Thanks to my mom’s serious love of hearts and the color red, Valentine’s Day was like Christmas for my family. Even the house was decorated.

The day would start off with cards, presents and freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Of course, there would be the requisite candy and chocolate dipped strawberries later on, but Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without these heart-shaped gelatin desserts.

And by the way, all the kids are grown and have flown the coop now, but we still get presents mailed to us. 🙂

These are not just jello “jigglers.” The addition of pudding gives them a more sophisticated flavor and chewy texture than traditional slippery jello.

Of course kids love anything jello, but they’re even pretty enough to serve at a romantic dinner with a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate shavings if you want to get fancy. And if there’s ever a time to impress, that’s why they invented Valentine’s Day!

The flavors and colors can easily be changed to suit a variety of occasions, but this recipe was reserved specially and solely for Valentine’s Day. I hope your day is filled with love. I love you, mom!

Valentine Jello Hearts

Yield: 12-16 pieces

Prep Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours

Pudding and jello combine for the creamiest jello cutouts ever!

Ingredients

2 packages (6 oz each) cherry or other red colored gelatin
2 1/2 cups boiling water
1 cup cold milk
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine gelatin and boiling water until completely dissolved; set aside for 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix until smooth, about 1 minute. Immediately pour into gelatin and whisk until well blended.
Pour into a greased 13 x 9 inch dish. Chill until set, about 3 hours. Cut into servings with a heart-shaped cookie cutter.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 32Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 99mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 0gSugar: 7gProtein: 1g

Nutritional information provided is an estimate only. Please consult the labels of ingredients you use for more accurate results.