Almond jello is milk pudding jelly topped with fruit cocktail. It's refreshing, delicious, and the perfect finish to a hearty meal!
If you're looking for a sweet treat that's light and refreshing as it is delicious and satisfying, this almond jello is sure to hit the spot. The fragrant milk gelatin makes a great palate cleanser after a hearty, savory meal as well as a tasty and nutritious midday snack for the whole family.
What is Almond Jelly
Almond Jelly, almond jello, almond float, and almond or annin tofu is a soft, jellied dessert popular in Southern China and other neighboring countries such as Japan, Hongkong, and Taiwan. It's also a local favorite in Hawaii, where it's called almond float.
The silken pudding is commonly served in dim sum and yum cha restaurants as a complimentary dessert.
It's traditionally made by boiling and grinding apricot kernels to extract the milk, which is then prepared with a gelling agent such as agar agar and sugar as a sweetener. However, more recent versions use commercial almond-flavored gelatin mixes or milk and almond extract for ease and convenience.
It requires five simple ingredients and is so easy to make; the hardest part of the recipe is waiting for the pudding to chill and set!
Ingredient notes
- The measurements in this recipe are based on the gelatin brand I used. If using Knox or other brands, please read the package directions and adjust the amounts accordingly.
- The brand I used was unflavored and already sweetened. If using an unsweetened brand, add about ยพ cups of sugar or to taste. Please note that the fruit cocktail is also packed in syrup and will contribute to the overall sweetness of the dessert.
- Swap part of the milk with heavy cream for a richer taste.
- For variety, substitute the fruit cocktail with any canned fruit such as lychees, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, apricot halves, and sliced peaches. Diced fresh fruit such as kiwi, strawberries, ripe mangoes, and orange sections doused in light syrup are also great topping options.
- To make vegan, substitute agar-agar for the gelatin and use dairy alternatives such as almond, oat, rice, coconut, or soy milk.
Helpful tips
- For a smooth texture, dissolve the gelatin well. Simmer, and do not bring the milk mixture to a boil as it might curdle or separate.
- The jelly mixture can set in a large flat pan and cut for serving or in small ramekins for individual portions.
- For best results, chill the fruits in the refrigerator while the gelatin is setting.
How to serve
- Almond jelly is a delicious after-meal dessert as well as a midday snack, especially on hot weather days.
- It can be prepped ahead of time and will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the jelly and fruit in separate containers to maintain quality and freshness.
- It's best enjoyed cold; keep chilled until ready to serve. Cut into 1-inch cubes, transfer to serving bowls, and top with fruit of choice and syrup.
For more fun gelatin recipes, check out this festive broken glass jello or this tropical mango jelly sago. Enjoy!
More dessert recipes
Ingredients
- 2 packages (3.1 ounces each) unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups water
- 1 ยฝ cups milk
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
- 1 can fruit cocktail in syrup
Instructions
- In a saucepot, combine water and gelatin and whisk until gelatin is dissolved.
- Over medium heat, bring mixture to a boil, stirring regularly, for about 2 to 3 minutes or until gelatin is completely dissolved.ย
- Add milk and almond extract, whisking regularly. Simmer for about 1 to 2 minutes.
- In a square baking dish, pour gelatin mixture. Skim any foam that floats on top. Allow to cool.ย
- Refrigerate for about 1 to 2 hours or until completely set and chilled. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Spoon into serving bowls and top with fruit cocktail including syrup. Serve cold.
Notes
- The measurements in this recipe are based on the gelatin brand I used. If using Knox or other brands, please read the package directions and adjust the amounts accordingly.
- The brand I used was unflavored and already sweetened. If using an unsweetened brand, add about ยพ cups of sugar or to taste. Please note that the fruit cocktail is also packed in syrup and will contribute to the overall sweetness of the dessert.
- For a smooth texture, dissolve the gelatin well. Simmer, and do not bring the milk mixture to a boil as it might curdle or separate.
Nutrition Information
โThis website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.โ
Mike says
Itโs called Dofu
Ami says
How much agar agar would I use to substitute the gelatin? Thank you.
Serena says
Hello. Are there other options to whole milk? Would low-fat milk or soy milk, almond milk or other alternatives work? Thank you.
Lalaine Manalo says
Yes, you can use other types of milk.
Elaine Inario says
I would like to try this recipe but I don't take/drink milk. Can I use all purpose cream instead of milk? Thank you.
Lalaine says
Hi Elaine,
All-purpose cream is a bit thicker than milk, you might have to dilute it a little to get the right consistency.