Are you looking for a delicious, vibrant and color popping vegan jelly that's quick and easy to make? Look no further than this simple recipe for Dragon Fruit Jelly! With just three ingredients, you can create a tasty jelly that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is also vegan friendly!

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is not only visually stunning with its vibrant pink or white flesh and black seeds, but it is also deliciously sweet and juicy, making it perfect for various recipes including:
- Dragonfruit Chia Pudding
- 3 Ingredient Dragonfruit Yogurt Bark
- Dragonfruit and Pineapple Smoothie
- Dragonfruit Popsicles
- Dragonfruit Matcha Latte
Cutting a dragonfruit is easy and there are various ways to do it, which I won't list out in this blog article because I already have previously in "How To Cut A Dragonfruit".
How To Make Dragonfruit Jelly
To make this delightful vegan jelly, all you need is 1 fresh purple dragon fruit, sugar, and agar agar powder. The purple dragon fruit colour will slowly be absorbed by the jelly mixture, creating beautiful vibrant dragon fruit jelly! In no time, you'll have a vibrant, fun, and sweet jelly that's perfect for a summer treat or as a light dessert option.
So why wait? Grab a dragon fruit and get ready to indulge in this mouth-watering vegan jelly. Let's dive into the step-by-step process of making Dragon Fruit Jelly!
Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is not only visually stunning with its vibrant pink or white flesh and black seeds, but it also has numerous health benefits. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, dragon fruit is a nutritious choice for any dessert.
It is rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin. Additionally, dragon fruit contains dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. Incorporating dragon fruit into your jelly not only adds a burst of color but also enhances the nutritional value of your dessert.
Dragon fruit is also known for its high antioxidant content. These antioxidants help combat free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. The fruit is also a good source of iron, which is essential for the production of red blood cells and oxygen transportation in the body. With its impressive array of health benefits, dragon fruit is a fantastic ingredient to incorporate into your jelly.
Ingredients Needed for Dragon Fruit Jelly
To make this delightful jelly, all you need is 1 fresh purple dragon fruit, ⅔ cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon + 1tsp of agar agar powder. Dragon fruit can be easily found in most grocery stores or Asian markets. It is important to choose a ripe fruit that is firm but not overly soft. The vibrant purple color of the dragon fruit will add a beautiful hue to your jelly.
Agar agar powder, derived from seaweed, is a natural alternative to gelatin. It acts as a thickening agent and gives the jelly its desired consistency. Agar agar is also vegan-friendly, making it a suitable option for those following a plant-based diet.
Step By Step Instructions for Making Dragon Fruit Jelly
Slice the dragon fruit into cubed sized pieces and set aside. To make the jelly, dissolve the sugar and agar agar powder in hot water. Pour the mixture into the molds and allow it to cool down before adding the cubed pieces of purple dragon fruit. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Peel the dragon fruit by slicing in half and removing the skin by peeling it.
- Slice the dragon fruit into cubed-sized pieces and set them aside. The cubes should be small enough to fit into the molds.
- Add the water to a pot.
- Add the sugar and agar agar powder to the water and dissolve by storing with a whisk. Note that the starting temperature of the water needs to be warm or room temperature (I live in Southeast Asia so my room temperature is relatively warm).
- Turn the heat on (if not already on) and constantly stir the mixture until the water starts to boil. This should take approximately 5 minutes. This is an important step to ensure that the mixture is completely smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into the molds, filling them about three-quarters full. Leave some space at the top to add the cubed pieces of purple dragon fruit later.
- Allow the mixture to cool down slightly before adding the cubed pieces of dragon fruit to the molds.
- Refrigerate the molds for at least 2 hours, or until the jelly is set. This will allow the purple dragon fruit color to slowly be absorbed by the jelly mixture, creating a beautiful vibrant dragon fruit jelly.
- Once the jelly is set, remove the molds from the refrigerator and carefully unmold the jelly. Serve the jelly on its own or with additional toppings such as whipped cream or fresh fruit.


