Fruit Jelly With Agar

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There’s something magical about fruit jelly with agar—its vibrant layers, delicate texture, and refreshing taste make it a dessert that’s both beautiful and satisfying. This recipe combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the tropical sweetness of dragon fruit, topped with a clear, aromatic layer that can be customized with your favorite floral or fruity liquid. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a light treat, this dessert is sure to impress. I remember my grandmother making similar layered jellies during family gatherings, and the joy of slicing into them to reveal the colorful layers still brings a smile to my face. Let’s recreate that magic together!
See also: agar jelly cubes.

Ingredients
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon agar agar powder (for a softer set; use up to 1.5 tbsp for a firmer texture)
- ½ cup water (to dissolve agar agar powder)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups dragon fruit purée (blend about 1 large dragon fruit, ~1 lb with skin, peeled before use, with 1.5 cups water until smooth)
- ½ cup water (to dissolve agar agar powder)
- 1 tablespoon agar agar powder (for a softer set; use up to 1.5 tbsp for a firmer texture)
- ⅓ cup sugar (adjust to taste depending on fruit’s tartness)
- 1.5 cups liquid of choice (water, coconut water, rose, jasmine, hibiscus, orange blossom water)
- ½ cup water (to dissolve agar agar powder)
- 1 tablespoon agar agar powder (for a softer set; use up to 1.5 tbsp for a firmer texture)
- ⅓ cup sugar
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Cook Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Setting Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 15 minutes | 2 hours | 2 hours 35 minutes |
This recipe is quick to prepare but requires a bit of patience for the layers to set perfectly.
For more ideas, check out our guide on agar pudding recipe.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Sugar | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | ~120 kcal | ~15g | ~2g |
This dessert is light and naturally sweetened, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Discover more with our agar vs gelatin.

How to Make fruit jelly with agar
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together ½ cup water and agar agar powder using a wire whisk. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Add the coconut milk, sugar, and salt to the saucepan. Using a wooden spoon, stir constantly while bringing the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat until the agar agar fully dissolves, about 3–5 minutes.
- Pour the coconut mixture into a silicone mold or glass baking dish using a silicone spatula to ensure an even layer. Let it cool slightly while preparing the next layer, as it will start to set quickly.
- In a high-speed blender, combine the peeled dragon fruit with 1.5 cups water. Blend on high for 30–45 seconds until smooth to achieve 1.5 cups of purée.
- In a clean saucepan, whisk together ½ cup water and agar agar powder using a wire whisk. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Add the dragon fruit purée and sugar to the saucepan. Using a wooden spoon, stir constantly while bringing the mixture to a gentle boil until the agar agar fully dissolves.
- Gently pour the dragon fruit mixture over the coconut layer using a silicone spatula to soften the fall and prevent breaking the layer underneath. Let it cool until just set.
- In another saucepan, whisk together ½ cup water and agar agar powder using a wire whisk. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Add 1.5 cups of your chosen liquid (water, coconut water, rose water, etc.) and sugar to the saucepan. Using a wooden spoon, stir constantly while bringing the mixture to a gentle boil until the agar agar fully dissolves.
- Carefully pour the clear mixture over the dragon fruit layer using a silicone spatula to ensure an even distribution. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully set.
- Using a sharp chef’s knife on a sturdy cutting board, slice the dessert into squares or diamonds. Serve chilled.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.