How to Use Gelatin Powder

If a recipe calls for gelatin powder and you’re feeling lost, here’s everything you need to know about how to use it!

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What is Gelatin?

Gelatin is derived from animal collagen, which comes from the skin, bones, ligaments, and tendons. It is flavorless and odorless, and though brittle when dry, once wet it sets to become rubbery. While gelatin has a pale yellow color, when it is added to recipe it is clear and won’t affect the color.

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This makes it a perfect ingredient for creating stable, thickened foods. While Jello is an obvious use of a flavored gelatin, it can also be added in smaller amounts to help stabilize ingredients without giving a rubbery texture.

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Unflavored gelatin is available in most supermarkets in the baking aisle, generally with the flavored gelatins like Jello. You can also buy higher quality gelatin that is sourced ethically and considered healthier than the highly-processed gelatin found in grocery stores. I like the Great Lakes brand.

How Long Does Gelatin Take to Set?

After it has been completely dissolved in liquid, gelatin will reset in about 6 hours. Of course, this depends on the temperature (it sets faster when cold) and the amount of liquid that has been added.

Gelatin based recipes should be set in the refrigerator to help them set with the correct consistency.

How to Bloom Gelatin Powder

Place 1/4 cup (60 ml) of cold water in a bowl.
Sprinkle 1 package (2 1/4-2 1/2 tsp.) over the cold water. Make sure not to dump it in a clump, as the powder in the center won’t be able to dissolve and bloom correctly.
Allow the gelatin to set for 5 to 10 minutes. The longer you let it sit, the thicker it will become.

Using Gelatin That has Bloomed

Once your gelatin has bloomed and set (it will be fairly thick), heat it gently over a low burner flame or in the microwave on low heat in 10 second increments. When the gelatin is liquid again, you can mix it with other liquids and make other recipes.

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If you are using the gelatin to set a straight liquid, 1 package will set 2 cups of liquid firmly. For a softer set, use 3 cups of liquid.

Recipes that Use Gelatin

Tips for Working with Gelatin

Do not add gelatin to boiling liquid. Above 212°, gelatin’s strength will quickly start to disintegrate, and it will not set as firmly.
The initial dissolving step must be done in cold water.
Avoid tampering with the amount of sugar a gelatin-based recipe calls for. Gelatin is a protein and sugar creates shorter protein chains, making desserts softer and more tender. Reducing the sugar could ruin the texture of your dessert, especially if you are making something like marshmallows or a jelly.
Gelatin never expires, so unless the packaging is damaged or it’s otherwise contaminated, you can use gelatin forever!

How to Use Gelatin Powder in Whipping Cream

Gelatin can be used to set whipped cream and make it last longer. This is typically called stabilized cream, and I’ve written an entire post on how to make it.

Click here to Learn how to Stabilize Whipped Cream