Tips for Perfecting Your Dragon Fruit Jelly
- Make sure to use a ripe dragon fruit.
- When dissolving the sugar and agar agar powder in hot water, make sure to stir continuously to avoid any lumps. A smooth mixture will result in a consistent jelly texture. If you fail at this step then don't fear! Read on for my next tip.
- Use a fine-mesh strainer whilst pouring the jelly mixture into the molds for a smoother jelly texture. (I'm too lazy to do this but I've always managed to achieve a smooth jelly texture by dissolving well earlier).
- Experiment with the amount of sugar used to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
- Experiment with the softness of the jelly by decreasing the amount of agar agar. The 7 teaspoon in this recipe creates a very firm, sliceable jelly that holds it shape very well. You may prefer a softer jelly for different uses.
- If you want to add a touch of acidity to your jelly, you can squeeze a small amount of lemon or lime juice into the mixture. This will enhance the flavor and add a tangy kick.
Variations and Additional Ingredients for Flavoring
While the simplicity of the three-ingredient dragon fruit jelly is appealing, you can experiment with additional ingredients and flavors to create unique variations. Here are some ideas:
- Coconut Dragon Fruit Vegan Jelly: Add a tropical twist to your jelly by adding coconut junks into the mixture. This will give it a subtle coconut flavor.
- Mango Dragon Fruit Jelly: Combine the vibrant colors and flavors of mango and dragon fruit by pureeing ripe mangoes and incorporating them into the jelly mixture. This will result in a fruity and tropical delight.
- Use white dragon fruit. If you want to make this with white dragon fruit instead you can. It would look lovely next to the bright purple ones! I'm absolutely going to try this for next time.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different fruits, flavors, and textures to customize your dragon fruit jelly to your liking.
Storing and Preserving Dragon Fruit Jelly
To store the vegan jelly, place it in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It is best consumed within 3-4 days to maintain its freshness and texture.
Frequently asked questions about dragon fruit jelly
Can I use other colors of dragon fruit for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use white dragon fruit instead of the purple variety. Of course the color of the dragon fruit will affect the final color of the jelly.
Can I use gelatin instead of agar agar powder?
Yes, you can use gelatin as a substitute for agar agar powder. However note that this recipe is a vegan jelly, whereas Gelatin is NOT vegan friendly. Also, gelatin jelly will lose its shape when not refrigerated.
Can I use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar?
I personally am yet to try this! I'm going to trying this recipe with monk fruit sweetener soon so I will update again as soon as I've tried it.
Can I add other fruits to the jelly?
Absolutely! You can add additional fruits to the jelly, such as diced mangoes or strawberries, to create a fruit medley jelly.
Conclusion and final thoughts
Dragon fruit jelly is a delightful and visually stunning treat that can be enjoyed by all. With just three simple ingredients, you can create a vibrant and flavorful dessert that will impress your family and friends. The health benefits of dragon fruit, combined with its unique taste and texture, make it a fantastic choice for any occasion.
Whether you enjoy it on its own, as part of a layered dessert, or as a topping for cakes and pastries, dragon fruit jelly is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Get creative with different flavors and variations, and don't be afraid to experiment with other fruits and ingredients. The possibilities are endless!
So why wait? Grab a dragon fruit and get ready to indulge in this mouth-watering jelly. Follow the step-by-step instructions, and in no time, you'll have a vibrant, fun, and sweet jelly that's perfect for a summer treat or as a light dessert option. Enjoy!

Dragon Fruit Jelly
Ingredients
- 1 purple dragon fruit peeled and sliced into cubes
- 7 teaspoon agar agar
- ⅔ cup sugar I use white sugar to maintain the bright purple color
- 1 litre water room temperature
Instructions
- Peel the dragon fruit by slicing in half and removing the skin by peeling it.
- Slice the dragon fruit into cubed-sized pieces and set them aside. The cubes should be small enough to fit into the molds.
- Add the water to a pot.
- Add the sugar and agar agar powder to the water and dissolve by storing with a whisk. Note that the starting temperature of the water needs to be warm or room temperature (I live in Southeast Asia so my room temperature is relatively warm).
- Turn the heat on (if not already on) and constantly stir the mixture until the water starts to boil. This should take approximately 5 minutes. This is an important step to ensure that the mixture is completely smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into the molds, filling them about three-quarters full. Leave some space at the top to add the cubed pieces of purple dragon fruit later.
- Allow the mixture to cool down slightly before adding the cubed pieces of dragon fruit to the molds.
- Refrigerate the molds for at least 2 hours, or until the jelly is set. This will allow the purple dragon fruit color to slowly be absorbed by the jelly mixture, creating a beautiful vibrant dragon fruit jelly.
- Once the jelly is set, remove the molds from the refrigerator and carefully unmold the jelly. Serve the jelly on its own or with additional toppings such as whipped cream or fresh fruit.
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