Start by adding the strawberry Jell-O powder into a clean mixing bowl. Carefully pour the boiling water over it, making sure all the powder is submerged. Immediately begin stirring with a whisk or spoon, mixing continuously until the powder is completely dissolved. Take your time here—any undissolved granules can affect the final texture, so keep stirring until the liquid looks completely smooth and clear.
Pour in the cold water and mix again until fully combined. This step helps bring down the temperature of the mixture so it’s safe to combine with the cream later without affecting its texture. Make sure everything is evenly blended.
Set the bowl aside and let the mixture cool for a few minutes at room temperature. You want it to feel slightly cool to the touch but still fully liquid. Do not let it sit too long, or it may begin to set, which will make it harder to combine smoothly later.
In a separate bowl, pour in the heavy cream and begin whipping it using a whisk or hand mixer. Continue until soft peaks form—this means the cream should hold its shape slightly when lifted but still look smooth and airy. Avoid over-whipping, as it can become too stiff and harder to fold.
Slowly pour the slightly cooled Jell-O mixture into the whipped cream. As you pour, gently fold the mixture using a spatula or whisk. Use slow, careful motions to combine them without deflating the air in the whipped cream. This step is key to achieving that light, mousse-like texture.
Taste the mixture at this stage and, if needed, add powdered sweetener. Gently fold it in until fully incorporated. Using powdered sweetener helps it dissolve smoothly without leaving a grainy texture.
Carefully pour the mixture into individual serving cups or bowls. You can use a spoon or pour directly for a cleaner finish. Fill each cup evenly so they set uniformly and look neat when served.
Place the filled cups in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 2–3 hours. During this time, the pudding will firm up and develop its creamy, slightly set texture. Avoid moving them around too much while they are setting.
Once fully set, remove from the refrigerator and serve chilled. The pudding should be smooth, creamy, and lightly firm—perfect for enjoying straight from the cup.