Sweet Japanese Kanten
Sweet Japanese Kanten
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6
Category: Dessert
Author: Chef Marlene Watson Tara
Date Published: June 25, 2026
Ingredients
4 cups organic apple juice
4 tbsp agar-agar flakes, 1 tbsp per cup of juice
Fresh berries or fruit of your choice, optional
Description
A light, refreshing Japanese-style kanten made with organic apple juice, agar-agar flakes, and optional fresh berries or fruit. Naturally vegan and quick to set, it is a cooling dessert especially suited to warm weather.
Kanten is a Japanese dessert that is somewhat likened to jelly or Jell-O. It is made with agar-agar, a gelatinous substance that comes from several species of dried seaweeds. It’s a classic macrobiotic dessert. Deliciously simple and simply delicious, this healthy dessert is also packed with the natural fibre found in agar flakes.
How-to? Steps
Step 1: Prepare juice
Pour the apple juice into a small saucepan and sprinkle the agar-agar flakes on top.
Step 2: Cook
Bring to a boil without stirring, then simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flakes dissolve.
Step 3: Set with fruit
Pour over whole or sliced berries, if using, in a mould, bowl, or individual glasses.
Step 4: Chill
Allow to cool, then place in the fridge until firm.
Step 5: Note
Soft fruits such as berries, cherries, peaches, or melons do not need to be cooked. Firmer fruits such as apples or pears should be peeled, chopped, and cooked in the agar-agar and juice mixture to soften.