Agar Agar Fruit Jelly Cups
Discover the delightful world of Agar Agar Fruit Jelly! With the magic of agar agar powder, this refreshing dessert sets perfectly at room temperature, no refrigeration needed. Enjoy the vibrant colors and fruity flavors in every bite. Watch my video to learn how to make this easy, vegan-friendly treat that’s sure to impress!

What is agar?
Agar, derived from seaweed, serves as a natural gelling agent that people commonly use in cooking and baking. You can find it in Asian markets, known for its ability to set liquids without refrigeration. In Thailand, cooks frequently use agar to create jelly desserts and vegetarian meat substitutes due to its excellent binding properties. The picture below shows the brand that I use. Full disclosure, this is the only kind and brand that I have used to make this dessert. I cannot guarantee the result of other brands or forms of agar.
How is agar differ from gelatin?
- Agar agar is vegan friendly while gelatin is a by product of animal bones and skin.
- Agar agar is firmer and more brittle than gelatin. It has higher getting strength and thickness than gelatin.
- Read more about how to substitute agar agar and gelatin from capecrystalbrand.com. However, I must be honest that I have never substitute agar agar with gelatin. Moreover, the picture above is the only brand I’ve used since my childhood.
How long dos it take for agar jelly take to set?
Agar agar jelly typically takes about 30 minutes to fully set at the room temperature when prepared in cupcake-sized portions. If this is your first time using agar agar, I suggest not to make layers. Simply lay the fruit slice at the bottom of the silicone cups then pour the agar agar mixture. If you want the fruit on the top, let the jelly begin to set about a few minutes after pouring it into the mold.
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To make sure the layers adhere properly , the bottom layer should remain slightly warm, and the top layer should be poured while still steaming hot. This allows the heat from the top layer to slightly melt the surface of the bottom layer, enabling them to fuse. If the bottom layer is too cold, it will cool the top layer too quickly, preventing them from sticking together.
How to customize agar agar dessert.
Customizing agar agar jelly is a fun and versatile process that allows you to experiment with various flavors and ingredients. Instead of using sweetened coconut milk, try substituting it with fruit juices like mango or coconut water to infuse the jelly with natural sweetness and vibrant color. You can also add pieces of fresh fruit or layers of different flavored jellies for a more visually appealing and flavorful dessert. Adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding sugar or other sweeteners, and enjoy a refreshing, personalized treat.
If you enjoy refreshing dessert that contain coconut milk, gluten free, and vegan friendly, don’t forget to check out my Thai red rubies dessert, coconut mango ice cream, and mango sticky rice recipes.
Agar Agar Fruit Jelly Cups
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons agar agar powder
- 80 mL water
- 850 mL coconut milk
- 5 oz sugar (about 3/4 cup)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (a pinch)
- ½ cup fruit (canned or fresh; chopped or slice)
Instructions
- Mix the agar agar powder with 80 mL of water and stir until it dissolves. Let it rest for 15 minutes. In the meantime, prepare your chosen fruit.
- Combine the coconut milk with the agar agar mixture and stir continuously over medium heat for 10 minutes. Add sugar and a pinch of salt. Keep stirring for another 5 minutes to ensure that sugar is dissolved.
- Remove the agar agar and coconut milk mixture from the heat. Arrange slices of fruit at the bottom of a silicone mold. Immediately pour the coconut milk mixture over the fruit.
- Let the coconut agar agar mixture firm up for about 5-10 minutes, then add more fruit on top. Allow the jelly to cool and fully set for another 20 minutes.
- Store at room temperature or in the fridge until ready to serve. Remove the jelly from the mold just before serving and enjoy!
Video
@stickyricethaikitchen Agar fruit jelly doesn’t need to be refrigerated. It’s 100%vegan and gluten free. #valentinetreats #desserttiktok #agar #howto #easyrecipe #umyah
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