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How To Make Kanten Jelly
5 from 24 votes

How To Make Kanten Jelly

Kanten Jelly is a gelatinous dessert made using agar powder, water, and sugar, set in a square pan for easy cutting into cubes. This Japanese-style jelly relies on agar, a plant-based gelatin substitute, which requires boiling to activate its setting properties. The result is a firm, slightly springy jelly that holds its shape well and can be flavored by adjusting the sugar quantity.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Additional Time
30 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 16 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp agar powder see Notes, aka kanten
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 Tbsp sugar (or more, to taste)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Gather all the ingredients. You will need an 8- x 8-inch (20- x 20-cm) baking dish, which is a perfect size to cut kanten jelly into nice cubes.
  2. Add 2 cups water and 2 tsp kanten (agar) powder in a small saucepan.
  3. Whisk the mixture together and bring it to a hard boil on medium-high heat, being careful not to let the liquid boil over.
  4. After the mixture has boiled and the kanten powder is dissolved, add 2 Tbsp sugar and cook on low heat for 2 minutes. Tip: If you add sugar before boiling, the kanten powder may not dissolve.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the stove and pour the mixture into an 8- x 8-inch (20 x 20-cm) baking dish. Allow it to cool and let the kanten set in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
  6. Cut into ½-inch (1.5-cm) cubes. Kanten Jelly is ready to serve.
To Store
  1. Keep the jelly in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Use powdered agar (kanten) for easiest measurement and best dissolution in boiling water.
  • If using kanten sticks, soak pieces in water for 30 minutes to help dissolve before boiling.
  • Adding sugar after boiling improves agar dissolution and jelly texture.
  • Kanten jelly can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Substitute gelatin or agar using provided measurement equivalences if needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories 16kcal (1%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 1g (2%) Sodium 1mg (0%) Potassium 1mg (0%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 4g (8%) Calcium 11mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 16

% Daily Value*

Calories 16kcal 1%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 1g 2%
Sodium 1mg 0%
Potassium 1mg 0%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 4g 8%
Calcium 11mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.