The Ultimate Jelly Hearts Recipe: Perfect for Valentine's Day & More

Valentine’s Day is all about expressing love, and what better way to do that than with something homemade and heart-shaped? Enter Jelly Hearts—a classic no-bake dessert that’s as sweet to look at as it is to eat. With its iconic heart-shaped jelly topping, creamy middle, and crunchy biscuit base, this treat has become a favorite not just for Valentine’s Day, but also for birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and even festive gatherings like Chinese New Year.

In this guide, we’re going to show you how to make the ultimate Jelly Hearts recipe—simple, stunning, and totally delicious. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a dessert pro, this no-fail recipe will steal hearts.

What Are Jelly Hearts?

Jelly Hearts are a layered dessert made up of three delicious parts:

A crunchy biscuit base (usually made with digestive or graham crackers),
A creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese,
A vibrant jelly topping embedded with heart-shaped strawberries or cutouts.

They’re usually chilled, not baked, and cut into squares or circles for perfect portioned treats. The signature look features a heart-shaped strawberry or jelly cut-out on top, giving it the name “Jelly Hearts.”

Why Jelly Hearts Are Perfect for Any Occasion

While Jelly Hearts are iconic during Valentine’s Day due to their romantic aesthetics, they are versatile enough for:

Birthday parties (especially for kids),
Wedding dessert tables (as elegant bite-sized treats),
Festive celebrations (use red and white colors for Christmas or Lunar New Year),
Anniversaries or romantic dates.

Their vibrant color, adorable shape, and refreshing taste make them a hit all year round. Plus, they’re easy to transport, great for gifting, and can be customized with different fruits and flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe makes approximately 12–16 squares depending on your pan size.

For the Base:

200g digestive biscuits (or graham crackers)
100g unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

250g cream cheese, softened (room temperature)
60g sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract
200ml whipping cream (chilled)
2 tsp gelatin powder
3 tbsp hot water

For the Jelly Layer:

1 box (85g) strawberry-flavored jelly crystals (like Jell-O)
250ml boiling water
250ml cold water
Fresh strawberries, halved or sliced into heart shapes

Pro Tip: Want to go heart-crazy? Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter for your strawberries or jelly decorations.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Base

Crush the digestive biscuits until fine (use a food processor or a ziplock bag and rolling pin).
Mix with melted butter until well combined.
Press into the bottom of a lined 8×8″ square baking pan. Flatten evenly using the back of a spoon or a glass.
Chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin powder in hot water. Let it cool slightly.
Beat softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
In another bowl, whip the cold whipping cream until soft peaks form.
Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
Add in the gelatin and mix well.
Pour over the chilled biscuit base and smooth the top.
Place sliced strawberries on top in neat rows. Chill for at least 2 hours until firm.

Step 3: Jelly Time

Dissolve jelly crystals in boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved.
Add cold water and mix.
Let the jelly cool to room temperature before pouring (to avoid melting the cream layer).
Gently pour over the chilled cream layer and strawberries.
Refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours or overnight until completely set.

Tips for Picture-Perfect Jelly Hearts

Smooth Layers: Ensure each layer is firm before adding the next to avoid mixing or sinking.
Even Strawberry Placement: Use a ruler or grid to align your strawberries for symmetrical slicing.
Cool the Jelly: Never pour hot jelly over cream—it will melt it!
Use a Hot Knife: For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe between each slice.

Fun Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, try these creative Jelly Heart variations:

Mixed Berry Jelly Hearts

Use blueberry or raspberry jelly and mix different berries on top for a burst of colors.

Tropical Jelly Hearts

Swap strawberries with mango or kiwi and use mango-flavored jelly for a refreshing twist.

Chocolate Lovers’ Version

Add a thin layer of melted dark chocolate between the biscuit base and cream layer.

Coconut Jelly Hearts

Use coconut milk instead of whipping cream for a dairy-free alternative.

Jelly Hearts as Edible Gifts

Looking for a thoughtful, homemade gift? Jelly Hearts are ideal!

Packaging ideas: Use clear boxes, cupcake holders, or heart-shaped tins.
Perfect for: Valentine’s Day gifts, teacher appreciation, or party favors.
Add a personal touch with handwritten notes or printed tags like “Made with love.”

They’re a unique alternative to store-bought chocolates and much more personal.

Conclusion

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just a weekend project with the kids, Jelly Hearts are a delightful dessert that blends charm with flavor. They’re easy to make, require no baking, and offer endless ways to personalize.

With its creamy, crunchy, and fruity layers, it’s no wonder Jelly Hearts are winning hearts worldwide. Once you make your first batch, you’ll be hooked—and so will everyone who gets a taste.

FAQs

1. Can I make Jelly Hearts ahead of time?

Yes! Jelly Hearts can be made 1–2 days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and firm.

2. Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?

Absolutely. Blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mango, or even canned peaches work well. Just ensure they’re not too watery to avoid affecting the jelly layer.