I’ve always been captivated by the vibrant flavors and stunning presentation of Melo Melo. When I first tried it at a local favorite, I couldn’t get the taste out of my mind. Determined to enjoy this delightful dish anytime, I set out to create my very own copycat recipe.
Recreating Melo Melo at home is easier than you might think. With fresh ingredients and a few simple steps, you can bring all those delicious elements together. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and your guests.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons gelatin powder
- 2 cups water, divided
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed fruits, such as:
- 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup jackfruit, drained and sliced
- 1/2 cup canned lychee, drained
- 1/2 cup nata de coco
Equipment
To create the perfect Melo Melo at home, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Mixing Bowls: Use a medium-sized bowl for combining the gelatin mixture and a separate bowl for preparing the fruit.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the right consistency and sweetness.
- Whisk or Hand Mixer: Helps blend the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and gelatin smoothly without lumps.
- Saucepan: Essential for heating the coconut milk and sugar mixture on the stove.
- Silicone Mold or Shallow Pan: Ideal for setting the gelatin mixture evenly.
- Refrigerator: Needed to chill and set the Melo Melo properly before serving.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping and preparing the mixed fruits like kiwi, jackfruit, lychee, and nata de coco.
- Spatula: Useful for folding the fruits into the gelatin mixture without breaking them.
- Serving Utensils: Spoons or tongs for beautifully plating your Melo Melo.
Having these tools ready will streamline the cooking process and help you achieve a delightful Melo Melo every time.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing Melo Melo ahead of time can save you valuable minutes, especially when hosting gatherings or planning your week’s desserts. Here’s how I streamline the process to ensure your Melo Melo is always fresh and delicious.
Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin Base
- Measure Ingredients: Accurately measure 2 teaspoons of gelatin powder, 1 cup of coconut milk, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Bloom Gelatin: In a mixing bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over ¼ cup of cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Heat Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Incorporate Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the bloomed gelatin. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract for a hint of aromatic flavor.
Step 2: Assemble the Melo Melo
- Prepare Mold: Lightly grease a silicone mold or shallow pan to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Fruits: Arrange your pre-cut fruits—such as kiwi, jackfruit, lychee, and nata de coco—uniformly in the mold.
- Pour Gelatin Mixture: Carefully pour the gelatin base over the arranged fruits, ensuring even coverage.
- Chill: Place the mold in the refrigerator and let it set for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Step 3: Storage and Serving
- Unmold: Once set, gently remove the Melo Melo from the mold. If using a shallow pan, cut into squares or desired shapes.
- Store Properly: Transfer the Melo Melo to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days without compromising flavor or texture.
- Optional Freezing: For longer storage, Melo Melo can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain its delightful consistency.
Tips for Success
- Ingredient Freshness: Use the freshest fruits available to enhance the natural sweetness and texture of your Melo Melo.
- Consistent Cutting: Cut all fruits into uniform sizes to ensure even distribution and a visually appealing presentation.
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir the gelatin mixture just until everything is dissolved to prevent air bubbles, ensuring a smooth and glossy finish.
By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy the vibrant flavors of Melo Melo with minimal effort, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Directions
Recreating Melo Melo at home is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to achieve that perfect balance of creamy and fruity flavors.
Prep
- Prepare the Fruit:
- Peel and dice 2 kiwis into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice 1 cup of jackfruit and 1 cup of lychee, ensuring uniform sizes for even distribution.
- Drain 1 cup of nata de coco and set aside.
- Measure Ingredients:
- Gather 2 tablespoons of gelatin powder.
- Measure 1 cup of coconut milk.
- Pour 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk.
- Have 1/2 cup of granulated sugar ready.
- Prepare 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Set Up Equipment:
- Ensure you have mixing bowls, a whisk or hand mixer, a saucepan, a silicone mold or shallow pan, and a refrigerator ready.
Cook
- Bloom the Gelatin:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of gelatin powder over 1/4 cup of cold water.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes until softened.
- Prepare the Gelatin Mixture:
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of coconut milk, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Incorporate Gelatin:
- Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm mixture, stirring until completely dissolved.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for added flavor.
Assemble
- Combine Fruits and Gelatin:
- In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the prepared fruits and nata de coco into the gelatin mixture.
- Ensure the fruits are evenly distributed without breaking them down.
- Pour into Mold:
- Transfer the mixture into a silicone mold or a shallow pan of your choice.
- Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even finish.
- Chill and Set:
- Place the mold or pan in the refrigerator.
- Let it set for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Serve:
- Once set, remove the Melo Melo from the mold.
- Slice into desired portions and serve chilled, enjoying the vibrant flavors and creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Melo Melo has set to a perfect, jiggly consistency, it’s time to elevate your presentation and enhance the flavors. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this delightful dessert:
Garnish with Fresh Mint
A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves adds a burst of color and a hint of refreshing flavor. Simply tear a few mint leaves and scatter them over the top before serving.
Drizzle with Coconut Cream
Enhance the creamy texture by drizzling chilled coconut cream over each serving. This not only adds richness but also complements the tropical fruits beautifully.
Add a Crunchy Texture
Introduce an unexpected crunch by topping your Melo Melo with toasted coconut flakes or crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios. This contrast in textures makes each bite more interesting.
Pair with a Fruit Compote
Serve Melo Melo alongside a vibrant fruit compote, such as mango or passion fruit. The additional fruitiness intensifies the overall flavor profile and adds a lovely visual appeal.
Serve in Individual Glasses
For an elegant touch, portion your Melo Melo into individual glassware. Layer the gelatin with fruit pieces in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful colors and layers of the dessert.
Complement with Beverages
Melo Melo pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Consider serving it with a chilled coconut water, a fruity sangria, or a light sparkling wine to balance the sweetness and enhance the tropical theme.
Incorporate Edible Flowers
For a sophisticated presentation, adorn your Melo Melo with edible flowers like violets or orchids. This adds a delicate and visually stunning element to your dessert.
Offer a Side of Ice Cream
Elevate your dessert experience by adding a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream on the side. The creamy coldness of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the gelatinous Melo Melo.
Use Decorative Molds
Experiment with different molds to shape your Melo Melo uniquely. Using molds in fun shapes like hearts or stars can make the dessert more appealing, especially for special occasions.
Storage
To keep your Melo Melo fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. Here’s how I ensure my dessert stays perfect:
Refrigeration
After assembling your Melo Melo, cover the mold or shallow pan tightly with plastic wrap. I refrigerate it for at least four hours, preferably overnight. This allows the gelatin to fully set and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Holding Time
Melo Melo can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. I find that the flavors actually improve after the first day, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for Melo Melo as it can alter the texture of the gelatin and the mixed fruits. However, if you need to extend its shelf life, ensure it’s tightly wrapped and consume it within two weeks. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight to minimize texture changes.
Tips for Optimal Storage
| Storage Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Use airtight containers | Prevents the dessert from absorbing other refrigerator odors. |
| Avoid temperature fluctuations | Keep Melo Melo in a consistent cold environment to maintain its structure. |
| Separate layers if needed | If layering different fruits, ensure each layer is well-set before adding the next to maintain distinct textures. |
By following these storage guidelines, you can enjoy your Melo Melo copycat recipe at its best, whether you prepare it a day in advance or save individual portions for later.
Conclusion
Creating Melo Melo in my own kitchen has been a delightful journey. There’s something special about enjoying a homemade version of a favorite dish. I hope this copycat recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Give it a try and savor the sweet rewards!
