This Creamy Pumpkin Orange Dessert with Agar-Agar is a deliciously light and refreshing treat, perfect for those who love the combination of creamy textures and the sweetness of pumpkin. The dessert is enhanced with zesty orange flavors and a rich hint of condensed milk. Agar-agar, a plant-based gelatin alternative, helps set the dessert beautifully while maintaining its smooth consistency. This recipe is ideal for fall, highlighting seasonal ingredients like pumpkin and citrus, but can be enjoyed year-round for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a light dessert after dinner or preparing it for a special event, this delightful dessert will impress your guests with its balanced flavors and unique texture.
Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this pumpkin-orange delicacy step by step.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1 liter milk
- 80g starch (cornstarch or potato starch)
- 150g condensed milk
- 30g butter
- 400g pumpkin (peeled and cubed)
- 100g sugar
- 1 orange (zested and juiced)
- 15g agar-agar powder
Steps to Make It:
- Prepare the Pumpkin:
- Start by peeling and cutting the pumpkin into small cubes. Place the pumpkin in a saucepan and add enough water to cover it. Boil the pumpkin until it’s soft and tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the water and mash the pumpkin until smooth, using a blender or a fork. Set the pumpkin puree aside to cool.
- Cook the Agar-Agar Mixture:
- In a small saucepan, combine 500ml of the milk and the agar-agar powder. Stir well to dissolve the agar-agar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to ensure the agar-agar dissolves completely.
- Once the mixture boils, lower the heat and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to activate the agar-agar. Set aside, but keep it warm as agar-agar sets quickly when cooled.
- Prepare the Custard Base:
- In another saucepan, whisk together the remaining 500ml of milk, 80g starch, and the sugar until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and slowly whisk it into the milk mixture.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken and resembles a custard. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, then stir in the condensed milk and butter, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Pumpkin with the Custard:
- Add the mashed pumpkin puree to the custard mixture, stirring until the pumpkin is fully incorporated. You should have a smooth, thick, creamy base at this point.
- Add the zest and juice of the orange, mixing well to incorporate the citrus flavor into the dessert. The orange adds a bright, refreshing contrast to the sweet pumpkin.
- Mix the Agar-Agar into the Custard:
- Gradually pour the warm agar-agar mixture into the pumpkin custard, stirring continuously. The agar-agar will help the dessert set without losing its creamy texture.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or condensed milk if necessary.
- Pour into Molds and Chill:
- Pour the pumpkin-orange mixture into individual serving molds or a large dessert dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Let the dessert cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
- Serve:
- Once set, gently remove the dessert from the molds (if using individual molds). You can garnish with additional orange zest, whipped cream, or a drizzle of condensed milk for added indulgence.
- Serve chilled for a light, creamy, and refreshing dessert that melts in your mouth.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
- Calcium: 120mg
- Vitamin A: 4500 IU
- Vitamin C: 20mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use gelatin instead of agar-agar? Yes, you can substitute agar-agar with gelatin. However, keep in mind that agar-agar sets differently than gelatin and is plant-based, while gelatin is animal-derived. Follow the instructions on your gelatin package for the correct quantity and setting times.
- What can I use as a substitute for condensed milk? You can substitute condensed milk with coconut milk or any other dairy-free milk alternative if you’re looking for a non-dairy option. You may need to adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if necessary.
- Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh pumpkin? Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to use unsweetened pumpkin puree and adjust the sweetness of the dessert as needed.
- How long does the dessert need to set in the refrigerator? The dessert needs at least 2 hours to fully set in the refrigerator, but for best results, you can leave it overnight for a firmer texture.
- Can I add spices to this dessert? Yes, you can enhance the flavors by adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. These spices pair beautifully with pumpkin and orange, giving the dessert a warm, aromatic flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Orange Dessert:
- Use Fresh, Ripe Pumpkins:
- For the best flavor, choose a ripe pumpkin that is sweet and not too fibrous. If you’re using fresh pumpkin, make sure it’s cooked until tender before mashing.
- Cook the Agar-Agar Properly:
- Ensure that you bring the agar-agar mixture to a full boil to activate its setting properties. If it doesn’t reach a boil, it may not set properly.
