This coconut jelly is the silky smooth dessert you need to cool off on a hot summer day. A staple in Asian and Chinese cuisine, this popular dim sum dessert can be made with just 5 ingredients. If you’re looking for a creamy yet refreshing dessert, these coconut-flavored treats are definitely for you!
If you’ve ever been to dim sum, then you might be familiar with these coconut cubes. Refreshing and flavorful, coconut jelly is a popular dessert item among dim sum goers for its light texture and subtle sweetness. With this easy recipe, you can now make this yummy delicacy in the comfort of your own home!
What ingredients do I need to make coconut jelly?
The beauty and popularity in this coconut dessert is in its simplicity. You only need 5 ingredients to make it : coconut milk, milk, cream, gelatin powder, and sugar. The use of gelatin powder in this coconut jelly recipe ensures that it sets perfectly and has a silky smooth texture that is simply irresistible.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to put your own spin on it, this versatile treat can be easily customizable. We personally like to spice things up by adding mangoes, pandan extract, or mint leaves, but feel free to try other flavor combinations you like!
How do you eat it?
However you prefer! You can serve it as a refreshing dessert after a meal, enjoy it as a mid-afternoon snack, or eat it as boba toppings for an added texture. We even go the extra mile by making our own pandan sauce that we pour over the coconut cubes, giving an aromatic punch to the dessert.
Feel like serving it individually like the famous Melo Melo coconut jelly dessert? You can easily achieve this by reducing the amount of gelatin powder and let the mixture set in individual jars and top with your favorite fruits. The result? A creamier coconut pudding consistency that is total scoop-worthy, the perfect Melo Melo copycat recipe!
Is it a vegan dessert?
Because we’re using gelatin powder, milk, and cream, this dessert is not vegan. But! You can replace these three ingredients with agar-agar powder, non-dairy milk, and coconut cream to make it vegan. It might slightly change the texture, but will definitely still be yummy!
Tips for the best coconut jelly
Let the mixture cool for at least 5 hours. Or preferably overnight! It’s important to give enough time for the jelly to set.
Use the coconut milk brand you like. All the flavor of this dim sum treat comes from the flavor of the coconut milk you use. So feel free to choose the brand you like!
Make sure to combine the ingredients well. It’s important to use a whisk to stir the sugar and agar-agar powder is evenly mixed. This ensures uniform flavor and texture.
Don’t boil the mixture. Just heat it enough to thoroughly dissolve the gelatin powder and sugar.
FAQs
Canned coconut milk is creamier and contains higher fat content, while carton coconut milk is lighter in texture and contains lower fat content. Usually, canned coconut milk is better suited for cooking, while carton coconut milk is good for drinking.
Your favorite one! If you’re not familiar with coconut milk brands, we suggest the Aroy-D canned coconut milk. Creamy in texture, smooth in flavor, and easy to find in grocery stores!
Coconut cream contains up to 19-22% higher fat content compared to coconut milk. It is a thicker version of coconut milk.
Ingredients:
- Coconut Milk
- Milk
- 15% Cream
- Gelatin Powder
- Sugar
How to make coconut jelly?
- In a small bowl, add 3 1/2 teaspoon of gelatin powder and 3 1/2 tablespoon of cold water. You don't need to mix it. Let bloom for 5 minutes, then microwave for 15 minutes to dissolve. At this point, you can give it a little stir to mix well.
- In a pot, add 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of cream, and 1 1/2 cup of coconut milk. Add also the gelatin powder and the sugar. Heat pot over medium heat and stir well until everything is well-incorporated and dissolved. Don't bring the mixture to a boil. Once smooth, remove from heat.
- Carefully pour the mixture through a strainer into an 8 in X 8 in pan. Scoop out the foam floating on the surface using a spoon.
- Refrigerate for at least 5 hours, or preferably overnight until set. To release the jelly, run a bread knife along the edges of the pan, and turn it out onto a cutting board. Cut into squares and serve.
We hope you enjoy this delicious dessert! If you're looking for other sweet treats, check out recipes for:
Coconut Jelly
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup 15% cream
- 3 1/2 tsp gelatin powder
- 3 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Mix 3 ½ teaspoon of gelatin powder with 3 ½ tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl. Let bloom for 5 minutes, then microwave for 15 seconds to dissolve. Set aside.
- In a pot, mix together 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of 15% cream, 1 ½ cup of coconut milk, sugar, and the gelatin mixture. Heat over medium heat. Stir until well-incorporated and the gelatin and sugar are well dissolved. Don’t bring to a boil. Remove from heat.
- Pour mixture onto an 8 in X 8 in pan through a strainer. Scoop out the foam on the surface using a spoon.
- Refrigerate for at least 5 hours, or preferably overnight. Run a bread knife along the edges of the pan, and turn it out onto a cutting board. Cut into squares and serve.
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