When I think about summer desserts, this homemade chilled Fruit Jelly is always the first thing that pops into my mind. It’s colorful, refreshing, and light—perfect to make use of the seasonal fruits!
Gather all the ingredients. You will need a nagashikan (6 x 5.1 x 1.8 inches, 15 x 13 x 4.5 cm) or a similar-sized container lined with plastic wrap.
In a small saucepan, add 2 cups water and 4 g kanten (agar) powder. Whisk to combine and bring it to a boil.
Once boiling, lower the heat and cook for 2 minutes. Whisk occasionally and make sure the kanten powder has completely dissolved. After 2 minutes, remove from the heat.
Add ¼ cup sugar and whisk until sugar is completely dissolved.
Run water in the mold (or nagashikan) and pour the liquid until there is about ⅓ inch (8 mm) in the mold (so that the fruit won‘t touch the bottom). Using a spoon or toothpick, move the bubbles on the liquid to the corner and remove them. Let cool in the refrigerator for just under 10 minutes or at room temperature for a little longer time.
Meanwhile, cut the fruits of your choice for the jelly.
The thickness of the fruit should be about the same.
When the bottom layer is slightly set (neither liquid nor completely set), place the fruits on top. If the bottom layer set too firm, the top layer will not attach to the bottom layer well and the fruit jelly will separate into the top and bottom layers when you cut. The liquid in the saucepan should not be solidified since the saucepan is still warm and it has more liquid in there. If solidified, then reheat until it turns to liquid.
Then, pour the rest of the mixture in the mold. Pop and remove the bubbles. Keep in the fridge until the jelly has set completely.
To Serve
Run a knife around the mold and gently flip and unmold the jelly. If you’re using the nagashikan, run a knife around the mold and pull up the handles.
Cut the jelly around the fruit so they look prettier. Serve chilled on a plate.
To Store
You can keep the jelly in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.