Rainbow Jelly Cake with Agar-Agar (Printable)

Multi-layer agar-agar jelly in rainbow colors with coconut cream topping; dairy- and gluten-free, chilled for clean slices.

# What You'll Need:

→ Agar-Agar Jelly Layers

01 - 2 tablespoons agar-agar powder (about 16 g)
02 - 900 ml water
03 - 200 g granulated sugar
04 - Food colorings: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

→ Coconut Cream Layer

06 - 400 ml coconut cream
07 - 200 ml water
08 - 2 tablespoons agar-agar powder (about 16 g)
09 - 100 g granulated sugar
10 - Pinch of salt

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons agar-agar powder with 900 ml water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until agar-agar dissolves completely (about 3 minutes). Add 200 g sugar and vanilla extract, stirring until dissolved.
02 - Remove from heat and divide the clear agar mixture into 6 bowls. Add a few drops of each food coloring to create red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
03 - Pour the red layer into a rectangular or round mold (about 20 cm diameter). Let it cool for 5–8 minutes, until just set but not too firm. Repeat with orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, allowing each layer to set before adding the next.
04 - In a clean saucepan, mix 2 tablespoons agar-agar powder with 200 ml water and 400 ml coconut cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring well. Add 100 g sugar and pinch of salt, stir until dissolved.
05 - Once the last jelly color has set, gently pour the warm coconut cream mixture over the rainbow layers. Allow to cool to room temperature.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until completely firm. Gently loosen edges and invert onto a serving plate.
07 - Cut into neat slices or cubes. Serve cold.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This cake is as much fun to make as it is to eat — trust me, layering each color feels like a mini art project.
  • It stays luscious and light, perfect for hot weather and ideal for anyone who's gluten or dairy free.
02 -
  • If the agar-agar isn’t fully dissolved, you'll notice grainy bits in your layers — I learned this the hard way.
  • Pouring the next color too soon leads to swirling (unless you want a tie-dye effect), so patience between layers pays off.
03 -
  • Simmer but never boil coconut cream vigorously, or the texture can separate.
  • If your layers resist releasing, dip the mold in warm water for a few seconds before inverting.
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