I’m talking about desserts that were made on a budget but, surprisingly, tasted really good, too. The flummery is one of those desserts that has recently caught my attention. Aside from having a cool catchy name, it really is made from the most simple of ingredients and makes an eye-catching individual dessert – perfect for a dinner party with a fun retro vibe.

So, what exactly is a flummery?

Thankfully for us, the flummery has morphed over the years. It was created in 17th-century England where it was a kind of jelly-like oatmeal (ew). Then, following World War II, someone got creative in the kitchen and this dessert became more like a mousse, but slightly less dense. 

Money was tight in Australia and New Zealand in families on a post-war budget and the flummery was less expensive to make than a traditional cream-based mousse. You simply whipped together some evaporated milk, sugar and gelatine (or whatever flavoured jelly crystals you had in your pantry) and it was dessert done! 

It’s easy to see why this dessert became so popular – just about every household had a flummery recipe. I particularly like this one I came across: Grandma’s 2-ingredient raspberry flummery. That’s right, only 2 ingredients! A seemingly fancy dessert doesn’t get much more straightforward than this.

Everyone will be whipping up Grandma’s 2-ingredient raspberry flummery

Grandma was ahead of her time when she came up with this cheat’s version of a flummery, but I’m glad she did. Creamy, sweet, pretty – it has an awful lot going for it – and here’s how you make it.

Step 1: Dissolve a packet of raspberry jelly crystals in some boiling water, then place the bowl in the fridge until the mixture is almost set.

Step 2: Add some cream to the jelly mixture, beat until well combined, then divide the mixture among small dessert bowls or pretty retro parfait glasses. Place them in the fridge for a couple of hours to set.

Step 3: Serve your gorgeous desserts topped with a single fresh raspberry (or a dollop of whipped cream, if you’re feeling extra indulgent!).

So simple, and so loved by all, including our ABR members.

“An oldie, but a good one. I had forgotten about it, but it will be back on the menu now.”

“So, so, so good!”

Add light and airy flummery to your dessert rotation

Flummeries vary a bit, but they usually follow the same base of evaporated milk, sugar and gelatine; ingredients you can easily keep on hand in the pantry. I also like that the flummery can become a slice or even a trifle. Here are some recipes you might like to take a crack at.

Grandma would be stoked that the flummery is getting a revamp in this century. Whether or not you’re watching your pennies, this dessert in all its forms is a lovely addition to your table.