Step-by-Step Vegan Agar Agar Fruit Cocktail Jelly
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Fruit cocktail agar agar jellies are a fantastic dessert to whip up when you want something light and fruity without much fuss. They’re easy to make, and the colorful mix of fruit adds a touch of fun to each bite.
You can make this refreshing treat with just a few basic pantry ingredients, making it a convenient choice for a quick fruity dessert.
Preparation Overview
To prepare this dessert, agar-agar is dissolved and boiled with liquid from the fruit cocktail for the fruit layer, which is poured into a mold with the drained fruit mix. There is a second, thinner, coconut layer that is made with agar-agar and water, simmered with coconut milk and sugar before being layered on top. The dessert is then chilled until fully set.
Continue below for the full recipe with ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Customization Options
This fruit jelly recipe can be customized by using different types of canned or fresh fruits for the fruit layer, such as lychee, mango, or pineapple. You can also flavor the coconut layer with a bit of pandan or vanilla extract for extra aroma.
More About Agar Agar
Agar-agar is a plant-based thickening agent made from seaweed. In powder form, it dissolves and gels in boiling water and sets quickly at room temperature. It’s commonly used in Indonesian cuisine as a vegan alternative to gelatin to make jellies, puddings, and other yummy desserts.
For more details on agar-agar powder, how to use it, and a recipe on how to make a basic agar with coconut water, check out my in-depth agar agar guide.
Agar agar powder can be substituted with gelatin, but the ratio of powder to liquid is different. It alters the texture of the dessert slightly and, more importantly, with gelatin, the jelly will be unsuitable for vegans or vegetarians.
If you like agar agar, check out my Coconut Milk Ube Agar Jelly, Coconut Pandan Jelly, or learn more about what agar agar is and how to use it.
Agar Agar Mixed Fruit Jelly
This recipe has two layers: a main fruit cocktail layer and a thinner coconut layer that helps balance the flavors. If you prefer, you can skip the coconut layer and make a single mixed fruit agar jelly dessert instead.
Fits vegan, vegetarian, dairy free, and gluten free diets.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
Coconut Layer
- 1 tsp agar agar powder
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Mixed Fruit Layer:
- In a saucepan, mix agar-agar powder with the fruit syrup and water. Let it stand at room temperature for 5 minutes.
- Bring to a boil, stirring continuously until the agar-agar is fully dissolved.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens.
- While waiting, layer the drained fruit evenly in a mold.
- Pour the agar-agar mixture over the fruit in the mold.
- Allow it to cool and begin setting while preparing the next layer.
Prepare the Coconut Layer:
- In a clean saucepan, mix agar-agar powder with water and let it stand for 5 minutes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the agar-agar dissolves.
- Add coconut milk and sugar, then simmer for a few minutes, stirring until well combined.
- Check if the fruit layer has become sticky to the touch. If so, gently pour the slightly cooled coconut mixture over it.
- Let the jelly cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Allow the entire jelly to cool at room temperature before refrigerating.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the jelly for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
- Slice into pieces and serve chilled.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 114Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 13mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 1g
The nutritional information provided is automatically calculated. These figures should be considered estimates.
