This Fresh and Fruity Jelly Cake is a light and refreshing dessert that combines the vibrant flavors of fruit with the smooth, delicate texture of jelly. It’s perfect for a summer party, a birthday, or any special occasion. The layers of fruity jelly and strawberry jelly come together in a visually stunning and delicious cake that’s both easy to make and fun to customize with your favorite fruits.
Ingredients
For the Fruit Jelly Layer:
- 3 cups water – Provides the base for the jelly.
- 1 cup sugar – Adds sweetness to the jelly.
- 20g agar agar – The key ingredient that helps set the jelly.
- 1-2 pieces of various fruits or berries – Choose a variety of fruits like kiwi, mango, blueberries, raspberries, or pineapple. Peel and cut into slices or cubes.
For the Strawberry Jelly Layer:
- 1/2 cup water – Adds to the base of the strawberry jelly.
- 1 cup strawberry purée – Made by blending fresh or frozen strawberries, this adds a fruity flavor to the jelly layer.
- 1.5 tablespoons sugar – Sweetens the strawberry layer.
- 10g agar agar – Helps set the strawberry jelly layer.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Jelly Layer
Mix the Ingredients:
In a large saucepan, combine 3 cups of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 20g of agar agar. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the agar agar dissolves properly. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the agar agar to absorb the liquid and activate, ensuring a smooth jelly texture.
Prepare the Fruits:
While the agar agar mixture is resting, peel and cut your chosen fruits and berries into bite-sized pieces. Some great fruits to consider are kiwi, mango, blueberries, raspberries, and pineapple. Feel free to experiment and mix your favorites for a colorful and tasty jelly cake.
Bring the Syrup to a Boil:
Once the agar agar has absorbed the water, place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar and agar agar completely. Allow it to boil for 2-3 minutes to activate the setting properties of the agar agar.
Assemble the Cake:
Now, pour a thin layer of the hot syrup into the bottom of your chosen mold or cake pan. This will serve as the base layer for the fruit. Next, arrange the prepared fruit in an attractive pattern of your choice. Take your time to create a beautiful design, as this will be the top of the cake once it’s unmolded. After arranging the fruit, gradually add the remaining syrup over the top of the fruit, ensuring it is fully covered.
Chill the Jelly:
Place the mold in a cool place, such as the refrigerator, for about 10 minutes to allow the fruit jelly layer to set. The jelly should firm up slightly during this time.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Jelly Layer
Make the Strawberry Smoothie:
In a separate saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of water, 1 cup of strawberry purée, 1.5 tablespoons of sugar, and 10g of agar agar. Stir the ingredients well to combine them evenly. This mixture will create the vibrant strawberry layer that complements the fruit layer beautifully.
Boil the Mixture:
Bring the strawberry mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly. Keep an eye on it and make sure the sugar and agar agar dissolve completely. Allow the mixture to boil for 2-3 minutes.
Add the Strawberry Layer:
Once the fruit jelly layer has fully set, pour the strawberry jelly over it, covering the fruit layer completely. The bright red strawberry jelly will create a striking contrast with the colorful fruit jelly, making for a visually appealing cake.
Chill Again:
Return the mold to the refrigerator and let the strawberry layer set for another 10-15 minutes, or until it has fully solidified. Once both layers have set, the cake will be ready to unmold.
Step 3: Serve the Jelly Cake
Unmold the Jelly Cake:
When the jelly has fully set, gently turn the mold upside down onto a serving plate. The fruit layer will be on top, showcasing your beautiful arrangement of fruits. If you used a silicone mold, the jelly should come out easily, but you can also run a warm knife around the edges to loosen it if necessary.
Enjoy:
Mmm… how fresh and delicious! Serve your Fresh and Fruity Jelly Cake chilled, and enjoy the refreshing combination of fruity flavors and smooth jelly texture. This cake is sure to be a hit with guests and family alike.
Tips
- Agar Agar Setting: To ensure the jelly sets properly, make sure to bring the agar agar mixture to a full boil. Agar agar needs to reach a high temperature to activate its setting properties. If the jelly doesn’t set, it may not have been boiled long enough.
- Fruit Choices: Avoid using raw pineapple, kiwi, or papaya in the jelly as these fruits contain enzymes that can prevent the agar agar from setting. If you want to use these fruits, cook them briefly to deactivate the enzymes before adding them to the jelly.
- Storage: This jelly cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- Serving Suggestions: This jelly cake is perfect for a light dessert after a heavy meal or as a refreshing treat on a hot day. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
Conclusion
The Fresh and Fruity Jelly Cake is a light, refreshing dessert that is perfect for a variety of occasions. The combination of the fruity jelly layer and the strawberry jelly layer creates a beautiful and flavorful cake that everyone will love. With its vibrant colors and fresh fruit, it’s a dessert that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. Whether you’re serving it at a special gathering or enjoying it on a warm day, this jelly cake is sure to impress.