Bright, zippy, and impossibly light, this creamy lime jello mousse is a five-minute dessert that feels celebratory.
It’s perfect when you want bright citrus flavor without fuss.
Ready in under 10 minutes and chilling time aside, it’s an everyday showstopper.
Make it for weeknight treats, potlucks, or a fast-finish spring dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lime Jello Mousse
– Fast: ready to chill in under 10 minutes.
– Low-effort: only 4 ingredients and a blender.
– Flexible: works with sugar-free or regular Jello.
– Creamy yet light: mousse texture without eggs or heavy whipping.
– Bright flavor: vivid lime bite balanced with tangy yogurt.
– Kid-friendly: playful color and simple steps.
– Make-ahead: sets firm and travels well.
The flavor is a bright lime pop with clean citrus notes and a creamy tang from Greek yogurt.
The texture is airy and slightly frothy on top, with a silky, firm mousse body that holds its shape.
Every spoonful balances sweet, tart, and a cooling jellied creaminess that refreshes the palate.
"Absolutely loved this — so easy and the texture is perfect. Made it for a family dinner and everyone went back for seconds. Five stars!" — Real reader
Key Ingredients for Creamy Lime Jello Mousse
Lime Jello powder (Sugar-free 9g or Regular 85g) – 1 box: Lime gelatin provides the gelling agent and the concentrated lime flavor. Choose sugar-free if you need to cut calories or sugar; regular will be sweeter and more classic. If you substitute another flavor or brand, the set time and sweetness will change; always use powdered gelatin-based dessert mix, not unflavored gelatin.
Plain Greek yogurt – 3/4 cup: Greek yogurt gives the mousse its creamy body, tang, and protein to stabilize texture. Buy full-fat or 2% for creamier mouthfeel; nonfat can be slightly thinner but still works. If you replace it with sour cream, expect more richness and less tang; with whipped cream, you’ll get lighter texture but lose the tangy balance.
Boiling water – 1 cup: Boiling water fully dissolves the powdered gelatin and activates the gelling agents. Using water that’s not hot enough can leave grainy undissolved powder and a weak set. Never substitute boiling water with warm water or milk, as that can alter setting and texture.
Cold water – 1 cup: Cold water cools the mixture down so it can be handled and blended without overheating the yogurt. It also dilutes the mixture to the right concentration for a smooth set. Swap for ice-cold sparkling water for a lighter mouthfeel and tiny bubbles, but set may be slightly softer.
Full Ingredient List for Creamy Lime Jello Mousse
– 1 box Lime Jello powder (Sugar-free 9g or Regular 85g)
– 1 cup boiling water
– 1 cup cold water
– 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Lime Jello Mousse
Step 1: Combine the lime jello powder and boiling water in a heat-safe bowl, stirring for 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
Work quickly and stir consistently to dissolve every grain.
Stir for a full two minutes to avoid grit and ensure the gelatin is fully activated.
Pro Tip: The liquid should be clear and glossy with no visible powder.
Step 2: Stir in the cold water to lower the temperature of the mixture.
Pour cold water slowly while stirring to prevent splashing.
This brings the hot mixture down so it won’t shock or curdle the yogurt later.
Pro Tip: The liquid should feel only warm to the touch, not hot.
Step 3: Transfer the liquid jello mixture into a high-speed blender.
Use a wide-mouth blender for easy pouring and efficient blending.
Blending now creates tiny air bubbles that help the mousse become frothy and smooth.
Pro Tip: The liquid should be translucent and moving freely in the blender base.
Step 4: Add the plain Greek yogurt to the blender and pulse on high for 30–60 seconds until completely smooth and slightly frothy.
Spoon in the yogurt, secure the lid, and pulse or blend on high briefly.
Stop when the mixture is uniform, silky, and has a light froth on top.
Pro Tip: Look for a pale, consistently colored mixture with a sheen and a thin frothy cap.
Step 5: Pour the mousse into 4 or 5 individual serving cups or ramekins.
Divide the mousse evenly; it should flow easily from the blender.
Leave a small rim to prevent overflow if the mousse expands slightly while setting.
Pro Tip: The mousse should settle smooth and glossy in the cups with a slight dome or flat surface.
Step 6: Cover the cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mousse is completely set and firm.
Chill undisturbed so the structure can form.
Two hours is a minimum; for firmer texture chill 3–4 hours.
Pro Tip: When set, the surface will lose shine slightly and a clean spoon will leave a defined edge.
Expert Tips for Creamy Lime Jello Mousse
– Chill times: always allow at least 2 hours; 3–4 hours yields a firmer, more scoopable mousse.
