I’ve always loved those classic creamy almond jelly desserts, but I really wanted to create a version that fits perfectly into a meat-free lifestyle without sacrificing that silky texture. This Vegetarian Almond Fruit Cocktail Float is incredibly refreshing and surprisingly easy to whip up at home using vegetarian gelatin. It is the perfect light dessert to cool down with after a savory meal, and honestly, the sweet almond flavor paired with the fruit cocktail is just pure nostalgia in a bowl!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (approx. 0.35 oz / 10g) unflavored vegetarian gelatin (such as agar flakes)
- 0.5 cups (4 fl oz / 120 ml) cold water (for soaking)
- 0.5 cups (4 fl oz / 120 ml) boiling water
- 1 cup (8 fl oz / 240 ml) cold water (remaining)
- 2 cups (16 fl oz / 475 ml) evaporated milk
- 0.5 cups (3.5 oz / 100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp (0.5 fl oz / 15 ml) almond extract
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) fruit cocktail
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the 2 tbsp (10g) of vegetarian gelatin to 0.5 cups (120 ml) of cold water and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom and soften.
- Pour the 0.5 cups (120 ml) of boiling water over the soaked gelatin mixture and stir consistently until the flakes have completely dissolved.
- Stir in the remaining 1 cup (240 ml) of water, followed by the 2 cups (475 ml) of evaporated milk, 0.5 cups (100g) of granulated sugar, and 1 tbsp (15 ml) of almond extract, mixing until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Pour the liquid mixture carefully into a 9 x 9 inch (23 x 23 cm) square pan.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill until the mixture is firm to the touch.
- To serve, cut the chilled almond gelatin into 1-inch (2.5 cm) squares and place them into individual serving bowls, spooning the 15 oz (425g) of fruit cocktail over the top.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 Square (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Sugars: 10 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on the ingredients listed, assuming non-fat evaporated milk to achieve 0g fat.
Pro Tips for Success
- Dissolve the Agar Completely: Unlike animal gelatin, vegetarian gelatin (agar) needs to be completely dissolved to avoid a grainy texture. If the flakes haven’t fully dissolved after stirring the boiling water, you can briefly heat the mixture in a small pot on the stove until the liquid is perfectly clear.
- Adjusting the Texture: Agar sets much firmer than traditional gelatin. If you prefer a softer, more “wobbly” texture similar to panna cotta, you can reduce the amount of agar flakes by about 1 tsp.
- Chill Ingredients: For a faster setting time, ensure your “remaining” 1 cup of water and the evaporated milk are very cold before adding them to the hot agar mixture.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra refreshing touch, chill the can of fruit cocktail in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. You can also garnish with fresh mint leaves or toasted almond slivers for a crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use agar powder instead of flakes? Yes, you can. However, agar powder is much more concentrated than flakes. If you are using powder, use about 2 tsp (approx. 4g) instead of the 2 tbsp of flakes listed in the recipe. Always check the package instructions for the specific conversion ratio.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet? As written, this recipe uses evaporated milk, which is dairy-based. To make this 100% vegan, you can substitute the evaporated milk with an equal amount of full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based evaporated milk alternative. Coconut milk pairs beautifully with the almond flavor.
How long does it take for the almond jelly to set? Vegetarian gelatin sets faster than animal gelatin and can even set at room temperature. However, for the best texture and food safety, it typically takes about 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator to become completely firm and ready to cut.
Why did my almond float separate into layers? Separation usually happens if the milk is added while the agar mixture is still boiling hot, or if the fat content interacts with the acidity. To prevent this, ensure you stir the mixture gently but thoroughly after adding the milk and sugar, and let the dissolved agar mixture cool slightly (but not set) before combining with the cold milk.
I really hope you enjoy making this Vegetarian Almond Fruit Cocktail Float as much as I do! It is such a simple, budget-friendly dessert that hits the spot perfectly when you need something cool and sweet without the heavy prep work. Whether you are serving it at a family dinner or just treating yourself to a nostalgic snack, this almond jelly is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turned out or if you added your own twist!
