Agar Agar Dessert Recipes Vegan for Easy Healthy Treats

Updated On: October 4, 2025

If you’re seeking a refreshing, light, and completely vegan dessert, agar agar is your new best friend. Derived from seaweed, agar agar is a fantastic plant-based gelatin substitute that sets beautifully, providing a perfect texture for a variety of sweet treats.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply exploring healthier dessert options, agar agar desserts offer a unique combination of firmness and melt-in-your-mouth delight without the need for animal products.

Plus, they come packed with fiber and are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for guilt-free indulgence.

In this post, we’ll explore several delicious vegan agar agar dessert recipes that are not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. From fruity jellies to creamy puddings, these recipes highlight agar agar’s magical ability to turn simple ingredients into stunning desserts.

So, let’s dive into the world of vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and delightful textures that only agar agar can offer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Agar agar desserts are a game-changer for anyone following a vegan or plant-based diet. Unlike traditional gelatin, which is animal-derived, agar agar is 100% vegan and sustainable.

It sets at room temperature, so no need to chill for hours, saving you time and energy.

These desserts are incredibly versatile—you can customize flavors, colors, and shapes to your heart’s content. Plus, agar agar is rich in fiber, helping support digestion, and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol.

Whether you’re craving a light snack or an elegant dessert for guests, agar agar is a reliable, healthy choice.

Ingredients

  • Agar agar powder: 2 teaspoons (you can also use flakes, but powder dissolves faster)
  • Plant-based milk: 2 cups (coconut, almond, soy, or oat milk all work well)
  • Sweetener: 1/4 cup maple syrup, agave nectar, or sugar
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (for flavor)
  • Fresh fruit: 1 cup, chopped (mango, strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, or mixed fruits)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice for a fresh tang

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Heatproof bowls or silicone molds
  • Refrigerator (optional, for firmer setting)
  • Knife and cutting board (for preparing fruit)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the fruit: Wash and chop your choice of fresh fruits into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  2. Heat the milk: Pour the plant-based milk into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  3. Add agar agar powder: While stirring constantly with a whisk, sprinkle the agar agar powder into the boiling milk. Continue stirring to ensure it fully dissolves. This usually takes about 2 minutes.
  4. Sweeten and flavor: Add your sweetener and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir well to combine.
  5. Optional citrus: Stir in lemon or lime juice for a subtle tangy note that brightens flavors.
  6. Combine fruit and agar mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and gently fold in the chopped fruit. Alternatively, you can pour the agar mixture first into molds and add fruit afterward for a layered effect.
  7. Pour into molds: Transfer the mixture into heatproof bowls or silicone molds. Smooth the surface if needed.
  8. Set the dessert: Let the agar agar dessert cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for an additional hour for firmer texture.
  9. Serve: Once set, carefully unmold or serve directly from bowls. Garnish with more fresh fruit or mint if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For beautifully layered agar agar jelly, pour the mixture in stages, allowing each layer to partially set before adding the next.”

  • Use fruit juices instead of plant milk to create vibrant, translucent jellies. Make sure the juice is unsweetened and adjust sweetener accordingly.
  • Try coconut milk agar agar pudding by mixing coconut cream with agar agar and sweetener for a rich, creamy dessert.
  • Add herbs or spices such as mint, basil, or cinnamon during boiling for an aromatic twist.
  • For firmer jelly, increase agar agar by 0.5 teaspoons; reduce for softer set.
  • Incorporate chia seeds or nuts for added texture and nutritional boost.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 120-150 (varies by milk and sweetener)
Fat 3-7g (higher if using coconut milk)
Carbohydrates 20-25g
Fiber 2-4g (agar agar is a good source)
Protein 1-3g
Sugar 15-20g (from sweetener and fruit)
Cholesterol 0mg (fully vegan)

Serving Suggestions

Serve your agar agar dessert chilled on its own for a refreshing treat. For added flair, top with fresh berries, a drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.

Pair it with a cup of herbal tea or a cold brew coffee for a light afternoon snack. Agar agar desserts also make beautiful additions to festive platters or lunchbox treats.

For more vegan-friendly recipe inspiration, check out our Blackberry Juicing Recipes or try the delightful Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe. If you love desserts, you might also enjoy our 50 Cupcake Recipes for a sweet vegan treat!

Delicious Vegan Agar Agar Dessert Recipes

Mango Coconut Agar Agar Jelly

This tropical delight combines creamy coconut milk with fresh mango for a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

  • Ingredients: 2 tsp agar agar powder, 2 cups coconut milk, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 cup diced mango, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Instructions: Follow the basic instructions above, substituting plant milk with coconut milk and folding in mango before setting.

Mixed Berry Agar Agar Jelly

A vibrant and colorful dessert featuring juicy berries suspended in a light agar agar jelly.

  • Ingredients: 2 tsp agar agar, 2 cups plant-based milk, 1/4 cup agave syrup, 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries), 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Instructions: Dissolve agar agar in the milk, add sweetener and lemon juice, pour into molds with berries, and chill.

Chocolate Almond Agar Agar Pudding

A rich and creamy dessert perfect for chocolate lovers, made with almond milk and cocoa powder.

  • Ingredients: 2 tsp agar agar, 2 cups almond milk, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 3 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Instructions: Whisk agar agar and cocoa powder into boiling almond milk, add sweetener and vanilla, then set in molds.

Conclusion

Agar agar is a spectacular ingredient that opens up a world of creative, vegan-friendly dessert possibilities. Its plant-based origin, combined with its firm setting properties and nutritional benefits, makes it a must-have in any vegan kitchen.

Whether you prefer fruity jellies, creamy puddings, or layered desserts, agar agar provides the perfect canvas to experiment with flavors and textures.

These recipes highlight just how simple and rewarding it is to make vegan desserts that look stunning and taste delicious. Once you try agar agar, you’ll find it’s an indispensable staple for crafting healthy, beautiful treats that everyone can enjoy.

For more culinary inspiration, explore our other recipes like the savory Best Spg Seasoning Recipe or the comforting Bread And Gravy Recipe. Happy cooking and enjoy your vegan dessert adventures!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Agar Agar Dessert

Description: A light and refreshing vegan dessert made with agar agar and coconut milk. Perfectly sweetened and easy to prepare for a healthy treat.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon agar agar powder
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup fresh mango, diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine agar agar powder and water in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
  3. Add coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract; stir well.
  4. Simmer for another 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
  5. Pour mixture into molds or a dish and let cool to room temperature.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.
  7. Top with fresh mango, strawberries, and shredded coconut before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 18g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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