Unflavored Gelatin

Derived from collagen Thickener/Stabilizer

Unflavored Gelatin Thickener/Stabilizer

At a Glance

  • Category Thickener/Stabilizer

The Forktionary Angle

"The invisible architect of texture, transforming liquids into delicate quivers or firm structures in both sweet and savory applications."

Definition

A translucent, tasteless gelling agent derived from animal collagen, used to thicken, stabilize, and create aspics, mousses, and desserts.

Bloom Strength Measured in 'Bloom' (e.g., 200-250 for standard)
Optimal Hydration 'Bloom' in cold water before dissolving in hot.
Source Animal collagen (pork/beef)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Unflavored Gelatin are:

Tasteless odorless

Chef’s Secret

For crystal-clear aspics or jellies, clarify your liquid first by simmering with egg whites, then strain before adding bloomed gelatin.

Best Substitutes

Agar-Agar

powder, vegan
Ratio 1:1

Pectin

specific uses
Ratio 1:1

Cornstarch

for thickening, not gelling, ratio varies

Buying Guide

Available in powdered or sheet form. Ensure it's unflavored and uncolored.

Recipes Using Unflavored Gelatin

Taste Mood Main Ingredient Puddings And Mousses Preparation

Bailey's Chocolate Mousse Perfect For St Patrick's Day

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with this decadent and easy-to-make Bailey's Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse! This dreamy dessert is unbelievably rich and creamy, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special treat. Chill it for the ultimate indulgence – it's worth the wait! Serve in individual glasses or a festive pie shell.

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Cuisine Meat North American Seasonal

Beef And Vegetable Soup

Craving a hearty, flavorful steak soup? This recipe, inspired by Cook's Illustrated, delivers a rich brown broth packed with tender beef and garden-fresh vegetables. While not quite perfect (the quest for the ultimate steak soup continues!), this recipe is undeniably delicious and sure to become a new family favorite. Get ready for a comforting and satisfying meal!

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Presentation Preparation Puddings And Mousses Number Of Servings

Apricot Mousse

Indulge in this light and refreshing Apricot Mousse, the perfect summer dessert! Made with sweet apricots, creamy yogurt, and a touch of honey, this easy recipe requires minimal cooking and delivers maximum flavor. A delightful treat for any occasion.

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Avocado Vegetables Spreads Time To Make

Avocado Mousse

Escape to the US Virgin Islands with every bite of this luscious avocado mousse! This creamy, dreamy dessert boasts a vibrant, tropical flavor profile that's both refreshing and incredibly satisfying. Inspired by islandflave.com, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a light yet decadent treat. (Note: Refrigeration time is an additional 4 hours.)

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Time To Make 5 Ingredients Or Less 4 Hours Or Less Preparation

7 Layer Jello

Wow your family and friends with this stunning 7-Layer Jello dessert! A vibrant and delicious twist on a classic, this recipe creates a jiggly, colorful masterpiece perfect for parties, potlucks, or a fun weeknight treat. Alternating layers of creamy white and brightly colored gelatin create a visually appealing dessert with the perfect jiggly texture – ideal for kids (and adults!). Get ready to impress with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe!

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Dietary Course Preparation Desserts

Amish Graham Cracker Fluff

A creamy, dreamy dessert with a crunchy graham cracker crust! This Amish Graham Cracker Fluff recipe, passed down from Edna Miller of Ohio, is a delightful no-bake treat perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a simple weeknight indulgence. Prepare to be amazed by the simple yet elegant layers of fluffy pudding and buttery graham cracker crumbs.

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Lunch Time To Make Infant Baby Friendly 5 Ingredients Or Less

Baby's Easy Fruit Snacks

These delightful fruit snacks are perfect for teething babies and toddlers! Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like bananas, applesauce, and fruit juice, they're a healthy and delicious treat you can feel good about giving your little one. Easy to make and packed with fruity goodness, these bite-sized snacks will be a hit with your baby—and you'll love how quick and easy they are to prepare!

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Desserts Time To Make Gelatin Dietary

Almond Creme

Indulge in this dreamy Almond Creme dessert – a simple yet elegant treat the whole family will adore! This recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for a light dessert or a sophisticated ending to any meal. Chill for 3 hours to achieve the perfect creamy texture.