- Zest the Orange First:
- Before juicing the orange, make sure to zest it. The zest holds a lot of the orange’s natural oils and adds a bright citrus flavor to the dessert.
- Control the Sweetness:
- Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of sugar or condensed milk. Taste the mixture before setting to ensure it’s to your liking.
- Set in Interesting Molds:
- To create a stunning presentation, use decorative silicone molds or individual ramekins for serving. The smooth texture of the dessert will hold its shape beautifully when removed from the molds.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration:
Store the pumpkin dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Agar-agar desserts maintain their texture well in the fridge. - Freezing:
Agar-agar doesn’t freeze well, as it can change the texture of the dessert. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator rather than frozen.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Pumpkin Orange Dessert with Agar-Agar is a light and refreshing way to enjoy the flavors of fall with a twist. The combination of smooth pumpkin puree, zesty orange, and the richness of condensed milk creates a balanced dessert that’s both satisfying and unique. The use of agar-agar provides a light, creamy texture that sets beautifully, making this dessert easy to slice or serve in individual portions.
Perfect for special occasions or a family treat, this pumpkin-orange dessert is easy to customize and can be made ahead of time. Its vibrant flavors and creamy texture make it a delightful way to end any meal!
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Creamy Pumpkin Orange Dessert with Agar-Agar
- Author: Olivia
- Total Time: 35mins
Description
This Creamy Pumpkin Orange Dessert with Agar-Agar is a deliciously light and refreshing treat, perfect for those who love the combination of creamy textures and the sweetness of pumpkin. The dessert is enhanced with zesty orange flavors and a rich hint of condensed milk. Agar-agar, a plant-based gelatin alternative, helps set the dessert beautifully while maintaining its smooth consistency. This recipe is ideal for fall, highlighting seasonal ingredients like pumpkin and citrus, but can be enjoyed year-round for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a light dessert after dinner or preparing it for a special event, this delightful dessert will impress your guests with its balanced flavors and unique texture.
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 liter milk
- 80g starch (cornstarch or potato starch)
- 150g condensed milk
- 30g butter
- 400g pumpkin (peeled and cubed)
- 100g sugar
- 1 orange (zested and juiced)
- 15g agar-agar powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Pumpkin:
- Start by peeling and cutting the pumpkin into small cubes. Place the pumpkin in a saucepan and add enough water to cover it. Boil the pumpkin until it’s soft and tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the water and mash the pumpkin until smooth, using a blender or a fork. Set the pumpkin puree aside to cool.
- Cook the Agar-Agar Mixture:
- In a small saucepan, combine 500ml of the milk and the agar-agar powder. Stir well to dissolve the agar-agar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to ensure the agar-agar dissolves completely.
- Once the mixture boils, lower the heat and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to activate the agar-agar. Set aside, but keep it warm as agar-agar sets quickly when cooled.
- Prepare the Custard Base:
- In another saucepan, whisk together the remaining 500ml of milk, 80g starch, and the sugar until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and slowly whisk it into the milk mixture.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken and resembles a custard. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, then stir in the condensed milk and butter, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Pumpkin with the Custard:
- Add the mashed pumpkin puree to the custard mixture, stirring until the pumpkin is fully incorporated. You should have a smooth, thick, creamy base at this point.
- Add the zest and juice of the orange, mixing well to incorporate the citrus flavor into the dessert. The orange adds a bright, refreshing contrast to the sweet pumpkin.
- Mix the Agar-Agar into the Custard:
- Gradually pour the warm agar-agar mixture into the pumpkin custard, stirring continuously. The agar-agar will help the dessert set without losing its creamy texture.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or condensed milk if necessary.
- Pour into Molds and Chill:
- Pour the pumpkin-orange mixture into individual serving molds or a large dessert dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Let the dessert cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
- Serve:
- Once set, gently remove the dessert from the molds (if using individual molds). You can garnish with additional orange zest, whipped cream, or a drizzle of condensed milk for added indulgence.
- Serve chilled for a light, creamy, and refreshing dessert that melts in your mouth.
- Prep Time: 15mins
- Cook Time: 20mins