Savor a refreshing, nostalgic dessert loved worldwide! Perfect for holidays, parties, or cozy family nights.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
This creamy, colorful treat combines juicy fruits, wobbly jelly cubes, and chewy tapioca pearls in a luscious coconut-milk custard. It’s light, hydrating, and bursting with tropical flavors! Loved in Filipino Buko Salad, Indian Falooda, and Latin Gelatina de Leche, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients (Serves 8-10)
For the Jelly:
- 1 packet (7g) unflavored gelatin (or 1 flavored packet like strawberry/mango)
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup sugar (skip if using flavored gelatin)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 drops food coloring (pink, green, or yellow – optional for vibrancy)
For the Creamy Base:
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (or all-purpose cream)
- ½ cup coconut milk (for extra richness – optional)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- ½ cup cooked small tapioca pearls (sago – find in Asian stores)
- 1 cup mixed fruits (drained canned fruit cocktail, fresh pineapple/mango chunks)
- ¼ cup maraschino cherries (chopped – for a pop of color!)
- ½ cup shredded young coconut (optional but delicious!)
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Jelly (10 mins + chilling):
- In a bowl, dissolve gelatin in 1 cup hot water. Stir until no lumps remain.
- Add 1 cup cold water, sugar (if using unflavored gelatin), vanilla, and food coloring. Mix well.
- Pour into a shallow dish and refrigerate for 2 hours until firm. Cut into small cubes.
2. Cook Tapioca Pearls (15 mins):
- Boil 4 cups water in a pot. Add ½ cup tapioca pearls.
- Simmer for 10-12 mins until translucent. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Base (5 mins):
- In a large bowl, whisk together condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, coconut milk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Assemble Like a Pro! (10 mins):
- Gently fold in jelly cubes, cooked tapioca, mixed fruits, cherries, and coconut into the cream mixture.
- Spoon into individual cups or a big serving bowl. Chill for 2 hours to let flavors meld.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Top with extra fruit or jelly cubes. Serve cold for a refreshing treat!
Tips for Success
- Shortcut: Use store-bought jelly cups or pre-cooked sago to save time.
- Fruit Swap: Try grapes, peaches, or lychees! Avoid watery fruits like watermelon.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dessert 1 day before – it tastes better chilled overnight!
Why It’s a Healthy-ish Indulgence
- Vitamins: Pineapples and mangoes boost immunity with vitamin C.
- Digestion-Friendly: Coconut milk and fruit fibers aid gut health.
- Energy Boost: Condensed milk gives a quick pick-me-up!
Nutrition Per Serving (1 cup):
Calories: 250 | Carbs: 40g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Sugar: 25g
Perfect For:
- Holiday feasts (Christmas, birthdays!)
- Potluck parties
- Cooling summer desserts
- Grandkids’ snack time (they’ll love the colorful jelly!)
Create Sweet Memories Today!
This creamy, fruity delight is more than a dessert – it’s a taste of sunshine and joy. Whip it up in minutes, share with loved ones, and watch smiles bloom!
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