Filipino Agar-Agar Fruit Salad (Gulaman at Prutas)
Agar-Agar Fruit Salad (gulaman at prutas) is a chilled Filipino dessert that combines gelatinous agar-agar strips with sweetened cream and fruit cocktail. This no-bake treat features translucent jelly strips suspended in a rich mixture of condensed milk and all-purpose cream, studded with colorful fruit pieces. Popular at celebrations and during summer months, it balances sweet and creamy flavors with refreshing textures.
Equipment
- Large pot (kaldero) for cooking gulaman
- Rectangular pan (lalagyan) for setting jelly
- Whisk (Panghalo) for mixing ingredients
- Sharp knife (kutsilyo) for cutting jelly
- Large mixing bowl (mangkok) for final assembly
- Measuring spoons (kutsara pansukat) for precise measurement
- Measuring cups (tasa pansukat) for precise measurement
Ingredients
For the Jelly Base (Gulaman):
- 4 tablespoons agar-agar powder gulaman
- 2 liters water tubig
- 1 tablespoon flavoring extract optional
For the Cream Mixture:
- 1 can 850g fruit cocktail, drained
- 2 cans 250ml each all-purpose cream (krema)
- 1 can 370ml condensed milk (kondensadang gatas)
Instructions
- Start by combining agar-agar powder and water in a medium pot over medium heat. Stir until the powder completely dissolves, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in your chosen flavoring extract and keep stirring until the mixture starts to boil. Cook until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. You'll know it's done when the liquid coats the back of your spoon.
- Pour the hot mixture into a rectangular pan. Let it cool on your counter until it becomes firm, about 1 hour. You can test if it's ready by gently touching the surface - your finger shouldn't leave a mark.
- After it's firm, use a sharp knife to cut it into thin strips. First cut in straight lines one way, then cut across to make long, thin pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine your drained fruit cocktail, all-purpose cream, and condensed milk. Mix these together gently until everything is well combined.
- Add your cut-up agar-agar strips to the cream mixture. Using a spatula, fold everything together carefully so you don't break the strips. If the mixture feels too thick, add 2 tablespoons of the fruit cocktail syrup.
- Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. Serve it cold, and if you like, top with a cherry before serving.
Tips from Lola's Kitchen
- Use cold water for clearer gulaman
- Cut gulaman when completely set to prevent breaking
- Drain fruit cocktail well to prevent watery salad
- Chill mixing bowl before combining ingredients
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 13mgPotassium: 1mgFiber: 1gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 0.2IUVitamin C: 0.004mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 0.01mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!