Almond jelly (jello) or almond tofu is a popular Asian dessert among Chinese especially in Asia and Hong Kong. This almond jelly recipe is a classic Cantonese dessert like red bean ice drink, grass jelly drink, sweet mung bean soup, sweet red bean soup, mango sago pomelo, black sesame soup, tofu pudding, grass jelly, lychee slush and taro sago. Let's learn how to make this refreshing almond jelly for your treat or dessert. It only has a few simple ingredients followed by step by step photos and a video tutorial.
Love Asian dessert? Check out these honeydew popsicles, red bean paste sticky rice cakes, red bean mochi, Asian shaved ice, Hawaiian shaved ice, strawberry pie, taro ice cream, ginger milk pudding and white rabbit candy ice cream recipes.
What is almond jelly or almond tofu (杏仁豆腐)?
Almond jelly or jello is a dessert that originated in East Asia, particularly in Chinese cuisine. Also, almond jello is called almond tofu or annin tofu because it's soft and looks like tofu. In Cantonese, we call it heng yan tau hu (杏仁豆腐) or xing ren dou fu in Mandarin Chinese.
Traditionally, almond tofu is made of apricot kernel milk. But, it often translates to almond milk. It is a translucent, gelatinous dessert made from almond extract, sugar, agar-agar or gelatin. Almond jello usually uses agar-agar. However, some people like to use gelatin. Besides, almond tofu can be made from scratch or using instant mix.
In this almond jelly recipe, I am going to show the easy way to make this Cantonese almond jello dessert. Then, add canned fruit cocktail or lychee. However, it can serve on its own or with various accompaniments such as fresh fruits, syrup or condensed milk like grass jelly.
Often, the dessert is served cold and the almond tofu or almond jelly is usually cut into cubes. It has a smooth and slightly firm texture. Also, almond jelly is known for its subtle almond flavor. People love it because it's a refreshing and sweet treat.
There are different variations of almond jelly or almond tofu across Asian cuisines. But, this Chinese almond jelly recipe is a popular dessert in dim sum restaurants and other Chinese dining establishments.
Are there almonds in almond jelly?
Despite the name, traditional almond jello doesn't typically contain actual almonds. It is made of apricot kernel milk. Later on, people use cow milk and evaporated milk. The almond flavor in almond jello usually comes from almond extract rather than almonds themselves. However, in this almond jelly recipe, I want to match the name of the desert. Therefore, I used almond milk instead of regular cow milk.
Is almond jello white and made of dairy?
Yes. Generally, almond tofu is white or off white depending what kind of milk and ingredients you use. A lot of people like to use dairy, regular cow milk or evaporated milk. But, I like to use almond milk in this recipe.
Is almond jelly vegetarian or vegan?
It depends on the specific recipe. Most people like to use cow milk or evaporated milk to make the almond tofu. Also, some people like to use gelatin which is derived from animal collagen. However, in this almond jello recipe, I used almond milk and agar-agar which are plant-based.
Easy version of almond tofu:
In this almond jelly recipe, I used 4 simple ingredients to make almond tofu: almond milk, agar-agar, sugar and pure almond extract. However, some people like to use regular cow milk, evaporated milk and gelatin. If you use cow milk, the almond tofu will be whiter. It really depends on your own preferences to use what kind of milk.
I like to use almond milk because it matches the name of the desert and it’s non-dairy. Although the color may not be completely white like snow, it’s a little off white. Overall, the taste and color are pretty good. Visually, it matches well with the bright color of canned fruit mix.
Why do you prefer using agar-agar rather than gelatin?
I prefer to use agar-agar for this almond jello recipe because I want to keep this dessert traditional with the agar texture. If you want a smoother and jello texture, you can use gelatin. But, you need to adjust the amount of gelatin. You can check out this tofu pudding recipe and see the amount of gelatin and liquid ratio. If you want a firmer texture, you can add more gelatin.
What fruit goes on almond jello?
Traditional Cantonese Chinese almond jelly uses canned fruit cocktail or mix. However, you can serve it as its own or with various fresh fruits, lychee, syrup or condensed milk like grass jelly.
Almond jello from scratch vs. almond jello instant packet:
Actually making almond jello from scratch is not that hard and complicated. It is quite easy and simple. Also, it allows you to control the ingredients and customize the sweetness and flavor to your liking. Besides, you can adjust the texture and thickness by varying the amount of agar-agar or gelatin.
