Flummery (3-ingredient with low sugar Jelly)

Looking for a cheap, easy, and family-friendly dessert? This fluffy 3-ingredient flummery is a classic nostalgic treat everyone will love!

Updated 31 January 2026

If you are anything like me, you might be wary of recipes that seem too good to be true, especially those made with just two or three ingredients.

This one, however, will impress you and all your guests. Flummery is an iconic dessert passed down through generations, lovingly made by grandmothers who knew how to create something comforting, affordable, and delicious.

The Australian and New Zealand version of flummery is a dessert that sits somewhere between a pudding and a mousse. It is light, fluffy, and incredibly easy to make. For more Aussie recipes, check out my Wagon Wheel Slice or the classic Lamington Cake

All you need are three simple ingredients, and that is if you count boiled water as one of them. Realistically, it is just two, because water should not really count, but I had to be technical!

Flummery can be made by using regular or evaporated milk and flavoured jelly crystals, yes the cheap ones that come in small rectangle boxes. The ones we got so excited about when our parents chucked a few in the shopping trolley.

Great, now I have ‘I love Areoplane Jelly… Areoplane Jelly for me….’ commercial jingle stuck in my head. Most Australians would know what I’m talking about!

While the classic flummery recipe is legendary, my version uses reduced-sugar jelly crystals, because I have a five-year-old. To balance that, I have swapped milk for thickened (heavy) cream, making the dessert richer and more indulgent.

Trust me, you will not miss the extra sugar. This flummery whips up beautifully and has a soft, airy texture that is sweet enough to satisfy any sugar cravings.

Why you’ll love this Flummery

Simple ingredients

This flummery could not be easier to make. With only two or three simple ingredients, depending on whether you count water, it is perfect to make in advance if you’re expecting guests. A wonderful summer dessert!

Budget-friendly

Using everyday ingredients like jelly / jello crystals and thickened / heavy cream, this dessert is affordable and does not require a special shopping trip.

Light, fluffy texture

The texture is soft, airy, and creamy, like a cross between a pudding and a mousse. Melt-in-the mouth goodness!

Family-friendly option

Why should little ones miss out on desserts? By using reduced-sugar jelly crystals, this version is suitable for the whole family without sacrificing flavour.

Make-ahead friendly

Flummery sets beautifully in the fridge, making it ideal for entertaining, parties, or preparing ahead of time.

Easy to customise

You can change the jelly flavour, use regular sugar jelly crystals, or add fresh fruit to suit your taste. Dress the dessert up and make it look fancy, and no one will guess it is made with just three ingredients.

Ingredients for Flummery

Flavoured jelly or jello crystals

I used strawberry sugar-reduced jelly crystals, and they worked beautifully. This makes it a great option for young children or anyone mindful of their sugar intake.

That said, you can also use regular sugar jelly crystals. You could also swap the flavours to your liking, like raspberry, pineapple, lemon, or mango.

Thickened cream (whipping cream or heavy cream)

In Australia, thickened cream contains added thickening agents such as gelatine or vegetable gum and usually has around 35% milk fat. Despite this, whipping cream or heavy cream can be used as a suitable substitute.

For a richer, more indulgent taste and creamier texture, full-fat cream is best. In saying this, light thickened cream will also work, but keep in mind that the flavour and texture will be slightly change.

How to make Flummery

Step-by-step guide with photos

1. Mix jelly crystals with boiled water, then fridge until thick, syrup-like consistency. Depending on the level of coldness in your fridge, this could take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.

2. Add the cream and cooled jelly to a large bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip on high speed for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and doubles in volume. Spoon the mixture into 4 glasses, then fridge for 2 hours, or until fully set.

Tips for perfect Flummery

Don’t let the jelly set

After dissolving the jelly crystals, allow the mixture to cool in the fridge until it just thickens to a syrup-like consistency. If it sets too firmly, it will not whip properly with the cream and you won’t get a fluffy texture.

Don’t over whip

Whip the mixture until it is light and has increased in volume. Stop before it becomes stiff or grainy.

Chill to fully set

Once poured into serving glasses, allow the flummery to chill until fully set. This helps the dessert hold its shape while keeping the texture light and creamy. The longer it has to set, the better it tastes!

Use full fat cream

Because we are using sugar-reduced jelly crystals, this is the perfect excuse to indulge in full-fat, thickened cream. It gives flummery the best texture and flavour, making it richer, creamier, and more satisfying. If you really want to treat yourself, use regular sugar jelly crystals with the thickened cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Can babies eat this Flummery recipe?

If you can find jelly crystals that are naturally sweetened with fruit, this dessert may be suitable for babies from around six months old, once they have started solids and can tolerate the texture.

Personally, I believe that small amounts of sugar and salt in moderation can be introduced around eight months, and that is what I did with my son, Kai. This is simply my personal experience and not advice.

Every baby is different, and parents should always use their own judgement. If you have any concerns about introducing new foods, ingredients, or textures, it is best to speak with your baby’s nurse, child health professional, or doctor.

Make ahead and storage

Make ahead and storage: Once prepared and poured into serving glasses, cover it with cling film or plastic wrap. They will keep for 2 days but are best served on day 1 for a light and fluffy texture.

Freezing: Flummery is not suitable for freezing, as it can separate and lose its airy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular sugar jelly crystals instead of reduced-sugar?

Absolutely! Regular sugar jelly crystals work perfectly in this recipe and will give a sweeter result.

Why is my flummery not fluffy?

This usually happens if the jelly mixture is too firm when combined, or if the mixture is over-mixed. Make sure the jelly is the consistency of thick syrup before whipping it with cream for a fluffy texture.

Can I change the jelly flavour?

Yes, flummery is very easy to customise. You can use any jelly flavour you like and even add fresh fruit or toppings to suit the occasion.

Is flummery gluten-free?

Yes, this flummery is naturally gluten-free, as it is made with jelly crystals and cream, and water. Always check the jelly and cream packaging to be sure, especially if cooking for someone with coeliac disease.

More fun Jelly recipes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information is estimated using a third-party calculator and should be used as a guide only.

Australian Measurements

All measurements on this website use Australian standard cups and spoons. For conversion details, see my Australian Cooking Measurements page.

I’d love your feedback!

If you made this recipe, please leave a star rating and comment below; it really supports my blog and helps others find the recipe. Your email address is required to comment (to prevent spam) but will not be published. If you share your dish on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me. I’d love to see it! @3catsfoodie

Cheers – Cat T