Mixed Berry Kefir Gelatin ( Gelatina de Kefir)

There are a million and one flavor combos that can be made with Gelatin or Jello!  This Mixed Berry Kefir Gelatin is silky, creamy, bouncy, and just the right kind of treat for when you want a little something sweet but trying to keep it healthy and delicious. The base of this gelatin is made with Real California Milk; Heavy cream & Kefir yogurt which is packed with natural protein, loads of probiotics, plus added fruit to infuse more berry flavor and antioxidants. This is one treat that is guilt free and the whole family can enjoy while reaping all the benefits packed in an easy to grab, high protein mid day snack or in place of dessert.

I feel like gelatin desserts are making a comeback. Not only as a delicious dessert, but people are really appreciative of the high collagen content with skin boosting benefits, gut health the list is long with all the good benefits, it’s like eating your skin care. This Mixed Berry Kefir Gelatin packs a double punch with protein, probiotics, antioxidants and collagen when combined. Although in a Mexican household gelatin desserts have never gone out of style, you will find them at most get togethers and birthday celebrations. In all sorts of flavors and a multitude of colors. They remind me of aguas frescas when I think there are no more flavors to try. Someone turns around and makes another exceptional flavor combo.

What is Kefir?

Kefir is a fermented dairy drink that is similar to yogurt with a pourable consistency, but with more tang than regular yogurt. It is made by fermenting milk with live kefir grains that resemble cheese curds. These grains are made from strains of beneficial yeast and bacteria ( to put it simply and not actual grain derived products) . During the fermentation process the bacterias turn the lactose in the milk into lactic acid which gives the kefir its tangy flavor.

The end result of Kefir is a drink that is loaded with benefits and can be used for sauces, smoothies, dips and in this case we are making it into Jello! The flavor is tangy with a richness that can be dressed up sweet or savory.

• Supports gut health
• Rich in protein and minerals
• Supports bone health
• Rich  in probiotics
• Low lactose

I grew up with a super health conscientious mom, so I was drinking kefir way before it was cool and didn’t appreciate all the nutrition that was in it (sorry mom!) . All I knew was that she religiously took care of these blob looking things that made “yogurt” which ended up in smoothies for my sisters and I.

I came to learn that those little blobs are actually “live kefir grains” which is what kefir is made from. I’ve even kept my own to make at home, but lucky for you there are delicious options that are ready made and can be picked up at the local grocery store without the hassle of picking up another hobby. (well unless you’re like me and being overwhelmed with hobbies calls your name)

The history dates way back with kefir grains, and it is unclear where exactly they originated from. Some believe they originated in the Caucasus Mountains, where the people made kefir by adding fresh milk to animal skin bags. Kefir grains can not be made but rather they have been shared and passed down for generations. Kefir grains multiply and it’s pretty amazing that they have been kept going this long! You know if it’s been around this long, it must be good. There is a lot of research around kefir and how it positively affects the body nutritionally. Real California Milk Kefir can be found in several different fruit flavors as well as plain to give it a sweet or salty twist. 

Preserving the health benefits of the Kefir in the Gelatin

Kefir has live probiotics that can be diminished with high temperatures. For this reason even though we are working with gelatin, which needs to be warmed up and dissolved it is important to let it cool until it reaches room temperature. Before mixing it with our kefir berry blend. Do not skip the step of letting the gelatin blend cool, just long enough for it to be warm to the touch but not long enough so it solidifies.  At the end we want a delicious treat that is full of the amazing properties kefir has to offer. 

Blooming the Gelatin:

Blooming gelatin is simply hydrating the gelatin before using it. Using a cold liquid, the gelatin gets sprinkled on top of the water and left to set for about 5-7 min. You will notice that the water will begin to slightly harden and turn into a thick gel-like consistency.

When it is time to dissolve the bloomed gelatin with the heavy cream and sugar. Place the pan on medium heat and it will dissolve any large chunks, this happens rather quickly. Stir until it is dissolved but do not let it come to a boil. 

Ingredients:

Real California Milk Kefir- Our protein and probiotic powerhouse that is the base for our mixed berry kefir gelatin. Look for the Real California Milk seal to ensure you are getting the highest quality kefir possible. There are various different flavors including plain, strawberry, peach and a few others. I am going with the mixed berry flavor to keep with our berry theme. 

Real California Heavy Cream- Most gelatin recipes call for milk but I am going all in and I want this Mixed berry Kefir gelatin to be the creamiest and silkiest version it can be. Heavy cream adds richness and balances out the tanginess of the Kefir. Look for the Real California Milk Seal. 

But what does the Real California Milk seal mean? You will see this seal across several different dairy products like sour cream, milk, cheese, cottage cheese and even ice cream. The seal indicates that the product is made with milk from the Golden state and produced on California Dairy farms. 99% of farms in California are owned by family farms, often by the same family for multiple generations. When buying products with the seal you are supporting dairy farmers and their families continue innovating and pushing forward in an industry that continues to aim for responsible dairy production, renewable energy, sustainability, and lowering carbon footprint. Their mission is to continue to better their practices all while providing you and I with delicious dairy products that we can continue to use for our favorite recipes.

Unflavored Gelatin- Gives this dessert its signature bouncy texture and extra protein.

Sugar– You can really control the sweetness in this recipe to your liking. There is natural sweetness coming from the fruit but it is needed to balance out the tartness of the kefir.

Water- The gelatin will bloom in water and then get incorporated into the kefir base.

Frozen Mixed Berries- They add in freshness and load up the gelatin with extra antioxidants and a brighter color.

Preparation Tips-

One of the fun parts about making this Mixed Berry Kefir is that it can be left to set in whatever mold you choose, you can pick a bundt cake mold or smaller individual ones like I did here! There are so many fun molds to choose from, silicone molds are great and easy to use and clean. Before adding the kefir gelatin to the mold, make sure you grease it to avoid it sticking even if you are using silicone. I used a non-stick spray, all you need is a little bit. I prefer the smaller molds, it is very easy to grab one and go, without needing to slice or too much hassle. 

Letting the gelatin set overnight is possibly the hardest step, giving it enough time to set will make for the best texture. It is really simple to put together and have a batch for the week. I added fresh berries to mine and it really gives it the finishing touch, but it is completely optional.

You will love this Mixed Berry Gelatin! Although it is a gelatin based dessert it is not overly dense or solid. It melts in your mouth  with a light and airy bite! Seems like everything is pushing for higher protein these days, but reaching for clean and minimally processed versions doesn’t have to be hard. Real California Milk products are high in protein and other vitamins and minerals that level up our protein intake without relying on processed supplements.

This post was created in partnership with Real California Milk. I’m proud to collaborate with a brand that supports sustainable, family owned dairy farms and high quality ingredients. Recipes and opinions shared here are entirely my own.