Fruit jelly

The fruit jelly dessert with layers of cherries, apricots, and strawberries is a perfect choice for warm summer days or any special occasion. This elegant dessert not only looks wonderful but is also extremely refreshing, loved by all ages, especially children. I will present you with an engaging recipe, step by step, to help you achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 6-8 hours (ideally overnight)
Number of servings: 10-12

Necessary ingredients

For Layer 1 (Cherries):
- 250 g cherries (washed and pitted)
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 100 ml liquid cream
- 150 ml water
- 10 g gelatin (sheets or granules)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

For Layer 2 (Apricots):
- 250 g apricots (washed and pitted)
- 5-6 tablespoons sugar
- 100 ml cream
- 150 ml water
- 10 g gelatin (sheets or granules)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

For Layer 3 (Strawberries):
- 250 g strawberries (washed and hulled)
- 100 ml cream
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 10 g gelatin (sheets or granules)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

For Layer 4 (Cream):
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 10 g gelatin (sheets or granules)
- Vanilla to taste

What makes this dessert so special?

Our fruit jelly dessert is not just a visual delight but also an explosion of flavors and textures. Each jelly layer is enriched with fresh fruits, and the creamy texture of the cream adds a touch of refinement. Moreover, fruit jelly is an excellent way to consume the vitamins and antioxidants from fruits, making it a healthy choice.

Step by step: Preparing the dessert

1. Preparing the first layer (Layer 1 - Cherries)
- In a saucepan, add the washed and pitted cherries along with 150 ml of water and 10 tablespoons of sugar. Put the saucepan over medium heat and let it boil for 3-4 minutes.
- Once the cherries have softened, allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Strain the mixture through a sieve to remove the seeds. Add the vanilla sugar and gelatin, which has been soaked in cold water for 5 minutes and then squeezed (in the case of gelatin sheets). Mix well until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Add the liquid cream and mix gently. If the gelatin hasn't completely melted, you can put the mixture on low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour the mixture into a loaf pan lined with double cling film and refrigerate to set.

2. Preparing the second layer (Layer 2 - Apricots)
- Proceed similarly to Layer 1. Wash and pit the apricots, then place them on heat with 5-6 tablespoons of sugar and 150 ml of water. Boil for 3-4 minutes, then puree, strain, and add the vanilla sugar, gelatin, and cream.
- When the mixture is homogeneous, carefully pour it over the cherry layer, ensuring the two layers bond well.

3. Preparing the third layer (Layer 3 - Strawberries)
- Hull the strawberries and place them in a bowl with 5 tablespoons of sugar. Let them sit for a few minutes to release their juice, then puree and strain.
- Mix with vanilla, gelatin, and liquid cream. Pour the mixture over the apricot layer and refrigerate to set.

4. Preparing the cream (Layer 4)
- In a saucepan, heat the liquid cream and sugar over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the gelatin (mixed with a little water) and vanilla, stirring continuously to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
- Pour this final mixture over the strawberry layer and refrigerate until the next day.

Serving and presentation suggestions

Once the dessert has completely set, remove the jelly from the mold and peel off the film. Cut into slices and serve on beautiful platters. You can decorate each slice with a little whipped cream, fresh fruits, or mint leaves for an extra splash of color and freshness.

Tips and variations

- You can experiment with other fruits like peaches, mangoes, or berries. Each variation brings a unique flavor and different texture.
- If you don’t have gelatin, you can use agar-agar for a vegan option, following the instructions on the packaging for use.
- An interesting idea would be to add some nuts or toasted almonds between layers for a contrast of textures.

Nutritional information

This dessert is not only delicious but also beneficial for health. Fresh fruits provide essential vitamins, while cream adds a calcium boost. Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen fruits?
Yes, frozen fruits are an excellent alternative, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.

2. How can I enhance the flavor of the dessert?
Add a little lemon juice or lemon zest for a vibrant touch of freshness.

3. Can I make the dessert less sweet?
Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences, being careful not to affect the jelly's texture.

This fruit jelly dessert is not just a culinary masterpiece but also a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal fruits. Try this recipe and bring a splash of color and flavor into your life!