Fruit jelly is my favorite summer dessert. I love its mix of sweetness and tanginess from fresh fruits. It’s simple, yet always satisfying to enjoy. Nothing beats this colorful treat on a sunny day!
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Fruit jelly recipe
Fruit jelly is a refreshing treat on a hot day. It combines the flavors of various fruits with a gelatinous base. It is created by solidifying fruit juice or puree with gelatin or agar.
Making fruit jelly is easy and fun. Use summer fruits like strawberries, grapes, or peaches for a fresh flavor. Add cream cheese on top to balance the sweetness. Mascarpone can replace cream cheese for a sweeter option. You can skip the topping entirely for a simpler version. For a vegan option, use only fruits for the jelly.
Jelly fruit is low-fat and low-sugar. This makes it a guilt-free dessert. Its cool texture makes it perfect for hot days. Here is how to make the fruit jelly:
Elegant Fruit Jelly
Ingredients
- 1 packet of raspberry jelly (jello) cubes (can be sugar-free)
- 1 cup frozen mixed summer fruits
- 1 tbsp cream cheese I used a half fat version
- 200 ml double cream I used a reduced fat one
- 1 tbsp caster sugar
- A few drops of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make up the jelly according to pack instructions – generally 1/3 pint boiling water to dissolve the cubes, then add cold water up to 1 pint.
- Share out the frozen fruits between 4 wine glasses and pour the jelly until each glass is about half full.
- Put the glasses into the fridge and leave for 2-3 hours to allow the jelly has set.
- Make the topping by whipping the cream with a whisk until thick and light. Add the cream cheese, vanilla extract and sugar. Beat with a spoon to combine the ingredients, then whisk again.
- Spoon the cream mixture into a piping bag and pipe onto the top of the set jellies, with as many waves, layers and extravagance as you like!
- Finish with a few frozen fruits as decoration and return to the fridge for another hour, to give the top fruits a chance to thaw and to chill the desserts.
Nutrition
Pairing suggestions
Fruit jelly can be paired with many refreshing drinks to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some excellent drink options:
- Fresh juices, like orange or pineapple juice, pair well with jelly desserts. They enhance the fruity taste and add vibrant color.
- Herbal tea complements the jelly’s sweetness. It adds a refreshing herbal note. This combination suits all ages and enhances fruity flavors.
- Sparkling water contrasts with jelly’s smooth texture. Serve it plain or with fruit juice.
- Lemonade balances the jelly’s sweetness. Serve it still or sparkling.
- Coconut milk adds richness and enhances flavor. It provides a tropical twist to the dessert.
- Iced tea is refreshing and complements jelly. Flavored teas like peach or lemon work well.
Variations
Fruit jelly desserts come in a variety of delightful forms. Here are some popular variations:
Agar-Agar Fruit Jelly
Agar-Agar version is a vegetarian-friendly dessert. It uses agar-agar instead of gelatin. It can be customized with fruits like kiwi or oranges. This refreshing dessert is firm and perfect for summer enjoyment.
- Chop the fruit into bite-sized pieces.
- Simmer water with lemon juice and sweetener, such as honey, before adding agar-agar powder and mixing well.
- Pour the mixture into molds and refrigerate until set.
Layered Fruit Jelly
Layered Fruit Jelly uses fruit and jelly layers to create a visually appealing dessert.
- Green fruits include seedless grapes or cubed kiwi.
- Purple fruits include seedless purple grapes or blueberries.
- Orange fruits can consist of mango or peaches, and red fruits may include raspberries, cherries, or strawberries.
To prepare, jelly mixes are made using gelatin or agar-agar. Fruits are layered in a mold, and the jelly mixture is poured over them. The dessert is refrigerated overnight and served by inverting the mold onto a platter.
Condensed Milk Versions
This version combines fruits, jelly powder, and condensed milk. The ingredients create a smooth texture. This dessert is simple to prepare and makes an indulgent option for any occasion.
