Light & Fresh Layered Jelly Dessert: A Sweet Treat Without the Sugar Overload

After all the big meals over Christmas and New Year, it’s nice to have something a bit lighter, isn’t it? We’ve had our fair share of rich food and sweet treats, and now it’s time for a dessert that still feels like a treat but won’t leave us feeling too full. That’s where my Light & Fresh Layered Jelly Dessert comes in!

This one’s got just the right balance—sweet but not too sugary, light but still creamy enough to be satisfying. And for the adults, there’s the option of adding a splash of liqueur for a little something extra. Not one for the kids, but definitely a fun twist for us!

It’s not overly sweet, which is nice after all that holiday indulgence. The natural fruit sweetness and a little sugar-free maple syrup keep it just right. You can use whatever fruit you like. I go for blackcurrants, but strawberries or mixed berries work just as well. The unsweetened yoghurt layer adds a nice contrast to the tangy fruit and jelly. It’s also easy to make ahead, perfect for a simple weeknight treat.

My Own Easy Recipe

Start with a homemade jelly using fruit juice and gelatine. If you’re keen, add a splash of liqueur (Galliano is my pick, but totally optional). Fresh or frozen blackcurrants (or your favourite fruit) go on top of the jelly. A layer of plain unsweetened yoghurt adds a lovely creaminess. A drizzle of sugar-free maple syrup on top ties it all together.

If you want to make it a bit more grown-up, you can add liqueur. Gin adds a refreshing herbal touch, great with berries. Galliano has a sweet vanilla with a bit of spice. Cointreau is citrusy and works well with blackcurrants or strawberries. Grand Marnier is a mix of orange and cognac for a richer taste. Amaretto has a sweet almond flavour, lovely with the creamy yoghurt. Limoncello gives a zesty lemon hit. Triple Sec is another citrus option that pairs well with fruit. Pimm’s is fruity and herbal, great for a summer dessert.

This dessert feels like a treat without the heaviness. Plus, it’s easy to prep ahead, so when you’re ready for something sweet, it’s already sorted. Give it a go and let me know what you think—this one’s definitely staying in my dessert lineup!

To print the recipe, simply click the ‘Print’ button below and save your PDF for easy reference!

🍓🥄🍮🍊🍯🥛✨🥛🍯🍊🍮🥄🍓

Light & Fresh Layered Jelly Dessert

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Difficulty: easy
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A refreshing, light dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without the sugar overload—perfect for those trying to eat a little healthier after the holiday indulgence.

𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀:

Add a little liqueur to the jelly for an extra kick of flavour… adults only.
Swap the fruit with whatever you like—blackcurrants, strawberries, or even mixed berries.
Greek yoghurt gives this dessert a lovely creamy texture, but plain yoghurt will work just fine if you prefer.

Recipe Credit: my own creation

Ingredients

1 tsp gelatine powder
250ml hot water and/or fruit juice of your choice (blackcurrant juice is delicious)
1 tbsp liqueur (like Galliano, optional).
150g fresh or frozen blackcurrants (or fruit of your choice, strawberries work well too)
250g unsweetened plain yoghurt (Greek yoghurt works great)
2 tbsp Queen sugar-free flavoured maple syrup
A handful of blackcurrants for garnish (optional)

Directions

Bloom the Gelatine: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatine powder over 50ml of cold water and let it bloom for a few minutes.
Dissolve the Gelatine: In a jug, heat up the remaining 200ml of hot water with your fruit juice of choice. Stir in the liqueur, if using. Add the gelatine mixture to the hot liquid and stir until fully dissolved. Let it cool slightly, then pour it into small glasses or dessert dishes. Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until set.
Add the Fruit: Once the jelly has set, gently place your fruit (blackcurrants or strawberries) on top of the jelly layer. If you prefer, you can scatter the fruit throughout the jelly. Pop it back into the fridge for 30 minutes to set slightly.
Spoon the Yoghurt: Spoon the plain yoghurt over the fruit layer, smoothing it out with the back of a spoon. This creamy layer balances the tartness of the fruit and sweetness of the jelly. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to allow it to firm up a bit.
Drizzle the Maple Syrup: Drizzle the sugar-free maple syrup over the top of the yoghurt. Garnish with a few extra blackcurrants or your choice of fruit. Refrigerate for another hour to set fully.
Serve: Once everything is set, serve the dessert chilled and enjoy a light, refreshing treat after a meal without the sugar overload.