This vibrant and refreshing fruit jelly dessert combines the goodness of various fresh fruits with a creamy, sweet base made from milk, condensed milk, and sour cream or yogurt. The agar-agar adds the perfect set to this delightful treat, making it a wonderful addition to any meal or celebration. With a variety of fruits like tangerines, kiwi, persimmons, grapefruit, apple, and banana, this dessert is both visually appealing and full of flavor. Perfect for those hot summer days or as a sweet treat to enjoy year-round!
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
Cuisine: Dessert, Fruit, Gelatin-based Dessert
Ingredients
- Tangerines
- Kiwi
- Persimmon
- Grapefruit
- Apple
- Banana
- 8g agar-agar
- 50ml water
- 350ml milk
- 200g condensed milk
- 200g sour cream or yogurt
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Prepare the Agar-Agar
In a small bowl, dissolve the 8g of agar-agar in 50ml of water. Stir the mixture well until the agar-agar is completely dissolved. Once dissolved, place the bowl on a stove or heat-resistant surface, warming up the mixture slightly to ensure the agar-agar is fully dissolved. -
Prepare the Milk Mixture
In a medium-sized pot, combine 350ml of milk and 200g of condensed milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat and cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring. This allows the condensed milk to blend with the regular milk, creating a smooth and creamy base. -
Add Dairy
Stir in 200g of sour cream or yogurt into the milk and condensed milk mixture. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated. The yogurt or sour cream adds a smooth and creamy texture to the dessert, balancing the sweetness from the condensed milk. -
Prepare the Fruits
Peel and chop the tangerines, kiwi, persimmon, grapefruit, apple, and banana into small, bite-sized pieces. Make sure the fruits are chopped uniformly to ensure an even distribution in the dessert. You can also remove any seeds from the fruits if necessary. -
Combine and Set
Quickly add the dissolved agar-agar mixture to the milk mixture while stirring continuously. Mix well to ensure that the agar-agar is evenly distributed throughout the milk and dairy mixture. Once fully combined, add the chopped fruits to the mixture and stir gently to incorporate them evenly. -
Pour into a Mold
Pour the fruit and milk mixture into a mold (about 1.5 liters in size). Make sure to do this quickly as agar-agar sets fast. You can use a silicone mold, a gelatin mold, or a simple glass dish—whichever you prefer. Spread the mixture evenly and smooth out the top with a spatula or spoon. -
Refrigerate
Place the mold into the refrigerator and let the dessert chill for at least 3 hours, or until it is fully set. The agar-agar will cause the mixture to harden and take shape, giving you a firm, jelly-like consistency. -
Serve
Once the dessert has fully set, it should hold its shape well. You can slice it into squares, cubes, or serve it as a whole. It’s ready to be enjoyed as a refreshing dessert, with each bite offering a burst of fruity goodness.
Nutritional Information
- Serving size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 25%
- Calcium: 6%
- Iron: 2%
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This fruit jelly dessert is inspired by traditional fruit-based gelatin desserts commonly enjoyed around the world. Agar-agar, a plant-based gelatin substitute, is widely used in Asia and has gained popularity in health-conscious recipes due to its natural origin. The addition of fresh fruits like tangerines, kiwi, and persimmons adds both flavor and nutrition, making this dessert not only delicious but also packed with vitamins. While fruit jellies have been around for centuries, this modern twist offers a healthier version without refined sugar, making it suitable for various diets, including those following low-carb or vegan lifestyles.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
- Refreshing: The mix of fresh fruits with the creamy milk base makes for a refreshing and light dessert.
- Healthy: Made with natural sweeteners and fresh fruits, this dessert provides vitamins and fiber while still being satisfying.
- Customizable: You can add or replace fruits based on what’s in season or your personal preferences.
- Simple to Make: With minimal ingredients and steps, this dessert is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick treat.
Health Benefits
- High in Vitamins: The variety of fruits in this dessert provides essential vitamins like vitamin C (from citrus fruits), as well as dietary fiber.
- Probiotic Benefits: The addition of yogurt or sour cream adds probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
- Low in Refined Sugar: By using natural sweeteners like condensed milk and fresh fruit, this dessert contains less refined sugar than traditional sweets.
- Dairy Goodness: The milk and yogurt contribute calcium and protein, which are important for bone health and muscle maintenance.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Fresh Mint Garnish: Add a sprig of fresh mint on top for a beautiful touch and extra freshness.
- With Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess and indulgence.
- As Part of a Fruit Salad: This dessert pairs wonderfully with other fresh fruit salads, making it a great addition to summer picnics or gatherings.
- With a Light Drizzle of Honey: If you like your desserts sweeter, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup on top for added sweetness.
Cooking Tips
- Work Quickly: Agar-agar sets quickly, so be sure to pour the mixture into the mold right after adding the agar-agar.
- Use a Silicone Mold: A silicone mold makes it easier to remove the dessert once it’s set, without risking breaking it.
- Chill for Longer: While 3 hours is typically sufficient, refrigerating the dessert overnight will ensure it sets perfectly.
- Keep the Fruit Evenly Distributed: Stir gently when adding the fruit to make sure it’s evenly spread throughout the dessert.
Variations to Try
- Add Berries: You can mix in strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for an extra burst of color and flavor.
- Replace Condensed Milk with Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free version, replace the condensed milk with coconut milk or coconut cream for a tropical twist.
- Add Chia Seeds: For added texture and nutritional benefits, sprinkle some chia seeds into the mixture before pouring it into the mold.
- Make it Vegan: Use a plant-based yogurt and a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to make this dessert fully vegan.
Conclusion
This fruit jelly dessert is a simple yet elegant treat that combines the goodness of fresh fruits with a creamy base. It’s easy to make, healthy, and visually appealing, making it perfect for any occasion. The use of agar-agar instead of gelatin gives this dessert a firm texture that holds its shape, while the combination of citrus, tropical fruits, and creaminess is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
10 Comprehensive FAQs
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Can I use different fruits?
Yes, you can use any fruits you like, as long as they are ripe and easy to chop. Berries, stone fruits, and tropical fruits work well. -
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert needs to chill for a few hours or overnight, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time. -
Can I make this recipe without yogurt or sour cream?
Yes, you can replace yogurt or sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt to make the dessert dairy-free. -
Can I use agar-agar powder instead of flakes?
Yes, you can use agar-agar powder, but make sure to follow the instructions on the package for the correct amount to use. -
Can I sweeten this dessert more?
Yes, if you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can add more condensed milk or a drizzle of honey when serving. -
How long does this dessert last?
The dessert can last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. -
Can I freeze this dessert?
It’s best to enjoy this dessert fresh, but you can freeze individual portions. Thaw them in the fridge before serving. -
What’s the best way to serve this dessert?
You can serve this dessert as a sliced jelly or scoop portions into bowls, garnished with fresh fruit or whipped cream. -
Can I make this with a different sweetener?
Yes, you can use any sweetener of your choice, such as stevia, monk fruit, or maple syrup. -
What if I don’t have agar-agar?
If you don’t have agar-agar, you can substitute with gelatin, but be sure to follow the package instructions for the correct amount.
Enjoy your refreshing and healthy fruit jelly dessert!