Jelly Fruit cake With Agar is a light, refreshing dessert and is an excellent way to eat a variety of fruits at a time.

It is beautiful to look at and easy n quick to make. Takes just 10 minutes of yours and then the setting time, that's it. Also, it is vegetarian as well as vegan.

Sharing here two methods to make this healthy jelly. The first is with fruits and the other is using fruit juice or mocktail syrups. Now, add beautify your fruit cream or custard with this easy homemade jelly.

 

 

What is Jelly Fruit Cake?

If you are wondering what this term means, then it is a light and refreshing dessert. This cool dessert is perfect to have as an evening snack. 

It is a flourless cake that is not baked but is set using jelly. You can use readymade jelly powder for this or can make your own using Agar powder or gelatin. I am using Agar Agar here.

Also, you can set it in one big bowl or in muffin moulds. The advantage of setting it in muffin moulds is that you can pick one and have it as it is. No need to cut. However, for a big gathering, setting it one big bowl will look more attractive.

 

How To Make 

There are two methods to use the same Agar solution. The first is to add it in fruits and the other is to mix in mocktail syrups of your choice.

Now in this recipe, I have made jelly with plain water to which sugar has been added. Also, I made a few with fresh grape juice also. You can take canned fruit juice also of your choice.

For making this dessert, I have taken fruits like apples, grapes, kiwi, pomegranate, etc.

The method is very simple. Put chopped fruits in moulds of your choice. Now, you can take silicon, steel, glass or anything else. I even set in my Appe pan. So, take any material that is available in your kitchen. Nor you have to grease it. Just put fruits in the mould and cover it with Agar solution. That's it. Within an hour these will set. Unmould and you are good to go.

The other way is to add mocktail syrup to the warm agar solution as shown below in the detailed recipe.

Homemade Jelly with Fruits

It's one of the very interesting ways to feed fruits to your kids. Also, you can pack these in their lunch box also. As fruits like apples, pears, etc get oxidized or soggy in summers and are not very pleasurable to eat, in that situation such jelly fruits are a boon. 

Also, you can use the same recipe to make jelly. It gets ready even before your fruit cream or custard gets chilled in the refrigerator.

Must Read: Strawberry Jelly Using Fresh Strawberries

Important Points About Agar

Before I proceed to the recipe, let me share certain facts about Agar, Though I have already done so in my earlier posts but still a quick recap.

• Agar is also known as China grass or kanten or agar agar, and is a popular vegetarian alternative to gelatin.
• Gelatin is derived from animal bones whereas Agar is derived from algae and is used to gel many food products, such as puddings, desserts, jelly candy, soups, sauces, and more.
• It comes in three forms, namely, flakes, grass, and powder.
• Agar is stronger than gelatin.
• Unlike gelatin, agar sets beautifully at room temperature also. Since it has a high melting point, therefore, it is first added to a liquid and then brought to a boil to ensure that it is completely dissolved.
• Being plant-based, agar is 80% fibre without any fat or protein. You can read more about agar here.
• Agar is to be used in the correct proportion. If added less, the pudding will not set. If added more then the pudding will be hard. When touched, the pudding should be wobbly.

Take care of the following points while dealing with Agar:

• Mix Agar powder in water at room temperature and then bring it to boil. Boil it for a minute or so to activate it.
• Always add Agar solution to a warm liquid only. Thus if you wish to add agar solution to some fruit juice then first heat the juice, just for 30 to 40 seconds. When the juice gets lukewarm then add agar solution to it. This is very important and do not ignore it.

Some other recipes using Agar that you will love to try are:

• Vanilla Pannacotta with Strawberry Coulis
• Strawberry Jelly
• Thandai Pannacotta
• Blueberry Cheesecake
• Mango Cheesecake

 

 Step By Step Recipe

• Chop fruits like apples, kiwi, and pears and grapes, if too big in size. Separate pomegranate pearls.
• Place them in moulds. Fill 1/4 to 1/3 of the mould with these fruits. You can even take a wide dish, say of 4" by 6'' and lay fruits in it.

(As you can see, I used a variety of moulds, aluminium, steel, silicon, just to show that anything can be used)

 

• Mix Agar powder in water and put to boil.
• Boil it for a minute, this activates the agar and is very important to do so.

 

• Turn off the flame, mix the sweetener of your choice in it and wait for 4 to 5 minutes so that the solution turns warm from hot. (i used powdered cane sugar)
• Pour this in the moulds.

( Do not pour hot liquid as the fruits will get cooked partially.)

 

• Leave it for an hour or so or till set. If you set in a big container, it may take more time to set. You may keep it in the refrigerator but not necessary as it sets at room temperature.
• Unmould. To unmould, if in metal moulds, then loosen the edges with a knife. For silicone moulds, simply remove the jelly.

• Keep in the refrigerator as they taste good when cold otherwise you can have them as it is also.

Variation

• Once the hot agar solution turns warm from hot then divide it into 2 or 3 parts.

• Mix in mocktail syrups, like I added Orange marmalade, kiwi crush and Strawberry crush.

Leave it to set at the kitchen counter only or in the refrigerator. Once set, use a scooper to scoop out cute jellies or just cut and use.

 

FAQs 

Q) Can I set this cake in a large bowl?

Of course, you can!. Take any bowl, round or rectangular. Arrange fruits in it in layers or randomly. Pour Agar solution into this and leave to set.

Q) If I keep this jelly fruit cake outside for long, will it melt or stay as it is?

As it is! fI you are wondering whether they would remain set at high temperature also, then let me share with you that Agar sets at room temperature only and once set, remains as it is. So, no fear of losing shape. Thus, you can pack this in the lunch box as well.

Q) Can I make this jelly ahead of time, if yes, up to how many days?

It remains good for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Q) Can I replace water with fruit juice?

Yes, you can use fruit juice also. In that case, take half water and half juice. Boil Agar in water. Heat juice for 30 seconds or so till gets lukewarm. Now, add hot agar solution to the warm juice. Mix the two and pour over fruits. 

Q) If my agar solution sets before pouring on the fruits then?

No problem. Heat it again and it will return to its liquid state again. This way, it is never wasted. This is the beauty of Agar!

Q) Can I replace cane sugar with honey or stevia?

Yes, use any sweetener of your choice.

Q) What fruits cannot be put in jelly?

It's better to avoid fruits like banana, papaya, pineapple etc

 

Related Recipes which you may like to try:

• Ice Cream Sundaes
• Popsicles/Lollies
• Frozen Fruit Pizza
• Pearl Millet Pudding With Fruits

 

Let's Connect!

I hope you have liked this easy and healthy recipe of  Jelly Fruits or Homemade Jelly and you will definitely try it out for your loved ones. I would love to have your views regarding this.

Thank you for reading this post. If you have liked this recipe then do let me know by leaving a comment below. Your feedback fuels my enthusiasm. You may share this post with your dear ones by clicking on the little buttons below. You may follow me on       Facebook   Pinterest    Twitter   Instagram( #samirasrecipediary) too. for latest recipe updates. Thank you!