Coconut Jelly Recipe

This coconut jelly recipe is my go-to because it’s super simple yet yields a delightfully creamy and refreshing dessert with minimal effort. Plus, the nostalgic vanilla-coconut aroma fills my kitchen with warm vibes, making it the perfect treat for both self-care and sharing with friends!

I adore making this wonderful Coconut Jelly, a straightforward and revitalizing dessert. With the high-quality, creamy flavor of 1 cup of coconut milk mixed with 1 cup of water, this treat is delectably light.

The 2 1/2 teaspoons of agar-agar powder lend it the perfect jiggle.

Ingredients

1 cup of coconut milk: Full of good fats, it contributes a wonderfully creamy texture.

Provides sweetness and balances the coconut flavor: 1/2 cup granulated sugar.

Agar-agar powder, 2 1/2 teaspoons: A vegetarian alternative to gelatin, it sets the jelly.

1/4 teaspoon salt: Intensifies taste, counteracts sweetness.

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Provides a sweet, aromatic vanilla scent that enhances the flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons agar-agar powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, water, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir very well to mix everything fully.

2. Sprint the agar-agar powder uniformly over the liquid blend and give it a few minutes to become fully saturated.

3. Set the saucepan on medium heat. Stir continuously as the mixture heats up.

4. Ensure the agar-agar powder is completely dissolved by bringing the combination to a mild boil for about 3-5 minutes. This should result in a gentle boil.

5. Lower the heat and allow the pot to simmer for another 2 minutes, stirring every now and then to prevent the contents from sticking to the bottom.

6. Stir the vanilla extract into the mixture until it is well incorporated. Take it off the heat.

7. Pour the blend into a form or flat container and permit it to come down to room temperature for roughly 20 minutes.

8. After it is cooled, move the mold to the refrigerator and allow it to set for no less than 2 hours, or until it is firm.

9. To serve, gently run a knife around the edges of the mold and turn it out onto a plate.

10. Slice the coconut jelly into your wanted shapes and savor it straight from the refrigerator.

Equipment Needed

1. Saucepan
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula (for stirring)
5. Whisk (optional, for thorough mixing)
6. Flat container or mold
7. Knife
8. Plate
9. Refrigerator

FAQ

• What is the purpose of agar-agar in this recipe?A gelling agent like agar-agar is necessary for the coconut jelly to set without using gelatin.
• Can I substitute agar-agar with gelatin?Affirmative; however, the texture may differ a bit. Employ gelatin per package directions for comparable effects.
• Is it possible to use coconut cream instead of coconut milk?Of course! However, this can lead to a much more intense jelly, with flavors that pop and have far greater depth than what you might get with a more straightforward preparation. I do still have a zest for it!
• How long does it take for the jelly to set?Usually, it requires approximately 1 to 2 hours in the fridge for complete setting.
• Can I make this recipe sugar-free?Certainly, you can use a sugar substitute; however, the setting properties could be altered somewhat.
• Is the vanilla extract necessary?Adding the flavoring is optional; this is an excellent way to showcase the flavor of the base custard. The flavor of the vanilla custard is very delicate, and if you use really good vanilla extract, it will complement the flavor of the corn.
• How should I store leftover coconut jelly?You can keep it for as long as 3 days, in the refrigerator, in an airtight container.

Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute almond milk or soy milk for coconut milk if you want a different flavor profile.
The granulated sugar can be replaced with either coconut sugar or honey, remembering that these substitutions will slightly change the sweetness.
If it is not possible to procure agar-agar powder, one can resort to using gelatin as a substitute, though it must be noted that gelatin is not vegan.
Almond extract or coconut extract can replace vanilla extract and still keep the integrity of the flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk Opt for full-fat coconut milk for a richer and creamier texture in your coconut jelly. This will enhance the overall flavor and mouthfeel.

2. Bloom the Agar-Agar Properly When sprinkling the agar-agar powder over the liquid, allow it to sit for a few minutes without stirring. This ensures the agar-agar fully absorbs moisture and dissolves more easily when heated.

3. Consistent Stirring When heating the mixture, stir continuously to prevent the agar-agar from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the saucepan. This helps achieve a smooth and consistent texture.

4. Check for Full Dissolution To ensure the agar-agar powder is fully dissolved, taste a small amount (careful, it will be hot) to ensure there are no granules before pouring into molds. This step is critical for the jelly to set properly.

5. Experiment with Flavors Enhance the basic recipe by adding other extracts such as almond or pandan, or swirl in a fruit puree like mango or passion fruit for a twist on the classic flavor.