Diabetic-Friendly Raspberry Cream Jello Squares
This delightful Raspberry Cream Jello Squares dessert is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, combining a buttery, nutty crust with a rich cream cheese filling and vibrant raspberry jello topping. Easy to make and incredibly budget-friendly, this dish is versatile, ensuring you can use your favorite sugar-free jello flavor. Ideal for casual weeknight meals or elegant entertaining, it’s both diabetic-friendly and sure to impress. With brown sugar adding a caramel-like depth to the crust, every bite is a harmonious balance of sweetness and creaminess, making it one of my go-to favorites for dessert lovers of all kinds. Don't forget to check out the notes for additional diabetic-friendly adjustments!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1 cup (all-purpose flour, sifted)
chopped pecans
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed (optional))
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
cream cheese
16 ounces (softened)
Splenda granular
3/4 cup (or to taste)
Cool Whip Free
8 ounces (one carton)
sugar-free jello
2 (3 ounce) boxes (any flavor you desire)
boiling water
2 cups (none)
cold water
2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a 9x13 inch baking pan, combine the flour, chopped pecans, and brown sugar (if using). Pour in the melted butter and mix until well combined, pressing the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust.
3
Bake the crust for 10-13 minutes, or until it is lightly browned. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely.
4
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with Splenda using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip Free until fully incorporated.
5
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the filling to set.
6
In a separate bowl, dissolve the sugar-free jello powder into 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Then, add 2 cups of cold water to the mixture and stir well.
7
Carefully spoon the jello mixture over the cream cheese layer. Cover the pan again and place it back in the refrigerator until the jello has firmed up, which typically takes about 4 hours or overnight for best results.
8
Once set, slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Diabetic-Friendly Raspberry Cream Jello Squares dessert?
It is a layered dessert featuring a buttery nutty crust, a rich cream cheese filling, and a vibrant sugar-free raspberry jello topping.
Is this recipe really suitable for diabetics?
Yes, it uses sugar-free jello, Splenda, and Cool Whip Free to minimize sugar content while retaining flavor.
Can I use a different jello flavor in stead of raspberry?
Absolutely, you can swap the raspberry jello for any other sugar-free flavor you desire.
What type of crust does this dessert have?
It has a nutty shortbread-style crust made from flour, pecans, butter, and optional brown sugar.
How long should I bake the crust?
Bake the crust at 350°F for 10 to 13 minutes, or until it is lightly browned.
Do I need to cool the crust befo re adding the filling?
Yes, it is important to let the crust cool completely to preven t the cream cheese filling from melting.
What size pan is required for this recipe?
You should use a 9x13 inch baking pan.
What are the ingredients for the creamy filling?
The filling consists of 16 ounces of softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup of Splenda granular, and 8 ounces of Cool Whip Free.
How should I combine the cream cheese and Cool Whip?
Beat the cream cheese and Splenda until smooth, then gently fold in the Cool Whip Free until incorporated.
How long does the cream cheese layer need to refrigerate before adding jello?
It should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the layer to set.
How much water is needed to dissolve the sugar-free jello?
You will need 2 cups of boiling water to dissolve the powder and 2 cups of cold water to complete the mixture.
How many boxes of jello powder are used?
The recipe calls for two 3-ounce boxes of sugar-free jello.
How do I add the jello layer without ruining the cream cheese layer?
Carefully spoon the jello mixture over the cream cheese layer rather than pouring it directly.
What is the total setting time for the dessert?
The jello layer typically takes about 4 hours to firm up, though overnight is recommended for best results.
Can I omit the pecans from the crust?
Yes, if you have a nut allergy or prefer a smoother crust, you can omit the chopped pecans.
Is brown sugar necessary for the crust?
No, the brown sugar is optional, but it adds a caramel-like depth to the crust if included.
What preparation is needed for the pecans?
The pecans should be finely chopped before being mixed into the crust.
Can I substitute Splenda with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use any granular sugar substitute that measures like sugar, though results may vary depending on the sweetener.
Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?
Yes, it uses common pantry staples and affordable ingredients like jello and cream cheese.
How should the dessert be served?
The dessert should be sliced into squares and served chilled directly from the refrigerator.
Can I use regular whipped topping instead of Cool Whip Free?
You can, but it will increase the sugar and calorie content, making it less diabetic-friendly.
What temperature should the oven be?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What kind of flour is best for the crust?
The recipe specifies using sifted all-purpose flour.
How many ounces of cream cheese are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 16 ounces, which is equivalent to two standard 8-ounce packages.
Does the jello mixture need to be hot when poured?
No, after dissolving in boiling water, you add cold water, which cools it down before you spoon it over the filling.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, it is actually better when made ahead because it allows the jello and cream layers to set perfectly.
Is this dessert suitable for parties?
Yes, its elegant layers and easy-to-slice square format make it ideal for entertaining.
How do I store the leftovers?
Keep leftovers covered with plastic wrap or a lid in the refrigerator.
What is the role of melted butter in the crust?
Melted butter binds the flour, pecans, and sugar together and creates a firm, flavorful base once baked.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can use margarine, though butter is generally preferred for its flavor and the way it sets the crust.