Are you looking to, or have just made up some jelly? You’ve added the hot water to the cubes and now it’s all about setting. But how long do you need to wait until it’s ready? Are there any tricks and tips to speed up the process? Well, here is everything you are going to want to know.
So, how long does jelly take to set? Jelly typically takes around four hours to set, once prepared and placed in the fridge. Though larger batches, or warmer fridges may result in an increase in this time.
This isn’t something you are going to want to take any chances with.
Besides; who likes watery jelly!
That just won’t do.
So it’s always a good idea to allow for more time than you may think you need, just in case
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How Long Does Jelly Take To Set In The Fridge?
Jelly takes between three and five hours to set in the fridge, with the average therefore being around four hours.
There is variance here as it does depend on a few different factors, namely: the brand and type of jelly used, how much is being made, where the jelly is being placed in the fridge, what the jelly has been added to (a bowl/mould) and how much water has been added to the cubes.
Do consider that the more jelly you make, the longer it will generally take.
And also do consider that there is some time involved before the jelly can even enter the fridge.
You need to prepare it first – adding hot water to the jelly cubes, dissolving them by stirring, and then giving time for the mixture to cool down. This can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes.
How Long Does Jelly Take To Set In The Freezer?
Jelly takes between one to two hours to set in the freezer, but you will need to regularly check the jelly to ensure it doesn’t freeze over. Every 15 minutes is advised.
Again you’ll need to consider that the preparation time discussed above; i.e. an aditional 15-30 minutes for preperation.
How Long Does Jelly Take To Set In The Counter?
Jelly can take anywhere from 6-8 hours, on average, to set if left on the countertop and a fridge or freezer is not used. This is therefore, the longest means of setting jelly.
Of course, the colder the room (or environment), the quicker you will notice your jelly sets.
So, this means of jelly setting is best in the winter, or if you can find a particularly cold spot in your kitchen or house (such as if you have a pantry).
You can also introduce cold water into the jelly preparation process as a means of speeding the process.
At the same time, you are likely going to want to use smaller, shallow containers to give the jelly a chance to cool down and start to set quicker.
From there, ensure you place them down on cool surfaces – this will also help to reduce the heat from the jelly and hopefully speed up the process.
You could even open windows, turn on a fan, or turn off the heating; essentially consider other means of cooling your kitchen or area where your jelly is being set.
You will likely want to seal or cover your jelly to ensure that nothing gets in mind – particularly pests like fly’s and other flying critters!
Tips To Speed Up The Jelly Setting Process
Below are some of my other tips and suggestions to ensure your jelly sets optimally and as promptly as possible.
Get Your Liquid Ratio Right
Adding too much water will result in thinner, runnier jelly.
At the same time, it will take longer to set.
So, be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.
You could even reduce the water ratio somewhat (adding less water than is advised).
Do consider that this will result in a less, higher concentrated jelly when set.
Do Smaller Batches
Splitting the jelly into multiple containers, moulds or bowls will speed up the setting time.
Conversely, if you try to set all of your jelly in one container it will generally take longer.
Shallow Containers
Large, tall containers will mean it will take longer for all of the jelly to reduce in temperature, resulting in an increased waiting time.
So, if you can, opt for shallow containers and dishes so that the cold can penetrate the jelly and set it faster.
Don’t Keep Checking
My final piece of advice would be to prepare the jelly, place it in the fridge and move on.
Set a timer for 3-4 hours and only check back once (or at most twice) during the setting process.
Keep the fridge securely shut at all times.
The more you open the fridge (and/or check the jelly), the more warm air you will introduce to your jelly and the longer it will take (as it will have to cool down again).
For this reason, it’s best to not take the jelly out of the fridge/freezer until its ready.
Related Questions
Does putting jelly in the freezer make it set faster?
Putting jelly in the freezer does help it to set faster. You should notice a reduction in setting time by around half.
How to make jelly set faster
The best way to make jelly set faster is to expose it to colder temperatures. At the same time, making smaller batches and splitting it up into separate molds or bowls will reduce setting time.
Related Guides:
- Does Putting Jelly In The Freezer Make It Set Faster?
- How Long Does Jelly Last?
- Can You Eat Jelly Cubes?
Hello, I’m Matthew, a candy expert and enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the candy industry. My passion for candy started at a very young age. Since then, I have worked in numerous, large candy stores, and have been fortunate enough to try out hundreds of brands of candies, different types and flavors. In addition to my work, I enjoy sharing my extensive knowledge with others, and decided to create Sugar Stand in order to do so. My mission is to make the world a sweeter place, one candy at a time.