On the other hand, instant packet almond jello is simple and convenient. But, it is not easy to find almond jello instant packets in regular grocery stores in the states. Usually, you have to get them at Asian stores.
What are the ingredients for the Chinese almond jelly?
In this almond jelly recipe, I used almond milk, agar-agar, sugar, pure almond extract and canned mixed fruit. You can use regular cow milk and gelatin if you prefer.
How to store almond tofu?
You should store almond tofu in the refrigerator. Once prepared, allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge. Cover the almond tofu with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before storing it in the refrigerator. This helps prevent the absorption of odors from other foods and maintains the freshness of the almond tofu. For the best quality, consume the almond tofu within 1-2 days.
Cooking tips for how to make almond jelly or almond tofu:
- Mix the almond milk, sugar, pure almond extract and agar in a pot well. Then, turn on medium small fire heat up until it’s boiling.
- Pour the mixture with the rest of almond milk. Remember to mix it very well. It is very important.
- Let it cool down before refrigerating it.
- The best is to chill it before eating.
- You can use canned fruit or fresh fruit. If you use fresh fruit, you may need to add syrup or sweetness according to your taste.
FAQs:
Yes, you can. But, you need to use the right amount. I haven’t tried to use gelatin in this dessert recipe. And, I still prefer agar in this almond jello recipe because this is what I used to eat when I was a kid.
Of course, you can. However, you need to follow the instructions on the box. The recipe that I share in this post is pretty much made from scratch.
If you use agar, you don’t have to refrigerate it. When you leave it at room temperature for a few hours, it will become solid. But, it’s better to refrigerate it and serve it cold with canned fruit.
Almond jelly and almond tofu are the same terms. Both refer to similar desserts made with almond flavoring, sugar and a gelling agent. The choice of term may vary depending on regional and cultural preferences. In Chinese, we usually call it “tofu”. But, in English it is often called jello or jelly.
The setting time depends on the type of gelling agent used. Gelatin based almond jelly may take a few hours around 6-8 hours to set in the refrigerator. While agar-agar-based versions may set more quickly like 1-2 hours.
Sure, you can make almond jelly ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It's often a convenient dessert option for gatherings or special occasions.
Instructions for how to make almond jelly dessert recipe:
1.Pour 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk into a container and set it aside.
2. After that, pour 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of agar agar powder and 1 teaspoon of pure almond extract into a pot. Then, mix it very well. Turn on the fire to medium small, keep stirring and heat up until it's a little bubbling.
3. Next, pour the mixture into the container with 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk from step 1. And, mix and stir it very well. Let it cool down and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
4. After, cut the almond jello into cubes.
5. Put some almond jelly in a bowl and add some mixed canned fruit.
Enjoy this simple and delicious Cantonese almond jelly recipe dessert! Also, check out these chocolate strawberries, steamed meatballs, crispy noodles, strawberry muffins, sugar donuts, hot chocolate balls, pan fried buns, tom yum kung and mango sticky rice recipes.
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Almond Jello
Equipment
- 1 Pot
- 1 Refrigerator
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups Unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon Agar agar powder
- 4 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Pure almond extract
- 1 can Mixed canned fruits (15 oz)
Instructions
- Pour 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk into a container and set it aside.
- After that, pour 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of agar agar powder and 1 teaspoon of pure almond extract into a pot. Then, mix it very well. Turn on the fire to medium small, keep stirring and heat up until it's a little bubbling.
- Next, pour the mixture into the container with 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk from step 1. And, mix and stir it very well. Let it cool down and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
- After, cut the almond jello into cubes.
- Put some almond jelly in a bowl and add some mixed canned fruits.
Notes
Cooking tips for how to make almond jelly or annin tofu:
- Mix the almond milk, sugar, pure almond extract and agar in a pot well. Then, turn on medium small fire heat up until it’s boiling.
- Pour the mixture with the rest of almond milk. Remember to mix it very well. It is very important.
- Let it cool down before refrigerating it.
- The best is to chill it before eating.
- You can use canned fruit or fresh fruit. If you use fresh fruit, you may need to add syrup or sweetness according to your taste.
Stephanie
Best recipe ever. Thank you very much for sharing.