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North American Low Fat Occasion Desserts

Almond Float Asian Dessert

A dreamy Asian dessert reminiscent of 1970s Chinese cooking classes! This recipe, inspired by a cherished (and slightly misplaced!) family recipe, features a delicate almond-flavored gelatin base, layered with vibrant fruit cocktail, lychees, and mandarin oranges. Prepare for a refreshing and elegant dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Easy to make, but with a touch of nostalgic charm.

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Course Time To Make Preparation Desserts

Real Strawberry Pie With French Cream Topping

Indulge in the most incredible strawberry pie recipe – no artificial flavors here! This recipe features a luscious, stovetop-cooked strawberry filling bursting with the rich, natural flavor of fresh berries. Featured in Cook's Country, this pie avoids boxed mixes and uses a simple, elegant method to achieve a jam-like consistency. Top it off with our dreamy French cream topping for a dessert that's truly unforgettable.

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Easy Midwestern Preparation Course

31St Year Meatloaf

Celebrate 31 years of marriage with this perfected meatloaf recipe! This isn't your grandma's meatloaf. Inspired by Cook's Illustrated, we unlock the secret to juicy, flavorful all-beef meatloaf: Knox unflavored gelatin. It replaces the moisture-retaining properties of veal, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less Holiday Event Refrigerator

Amaretto Rum Cherry Cream Pie

Indulge in this decadent No-Bake Amaretto Rum Cherry Cream Pie! Wonderfully rich and delightfully naughty (contains alcohol – not for children), this creamy pie is perfect for holiday gatherings or a special treat. A family favorite, this recipe elevates a classic rum dessert with a boozy amaretto kick and juicy cherries. Get ready to impress!

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Holiday Event Easter Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less

Baker's Easter White Chocolate And Lime Cheesecake

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Easter White Chocolate & Lime Cheesecake! A family favorite passed down through generations, this recipe boasts a delightful tangy lime flavor perfectly balanced with rich white chocolate. The elegant ladyfinger crust adds a sophisticated touch, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Easter celebration or any special occasion. Get ready to impress!

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Desserts Course Preparation For Large Groups

A Better Chocolate Eclair Cake

Indulge in this elevated take on the classic potluck dessert! Made from scratch with a creamy, dreamy custard filling and a rich chocolate glaze, this recipe (adapted from Cook's Country magazine) is guaranteed to impress. Prepare the custard the night before, assemble in the morning, and enjoy blissful chocolatey perfection by afternoon. This decadent dessert is perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or any special occasion.

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Summer Course Main Ingredient Desserts

Apricot Bavarian

Indulge in this light and dreamy Apricot Bavarian, a surprisingly Swiss invention! Perfect for summer garden parties or elegant gatherings, this chilled dessert boasts a delicate apricot flavor and creamy texture. Prep time includes chilling. Garnish with fresh mint or edible nasturtium flowers for an extra touch of elegance. Experiment with different yogurt flavors – raspberry, orange, vanilla, or peach – for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

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Course Occasion Infant Baby Friendly Time To Make

8 Layer Jello Salad

Wow your guests with this stunning 8-Layer Jello Salad! A vibrant, refreshing dessert perfect for potlucks, holidays (especially the 4th of July!), and any occasion. Each layer boasts a beautiful color, creating a spectacular visual masterpiece when cut. The creamy, dreamy layers are incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Prepare this show-stopping salad a day or two ahead for effortless entertaining.

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Main Ingredient Seasonal Beginner Cook Dinner Party

Berry Margarita Dessert

Indulge in the delightful combination of a refreshing margarita and a luscious berry dessert! This elegant, easy-to-make recipe is perfect for any occasion. Served in beautiful cocktail or martini glasses, it's a stunning finale to any meal. Easily adaptable for a non-alcoholic version by substituting orange juice for orange liqueur and pineapple juice for tequila. Prepare to impress your guests with this stunningly simple, yet sophisticated treat!

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Preparation Course Low In Something Fruit

Berry Pudding

Indulge in this delightful Scandinavian Berry Pudding! This creamy, dreamy dessert features a vibrant berry compote, delicately balanced with lemon and a luscious whipped cream topping. Perfect for a summer gathering or a cozy night in, this easy recipe (originally posted for ZWT 2006) is sure to become a new favorite. Prep time doesn't include chilling.

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