Traditional Chinese Almond Jelly Recipe

If you’re in search of a sweet treat that combines the flavors of lightness, refreshment, deliciousness, and satisfaction, then almond jelly is sure to delight your taste buds. This fragrant milk gelatin dessert not only serves as a fantastic palate cleanser after a hearty, savory meal but also makes for a delightful and nutritious afternoon snack for the whole family. With just four to five simple ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. The most challenging part is simply waiting for the jelly to chill and set. Almond Jelly, known by various names such as almond jello, almond float, and almond or annin tofu, is a soft, jellied dessert that enjoys popularity in Southern China and neighboring countries like Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. It’s also a local favorite in Hawaii, where it’s known as almond skim. This recipe is a breeze to prepare, especially with the detailed list of ingredients and instructions provided below.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Serving: 4 

INGREDIENTS:

• Unflavored gelatin powder: 2 packs
• Whole milk: 2 cups
• Water: 2 cups
• Rock sugar: 1 cup
• Almond extract: 1.5 teaspoons

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Dissolve Gelatin: In a large bowl, combine water and unflavored gelatin powder. Mix thoroughly until the gelatin dissolves into the water.
2. Prepare the Mixture: In a large saucepan, add 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil.
3. Combine Gelatin with Boiling Water: Slowly pour the gelatin mixture into the boiling water, stirring continuously to ensure it’s well-mixed.
4. Add Sugar, Milk, and Almond Extract: Introduce the rock sugar, whole milk, and almond extract into the boiling water-gelatin mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are completely dissolved into the mixture.
5. Pour into Tray: Pour the cooked mixture into a tray, spreading it evenly.
6. Refrigerate: Place the tray in the refrigerator and allow the almond jelly to chill and set for two to three hours.
7. Cut and Serve: Once the almond jelly has solidified properly, cut it into desired pieces. Your delightful almond jelly is now ready to be served.

VARIATIONS:

• Syrup Toppings: Elevate the sweetness by drizzling your almond jelly with a flavored syrup, such as raspberry or passion fruit, before serving.
• Layered Dessert: Create visually appealing layered desserts by alternating almond jelly with layers of fruit, such as mango or kiwi, and sweetened coconut milk.
• Alcohol-Infused: For an adult twist, add a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as amaretto or Kahlúa, to the almond jelly mixture before setting.

TIPS:

• Gelatin Dissolution: Ensure the gelatin is completely dissolved in the water to achieve a smooth jelly texture.
• Milk Consistency: Use whole milk for a creamy and rich flavor in your almond jelly.
• Sugar Control: Adjust the quantity of rock sugar to your preferred level of sweetness.
• Chilling Time: Allow the almond jelly to set in the refrigerator for the recommended time to ensure it solidifies properly.
• Presentation: Feel free to garnish your almond jelly with fresh fruits or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of flavor and aesthetics.

Enjoy the refreshing and delightful flavors of almond jelly, a dessert that’s not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it after a sumptuous meal or as a delightful snack, this dessert will surely brighten up your day with its sweet and aromatic goodness.