Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin evenly over the water.
Let it stand for approximately 5 minutes to bloom.
The gelatin will absorb the water and become thick and spongy.
2. Dissolve the Gelatin
Place the bloomed gelatin over a small saucepan of gently simmering water, or microwave it in short 10–15 second intervals, stirring between each interval.
Continue until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Do not boil the gelatin.
Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Place the softened cream cheese in a blender.
Add the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
Blend on medium speed for approximately 1–2 minutes, until completely smooth and creamy.
Scrape down the sides of the blender if necessary.
4. Add the Gelatin
With the blender running on low speed, slowly pour the dissolved gelatin into the cream cheese mixture.
Blend for another 20–30 seconds, just until thoroughly incorporated.
The mixture should be smooth with no visible lumps.
5. Prepare the Mold
Lightly grease a 9-inch gelatin mold or baking dish with a very thin coating of neutral oil.
Alternatively, rinse the mold with cold water and leave it slightly damp before pouring in the mixture.
This can make unmolding easier.
6. Pour the Mixture
Pour the cream cheese gelatin mixture into the prepared mold.
Tap the mold gently on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles.
If necessary, use a spoon to remove bubbles from the surface.
7. Chill
Cover the mold tightly with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, or preferably overnight.
The gelatin should be completely firm before attempting to unmold it.
8. Prepare the Berries
Just before serving, wash the strawberries and blueberries thoroughly.
Dry them well.
Hull and slice the strawberries, leaving some whole berries for decoration if desired.
9. Unmold the Gelatin
Once fully set, carefully run a thin knife around the edge of the gelatin.
Dip the outside of the mold briefly into warm water for 5–10 seconds.
Do not allow water to enter the mold.
Place a serving plate over the mold and carefully invert it.
The gelatin should release cleanly.
If it doesn’t release immediately, repeat the warm-water step for a few seconds.
10. Decorate
Arrange the fresh strawberries and blueberries over the top of the Cream Cheese Gelatin.
For an elegant finish, add a few whole berries around the base of the dessert.
You can also garnish with small mint leaves or a little whipped cream.
11. Serve
Slice the gelatin with a sharp knife and serve chilled.
For the cleanest slices, wipe the knife between cuts.
Chef’s Tips
- Use softened cream cheese: Cold cream cheese can leave lumps in the finished dessert.
- Bloom the gelatin properly: Allowing it to sit in cold water before dissolving helps it hydrate evenly.
- Don’t boil gelatin: Excessive heat can weaken its setting ability.
- Use a blender: It creates an exceptionally smooth and lump-free texture.
- Cool the gelatin slightly: Extremely hot gelatin can affect the texture of the dairy mixture.
- Chill completely: Don’t rush the setting process. Overnight chilling gives the best texture.
- Dry the berries well: Excess water can make the topping slippery and watery.
Delicious Variations
Strawberry Cream Cheese Gelatin
Blend 1 cup fresh strawberries into the cream cheese mixture before adding the gelatin.
Mango Cream Cheese Gelatin
Replace part of the evaporated milk with 1 cup mango purée for a tropical version.
Pineapple Cream Cheese Gelatin
Add 1 cup finely chopped, well-drained pineapple after blending.
Lemon Cream Cheese Gelatin
Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest for a bright citrus flavor.
Berry Swirl Gelatin
Add spoonfuls of strawberry or blueberry purée to the mixture and gently swirl with a skewer before chilling.
Chocolate Cream Cheese Gelatin
Add 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder to the blender for a creamy chocolate version.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This dessert is perfect for making ahead.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Gelatin up to 2 days before serving and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
For the freshest presentation, add the strawberries and blueberries shortly before serving.
Storage
Store the finished dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keep fresh berries refrigerated and replace them if they become overly soft.
Do not leave the gelatin at room temperature for extended periods.
Serving Suggestions
Serve each slice with:
- Fresh strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberry sauce
- Strawberry sauce
- Whipped cream
- Fresh mint
- Powdered sugar
- A drizzle of condensed milk
It’s especially beautiful served as part of a dessert table for birthdays, holidays, baby showers, and family celebrations.
Final Result
A beautifully set Cream Cheese Gelatin that’s silky, creamy, lightly sweet, and wonderfully refreshing. Each slice has a delicate cheesecake-like flavor and smooth gelatin texture, finished with juicy strawberries and blueberries for a gorgeous homemade dessert.