Gelatina Venezolana
A vibrant and visually stunning layered gelatin dessert, a beloved treat in Venezuela, perfect for celebrations.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 packets (approx. 42g total) Unflavored gelatin powder
- 1 cup (200g) Granulated sugar
- 4 cups (950ml), divided Water
- 1 can (14 oz / 396g) Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz / 354ml) Evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- Various colors (e.g., red, yellow, blue, green) Food coloring
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the first colored gelatin layer: In a small bowl, sprinkle 1 packet of unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup (120ml) of cold water. Let it bloom for 5-10 minutes until spongy. In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup (50g) of sugar with 1 cup (240ml) of boiling water. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add the bloomed gelatin and stir until completely dissolved. Stir in a few drops of your chosen food coloring until you achieve a vibrant hue. Pour this mixture into your serving mold or individual cups. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm to the touch.
⏱️ 15 minutes active, 1 hour setting - 2
Prepare the milk layer: In a saucepan, combine 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk, 1 can (12 oz) of evaporated milk, and 1/2 cup (120ml) of water. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is warm but not boiling (about 5-7 minutes). Do not let it boil, as this can cause the milk to curdle. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sprinkle 2 packets of unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup (120ml) of cold water and let bloom for 5-10 minutes. Add 1/2 cup (120ml) of boiling water to the bloomed gelatin and stir until dissolved. Gradually whisk the dissolved gelatin into the warm milk mixture until well combined. Let this mixture cool to room temperature.
⏱️ 15 minutes active - 3
Assemble the second layer: Once the first colored layer is firm, gently pour a portion of the cooled milk mixture over it. Ensure the milk mixture is not too hot, or it will melt the layer beneath. Return the mold to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the milk layer is set.
⏱️ 1 hour setting - 4
Continue layering: Repeat steps 1 and 3, using the remaining gelatin powder (3 packets), sugar (3/4 cup / 150g), water (2 cups / 475ml), and food coloring to create additional colored layers. Alternate colored layers with the milk mixture, allowing each layer to set completely before adding the next. For best results, chill overnight to ensure all layers are fully set.
⏱️ Varies based on number of layers, minimum 4 hours setting - 5
Serve: Once the final layer is set, unmold the gelatin by dipping the mold briefly in warm water (if using a mold) and inverting it onto a serving plate, or serve directly from individual cups. Slice and enjoy the beautiful layers.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure each layer is completely set before adding the next to prevent colors from bleeding.
- ✓Use a variety of bright food colors for a visually appealing dessert.
- ✓This dessert is ideal for parties, birthdays, and festive gatherings.
- ✓For a richer milk layer, you can use whole milk instead of evaporated milk, but adjust the water accordingly.
- ✓If the milk mixture starts to set in the bowl, gently warm it slightly over low heat, stirring constantly, until it becomes pourable again.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add more layers for a taller and more intricate dessert.
- Experiment with different fruit flavors by using flavored gelatin powders instead of unflavored, adjusting sugar as needed.
- Incorporate fruit pieces like diced peaches or berries between layers for added texture and flavor.