When one thinks of jelly, one usually imagines a jar full of a jelly-like substance often served as a snack or dessert. Did you know that flavored jelly can also be frozen in the form of cubes? Jelly cubes are perfect for coloring clear drinks (like carbonated water) while keeping them cold. There is also the possibility of making ice cubes with classic jelly, perfect for winter themed parties and for decorating cakes.
Ingrediants
Flavored Ice Cubes
- 85g flavored gelatin sachet
- 2 cups (500 ml) of boiling water
- ½ cup (120 ml) of cold water
Decorative Ice Cubes
- 4 cups (1 l) of water or juice
- 4 sachets of gelatin
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) of sugar
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Make Flavored Frozen Jelly Cubes
Step 1. Empty a flavored gelatin sachet into a bowl
One 85g pack is enough to fill at least one ice tray. Note that this also depends on the size and shape of the tray compartments.
- Frozen jelly cubes are well compacted, perfect for adding a pop of color to a drink without altering and mixing colors or flavors.
- If you have a large enough measuring cup, use it instead of the bowl to make the procedure easier.
Step 2. Pour the boiling water into the bowl and stir
An 85g gelatin sachet requires 2 cups (500ml) of boiling water. If the package contains a different quantity, follow the instructions.
Make sure you mix well to make the gelatin dissolve completely
Step 3. Add half of the cold water
An 85g sachet of flavored gelatin usually requires 1 cup (250ml) of cold water. Halve this amount, so you only use ½ cup (about 120ml).
Step 4. Pour the flavored gelatin into the ice tray
If the bowl does not have a spout, scoop out the jelly with a ladle and pour it into each compartment.
It is recommended to use a silicone ice tray
Step 5. Put the flavored gelatin in the freezer
Don't wait for it to thicken: put the tray directly in the freezer and let the jelly freeze. It will take at least 4 hours.
Method 2 of 2: Make Decorative Frozen Jelly Cubes
Step 1. Pour ½ cup (120ml) of juice into a bowl
You can also use a 1 liter measuring cup. For an even more ice-like effect, choose a clear or blue juice. If you don't care about flavor, you can use plain water.
- These jelly cubes have the function of imitating the shape of ice. They are perfect for winter themed parties or for making certain types of desserts.
- You can also try using a clear carbonated drink.
Step 2. Add 4 sachets of neutral gelatin and let it hydrate
Open 4 sachets of clear, neutral gelatin, then pour them into the water. Quickly mix the solution and wait for the gelatin to hydrate. It will take about 5 minutes.
Step 3. Microwave the solution to melt the gelatin
Make sure the bowl or measuring cup is microwave safe. If not, pour the mixture into another container. Put it in the oven and let the gelatin dissolve on maximum power. It will take about 1 minute.
Step 4. Incorporate the sugar and remaining juice
First add the sugar and stir it until it dissolves completely. Pour in the remaining juice (or water), then stir. Mix the ingredients until you get a homogeneous color.
Step 5. Prepare the mold
You can use a 23 x 29 cm glass dish or an ice tray. Coat the inner surface by spraying it with cooking spray to make it easier for the cubes to come out. If you are using a silicone tray, please skip this step.
Use a classic tray, with cubes-shaped compartments. This way you will no longer be able to recreate the ice. Store the trays with compartments in the shape of a fish, heart, star, dinosaur, and so on for another project
Step 6. Pour the mixture into the mold
If you used an ice tray, there may be some jelly left over. Pour it into a small baking sheet or other tray, making sure to sprinkle some cooking spray on it before you pour it.
Step 7. Let the gelatine thicken in the fridge
It will take about 1 hour. Remember that jelly cubes have the function of imitating ice, but obviously they do not have the same consistency.
Step 8. Cut the gelatin into cubes, then remove it from the mold
Try to get squares of equal size, more or less than 3 cm. You can also cut rectangles. If the cubes have stuck to the mold, try soaking the bottom of the bowl in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
If you used an ice tray, you can immediately use the cubes or cut them to make them smaller
Advice
- Put the frozen jelly cubes in juices and carbonated drinks, preferably clear.
- Try to prefer filtered or bottled water to tap water. Containing many minerals, it can alter the taste of jelly.
- Colored / flavored ice cubes go best with clear drinks.
- If there is any jelly left over, you can also pour it into several jars and serve it conventionally.
Warnings
- If you want to use frozen jelly cubes to decorate a cake, be careful, as they can cause it to melt and cause a mess.
- Although it is possible to freeze gelatin, this product has not actually been studied for this purpose. When it thaws, it will not melt, but the consistency will change.
- Frozen gelatin can also change in flavor as it defrosts.