– Temperature control: don’t add hot jelly to cold yogurt; cool it with cold water first to avoid separation.
– Texture troubleshooting: gritty texture means under-dissolved powder; reheat gently and stir or remake from scratch.
– Equipment tips: a high-speed blender gives the best froth and silkiness; a hand blender will work but may be less airy.
– Serving visuals: serve chilled with a slight dome on top; garnish just before serving to maintain glossy surface.
– Common mistakes: using room-temperature or hot jello mix directly on yogurt can cause curdling.
– Substitution warning: replacing Greek yogurt with heavy cream changes the mouthfeel and reduces tang.
– Portioning tip: use a small ladle or measuring cup for even distribution and consistent set.
Storage & Freezing for Creamy Lime Jello Mousse
Fridge storage: keep covered and refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Use airtight containers or seal ramekins with plastic wrap to prevent fridge odors.
Freezer storage: not recommended for best texture.
You can freeze for up to one month in an airtight, freezer-safe container, but ice crystals will alter the delicate mousse.
Thawing: thaw frozen mousse overnight in the refrigerator.
Stir gently before serving to reincorporate any separated liquid; texture will be slightly denser.
Reheating: do not reheat.
This is a chilled dessert best enjoyed cold.
Best containers: straight-sided ramekins, small mason jars, or airtight plastic cups work well for both storage and transport.
Variations & Substitutions for Creamy Lime Jello Mousse
Lime + Coconut: Replace half the cold water with coconut water and use full-fat Greek yogurt.
Result: subtle tropical notes and a slightly sweeter finish.
Lime Cheesecake Mousse: Fold in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese softened into the yogurt before blending.
Result: richer, denser mousse with a cheesecake-like tang.
Sugar-Free Version: Use the sugar-free 9g lime jello and full-fat Greek yogurt to keep creaminess.
Result: fewer carbs and calories, with slightly sharper lime flavor.
Sparkling Lime Mousse: Replace cold water with chilled club soda and pour gently into cups.
Result: a lighter, bubbly texture and a mousse that feels effervescent on the tongue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Lime Jello Mousse
Q: Can I make Creamy Lime Jello Mousse without a blender?
A: Yes, but texture will differ. Use a whisk and a bowl: dissolve powder fully, cool with cold water, and whisk vigorously while gradually adding yogurt. The result will be smooth but less frothy and aerated compared to a high-speed blender.
Q: Can I use flavored yogurt in Creamy Lime Jello Mousse?
A: You can, but flavored yogurts add extra sweetness and flavor that compete with the lime. Use plain for balance; if using flavored yogurt, reduce sweetness by selecting a lightly sweetened or plain option.
Q: How can I make Creamy Lime Jello Mousse firmer?
A: Ensure the Jello powder fully dissolves in boiling water and chill for at least 3–4 hours. Use full-fat Greek yogurt to add body. If still too soft, use slightly less cold water (reduce by 2–3 tablespoons) next time.
Q: Is Creamy Lime Jello Mousse suitable for kids and parties?
A: Absolutely. The vivid color and simple spoonable texture make it kid-friendly. For parties, prepare in small clear cups and garnish right before serving to keep the surface pristine.
Q: How do I avoid grainy or gritty texture in Creamy Lime Jello Mousse?
A: Stir the powder into boiling water for a full two minutes until glossy and clear. If grains remain, heat gently and continue stirring until dissolved. Avoid skimping on the boiling-water step.
Final Thoughts on Creamy Lime Jello Mousse
This recipe is a tiny-ingredient triumph: fast, bright, and reliably creamy.
If you try it, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and pin it to Pinterest for later.
Conclusion — Creamy Lime Jello Mousse
For recipe inspiration and variations similar to Creamy Lime Jello Mousse, check out this creative take on lime Jell-O by Ashlee Marie at Lime Dinner Jell-O – Ashlee Marie – real fun with real food.
If you like themed presentations, this layered idea pairs well with lime mousse from St. Patrick’s Day White Chocolate Mousse & Lime Jell-O Dessert Cups.
For a low-carb twist similar to this mousse, learn how others adapt lime gelatin in keto recipes at Keto Key Lime Jello Whips {2g net carbs} – Resolution Eats.
Creamy Lime Jello Mousse
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the lime jello powder and boiling water in a heat-safe bowl, stirring for 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
- Stir in cold water to lower the temperature of the mixture, pouring slowly while stirring.
- Transfer the liquid jello mixture into a high-speed blender.
- Add the plain Greek yogurt to the blender and pulse on high for 30–60 seconds until completely smooth and slightly frothy.
- Pour the mousse into 4 or 5 individual serving cups or ramekins.
- Cover the cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely set.