The Philippines arguably has the best Christmas season in the whole world (which starts as early as September) — parties and get-togethers are in abundance, and the merrymaking just goes on and on. During this season, Filipinos have a lot of get togethers and also eagerly anticipate Noche Buena, the grand event in every household that brings families together to celebrate and reconnect. It’s a time when tables are filled with familiar dishes, usually food made staple through years and generations of serving them every Christmas—you have dishes like adobo, lechon, hamon, and on the sweet side, you have a variety of sweet treats like puto and bibingka, among others. While they’re very much cherished in our Filipino tradition, the fact is, after many years, the lineup can start to feel a bit repetitive. The joy of Noche Buena can sometimes be overshadowed by the predictability of the menu, leaving little room for exciting new flavors or experiences.
However, there’s a way to refresh your holiday spread and break away from the usual, especially in the area of desserts, which is the anticipated capper to any feast. Enter Mr. Hat Gulaman—a simple yet innovative twist that can bring a burst of fun and flavor to your Noche Buena feast. With 7 flavored and 6 unflavored variants to choose from, Mr. Hat Gulaman allows you to be creative in the kitchen. This versatile gulaman can be used to create layered desserts, transforming your Christmas spread into something truly special.
Don’t believe us? Here are just some of the recipes you can test for yourself:
Banoffee Jelly Pie
Originally created by user Craevings (a food content creator, known for creating quick and easy budget recipes), expect a delectable twist to your usual Banoffee Pie with the added layer of coffee jelly in between. Pairs well with brewed coffee.
Banoffee Jelly Pie – Mr. Hat
Gulaman Coffee Jelly
Recipe By: Craevings
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
* 200g Crushed Grahams
* 1/4 cup Sugar
* 1/2 cup Melted Butter
* 4-5 Bananas |
* 5 cups Water
* 25g Mr. Hat Gulaman Coffee
* 1 cup Sugar
* Whipped Cream for Topping
* Cocoa Powder for Dusting
Procedure
1. Base:
a. Mix melted butter, crushed graham, and butter.
Use this as base for the pie.
b. Slide bananas and use these as walls for the pie.
Freeze while working on the coffee jelly.
2. Coffee Jelly:
a. Dissolve 25g Mr. Hat Gulaman Coffee in 5 cups water and add sugar.
b. Bring to a boil.
c. Transfer mixture to the frozen graham banana base.
d. Chill for at least 1 hour.
3. Toppings:
a. Spread whipped cream on top of the pie.
b. Dust with cocoa powder or sprinkles.
Coco Mango Royale
This gelatin-based pie is perfect for those who want something new to hit that sweet dessert spot, yet is very local in flavor. Pairs well with tea.
Coco Mango Royale
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup ripe mangoes
1/3 cup chopped buko
1/2 cup condensed milk
2 tbsp Mr. Hat Gulaman Mango Flavor
1/2 cup buko juice
1/2 cup milk (evaporated)
1/4 cup sugar
9 inch spring form pan
Procedure
1. Combine the mangoes, chopped buko and condensed milk and chill for 15 minutes.
2. Dissolve Mr. Hat Gulaman Mango Flavor in buko juice, add evaporated milk and sugar (note: you can add more sugar if you want). Cook until gulaman completely dissolves.
3. Turn off the fire then add the cold fruit mixture.
4. Stir to mix completely then pour in spring form pan (I use 9 inch) Refrigerate until set.
Crema de Fruta
While not exactly a new dessert, Crema de Fruta is still a very exciting dish to serve as its colors and flavors are very much reflective of the holiday season. This is also a dessert recipe that you can create with the whole family for a happier bond during the Christmas break.
Crema de Fruta
Ingredients
CUSTARD
* 4 egg yolks
*⅓ cup sugar
*⅓ cup cornstarch
* 2 cups fresh milk
* 1 tsp vanilla
CHIFFON
* 2 cups cake flour, sifted
* 1 tbsp baking powder
* ½ tsp salt
* ½ cup sugar
* 6 egg yolks
⅓ cup evap
* ½ cup vegetable oil
* 1 ½ tsp vanilla
Meringue:
* 6 egg whites
* ½ tsp cream of tartar
* ½ cup sugar
Procedure
1. Pour in a 10×10 square pan, greased and lined with parchment and bake in a preheated oven at 170C for 25 minutes or until cake springs back when pressed.
2. GULAMAN
4 cups water
1 cup fruit cocktail juice
¾ cup sugar
1 pack (25g) Mr. Hat Gulaman Unflavored White
Fruit cocktail, drained (separate the cherries for decoration)
With Mr. Hat Gulaman, you can explore new recipes all year round, but it truly shines during the holiday season. Whether you’re preparing a refreshing Banoffee Jelly Pie to complement the rich flavors of the main dishes, or creating a festive Crema de Fruta to wow your family and friends, the possibilities are endless.
This Christmas, let Mr. Hat Gulaman add that much-needed spark to your get-togethers and Noche Buena spread, giving your loved ones a memorable celebration. Refreshing twist on desserts this holiday season? #NasaHatKoYan!
For more recipes and info, visit Mr. Hat Gulaman Christmas recipes and follow Mr. Hat Gulaman on Tiktok, Facebook and Instagram at @mrhatgulaman.