Sweet juicy grapes suspended in a sweet, wobbly purple jelly. This grape jelly is a refreshing, fruity dessert!
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If you are looking for an easy dessert that is light and refreshing this is the one for you! There is something so satisfying about jelly. Whether it's the wobble or satisfying melt-in-your-mouth texture you can't go wrong with a fruity jelly.
Rather than making jelly from a packet of artificial colorings and flavorings why not use fresh fruit to create your very own. It's so easy to make and everyone will love you for it!
How to peel a grape
Peeling grapes will change in difficulty depending on the kind of grape you use. Usually the thicker the skin of the grape the easier it is to peel. However, no matter what grape you use, blanching the skin will help it come off easier.
Peeling grapes will always be a time-consuming task, and these tips aren't going to make the grapes pop out of their skins. However, it will make the whole process a whole lot easier.
Cut a cross at the top of the grape
Cutting a cross allows more of the water to enter under the skin when the grape is blanched. It also gives us an area we can start peeling the skin from.
Prepare an ice water bath
You want to prepare the ice water bath before you blanch the grapes as you will need it immediately. Just a bowl of water full of ice is perfect.
Blanch for 10 seconds
Once all your grapes have been cut with a cross pour boiling hot water over them. Let them sit for 10 seconds, then strain the grapes. Immediately place them in the ice water bath.
If you leave the grapes in the hot water bath for too long it'll make it harder to get the grape skins off so work quickly!
Drain
Once your grapes have had 10 seconds or so to cool remove them from the ice water bath and peel immediately.
Peel
The quicker you peel your grapes the easier the skins will come off. If you let your grapes sit for too long the skins will become difficult to peel again.
If you are working with a large number of grapes I recommend working in batches. Blanching the next batch after you finish peeling the first.
Ingredients
Powdered gelatine
Gelatine is the setting agent used in these. Make sure you use the right amount otherwise it won't set properly.
You can use gelatine leaves as well. However, keep in mind that gelatine leaves often have different setting strengths. Check the packet and follow the number of gelatine leaves needed to set 2 cups of liquid.
Cold water
The cold water is needed to bloom the gelatin, this causes the gelatine granules to absorb water and work at its full potential.
Make sure you use cold water as warm or hot water can melt your gelatin.
Purple grapes
While you can use green grapes too you won't get the purple color in the jelly itself. Flavor-wise they will be equally as delicious.
Make sure you use seedless grapes otherwise you'll be picking seeds out while you are trying to enjoy your jelly!
Water
This water makes up the main body of the kelly and will be cooked with sugar and grape skins to create a sweet, purple jelly mixture with a light grape fragrance.
White sugar
Sugar is needed to sweeten the jelly. You can increase or decrease this to your liking without affecting the texture of the jelly!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this last?
This will last up to 4 days when stored covered in the fridge. Make sure you keep the jellies chilled when storing, and remove them just before consuming.
Can I use different kinds of fruit?
Yes! Fruits like berries, mango, and oranges are great in jelly.
Make sure you don't use pineapples or kiwifruits when making jelly though! These fruits contain enzymes, that break down gelatine. This means that the jelly will never set.
If you do want to use these fruits you'll need to cook them first.
Do I have to peel the grapes?
Definitely not! While peeling the grapes will enhance the overall texture as the skins aren't there, it isn't essential. As long as you are using a grape with thin skin it'll be completely fine.
My gelatin isn't setting
There are a couple of reasons why your gelatine isn't setting:
- The gelatine powder wasn't bloomed
- Not enough gelatine was used
- The jelly needs more time to set
Can I use gelatine leaves instead of powder?
Yes, you can! Gelatine leaves are great as they set clearer than powder. If you are using leaves check how many leaves are needed to set 2 cups of liquid, that will be perfect for this recipe.
Let's Get Cooking
If you liked this recipe make sure to leave me a comment and rating down below, I would love to know how you went. Also don't forget to tag me on Instagram @catherine.desserts so I can see and share your desserts.
Follow me on facebook, pinterest, youtube and tiktok for more of my baking creations and updates! Until next time... happy caking!
Print📖 Recipe
Grape Jelly
Sweet juicy grapes suspended in a sweet, wobbly purple jelly. A refreshing, fruity dessert!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 large cups 1x
- Category: Pudding
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Grape Jelly
- 2 tsp Powdered gelatin
- 1 tbsp Cold water
- 2 cups Purple grapes
- 480 ml Water (2 cups)
- 38g White sugar (3 tbsp)
Assembly
- Gold leaf, optional
- More whole grapes, to decorate
Instructions
- Combine the cold water and gelatin, set side to bloom
- Prepare a bowl of ice cold water
- Cut a cross at the top of each grape and pour over boiling water, sit for 10 seconds, then drain
- Immediately place the grapes in the cold water, sit for 10 seconds, then drain
- Peel the grapes reserving the skins (the blanching process will make them a lot easier to peel)
- Combine the water, sugar and grape skins in a small saucepan and bring to the boil
- Add the bloomed gelatin and stir to dissolve
- Remove from the heat
- Prepare two glasses and fill with the peeled grapes
- Pour over the warm jelly mixture, leaving more than 1cm at the top of the glass to create the flower (optional), reserve the remaining jelly mixture for later
- Place in the fridge to set for 1 hour
- Thinly slice several unpeeled grapes and arrange them in a flower pattern on top of the semi-set jelly
- Pour over the remaining jelly mixture and speckle with gold flakes
- Place in the fridge for 3 hours, or until fully set
- Enjoy chilled!
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Lee
Hi, can I use kanten powder?
Catherine Zhang
Hi Lee, Kanten powder will work, but it won't be as wobbly as gelatine 😊