Agar Agar Fruit Jelly
Agar agar fruit jelly is a colorful, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with agar agar powder, fresh fruits, and coconut milk, this dessert has a light, jiggly texture that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 35 min
- Yield
- 10 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon agar agar powder (for a softer set; use up to 1.5 tbsp for a firmer texture)
- ½ cup water (to dissolve agar agar powder)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups dragon fruit purée (blend about 1 large dragon fruit, ~1 lb with skin, peeled before use, with 1.5 cups water until smooth)
- ½ cup water (to dissolve agar agar powder)
- 1 tablespoon agar agar powder (for a softer set; use up to 1.5 tbsp for a firmer texture)
- ⅓ cup sugar (adjust to taste depending on fruit’s tartness)
- 1.5 cups liquid of choice (water, coconut water, rose, jasmine, hibiscus, or orange blossom water)
- ½ cup water (to dissolve agar agar powder)
- 1 tablespoon agar agar powder (for a softer set; use up to 1.5 tbsp for a firmer texture)
- ⅓ cup sugar
Instructions
- 1
1. Make the Coconut Base
- 2
In a saucepan, whisk together ½ cup water and agar agar powder. Let sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- 3
Add coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the agar agar fully dissolves (about 3–5 minutes).
- 4
Pour the mixture into a mold or dish as the first layer. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the next layer — it will start to set quickly.
- 5
2. Make the Dragon Fruit Layer
- 6
Blend dragon fruit with 1.5 cups water until smooth (should equal about 1.5 cups purée).
- 7
In a saucepan, whisk together ½ cup water and agar agar powder. Let sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- 8
Add the purée and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the agar agar completely dissolves.
- 9
Gently pour over the coconut layer. Use the back of a spoon to soften the fall so it doesn’t break the layer underneath. Let cool until just set.
- 10
In a saucepan, whisk together ½ cup water and agar agar powder. Let sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- 11
Add 1.5 cups of your chosen liquid (coconut water, rose water, jasmine tea, hibiscus, or orange blossom water) and sugar.
- 12
Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the agar agar fully dissolves.
- 13
Pour gently over the fruit layer. Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully set.
- 14
Slice into squares or diamonds and serve chilled.
- 15
Store leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.