Easy Homemade Lychee Jelly Recipe for Bubble Tea

Last Updated on February 7, 2025 by Karen

This easy homemade lychee jelly recipe is the perfect addition to bubble tea, fruit salads, or homemade desserts, bringing the sweet tropical flavor of lychee fruit to your kitchen.

Lychee jelly is a delightful, jelly-like fruit paste that’s perfect for making bubble tea or as a fun, fruity addition to Asian desserts. This sweet, tropical treat is especially popular in Southeast Asia, where lychee fruit is abundant and used in many refreshing beverages. Homemade lychee jelly adds a sweet, jiggly treat to your bubble tea, fruit salads, or even as a topping for shaved ice.

With just a few simple ingredients, including agar-agar powder, you can easily recreate the exotic flavor of lychee at home. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth and elevate your drinks!

What Are Lychees?

Lychees are small, round tropical fruits known for their sweet, fragrant flavor and unique texture. Native to southern China, they are commonly grown in other parts of Southeast Asia and around the world. The fruit has a bumpy, reddish-pink skin that is inedible, revealing translucent white flesh inside. The flesh is juicy and has a slightly floral, sweet flavor, often described as a mix of grapes and rose. Inside the flesh is a large, glossy seed.

Lychees are not only a delicious snack but also a popular ingredient in various desserts, drinks (like lychee tea and lychee bubble tea), and fruit salads. They are rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and are also high in antioxidants. The fruit is often found fresh in tropical markets, but it’s also available canned or in syrup for easier use in recipes year-round.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Lychee Jelly

Canned Lychees
Canned lychees provide the natural lychee flavor and syrup that sweeten the jelly. These lychees have a slightly sweet tropical flavor and are perfect for making lychee jelly without the need to worry about peeling fresh lychees. The syrup also helps to add sweetness and flavor to the jelly.

Agar-Agar Powder
Agar-agar is a plant-based alternative to gelatin and helps create the firm, jelly-like consistency. It’s made from algae and is commonly used in Southeast Asia for making desserts and jelly-like morsels. When combined with hot water, agar-agar powder dissolves to form a smooth jelly-like fruit paste, making it perfect for this recipe.

Water
Water is used to dissolve the agar-agar powder. You can also use hot liquids, such as coconut water, for a more tropical twist, adding a velvety texture and enhancing the sweet tropical flavor of lychee fruit.

Sugar
Sugar is optional, depending on how sweet you want your jelly to be. The canned lychees already have a good amount of sweetness, so you may not need much sugar. However, if you have a sweet tooth, the addition of sugar or simple syrup will make the jelly even more indulgent. If you want to reduce the sugar content, you can swap it for natural coconut gel or other sugar alternatives like stevia.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Lychee Jelly

Prepare the Lychee: Drain the canned lychees, saving the syrup for the jelly mixture. You can either cut the lychees into small pieces for a chunky texture or leave them out for a smoother jelly. If you want a more textured jelly, chop the lychees and stir them into the jelly mixture once the syrup is combined.

Make the Jelly Base: In a small saucepan, combine the water and agar-agar powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the agar-agar completely. Make sure there are no lumps, and the mixture turns smooth. This step is crucial for achieving the clearish white color and jiggly consistency.

Flavor the Jelly:
Once the agar-agar mixture boils, add the lychee syrup and sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. You can also add simple syrup to adjust the sweetness, depending on your taste. If you want to experiment, you can try adding citric acid for a hint of tanginess that pairs well with the sweetness of the lychees. If you enjoy coconut flavors, consider mixing in natural coconut gel for an extra tropical note.

Set the Jelly: Pour the jelly mixture into a shallow pan or container, making sure it’s evenly spread. Allow it to cool at room temperature, and then refrigerate for about 1–2 hours to allow the jelly to set. The jelly will firm up and achieve that desired jelly-like texture. It’s important to let the jelly cool before placing it in the fridge to avoid condensation.

Cut and Serve:
Once the jelly has set, cut it into cubes or desired shapes. You can add the jelly cubes to your bubble tea or fruit salads for an added tropical flair. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding them to shaved ice or even homemade ice cream for a refreshing treat on hot summer days!

Tips for Making the Perfect Lychee Jelly

Adjust Sweetness: You can always adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste. The addition of sugar syrup or simple syrup will increase the sweetness of your jelly. If you want to make it less sweet, reduce the sugar and enjoy the natural sweetness of the lychee syrup.

Agar-Agar for Vegan Jelly: Agar-agar is a vegan-friendly alternative to gelatin, making this recipe perfect for those with dietary preferences. If you prefer a softer jelly, consider reducing the amount of agar-agar slightly. The key is to find that perfect balance for the jiggly consistency you desire.

Use Silicone Molds for Fun Shapes: Instead of cutting the jelly into cubes, you can pour the jelly mixture into silicone molds to create fun shapes such as stars, hearts, or other creative molds. This adds a fun twist to your bubble tea or dessert.

Storage: Store your lychee jelly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place to preserve the texture and flavor. The jelly will maintain its beautiful, jiggly texture if stored correctly and can be enjoyed as a topping for fruit salads or bubble tea throughout the week.

Flavor Variations: Get creative with flavor variations by using other tropical fruits such as mango or passion fruit. You can also experiment with coconut pulp for a richer, creamier texture or add lime juice for a refreshing citrus zing.

How to Use Lychee Jelly in Bubble Tea

Lychee jelly is a delicious addition to bubble tea, especially for those who love the sweet tropical flavor of lychee fruit. Simply add a generous scoop of lychee jelly to your bubble tea, along with boba pearls or tapioca pearls, and your favorite tea (black tea, green tea, or fruit tea).

For an extra indulgent treat, add a splash of milk tea powder for a velvety, creamy base that pairs perfectly with the jelly. You can also add shaved ice for a refreshing, icy bubble tea, especially on hot summer days!

What are some variations to this Lychee Jelly recipe?

You can experiment with different fruits such as mango, passion fruit, or coconut. Adding natural coconut gel or using different syrups like honey or maple syrup can also give your jelly a unique twist.

How do I store Lychee Jelly?

Store the jelly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, enjoy it within a few days of making it.

Can I freeze Lychee Jelly?

Freezing lychee jelly is not recommended, as it may alter the texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Can this Lychee Jelly be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this jelly a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and it will be ready to add to your bubble tea, fruit salads, or other desserts.

Making homemade lychee jelly is a fun, easy way to add a sweet, tropical touch to your bubble tea or other homemade desserts. With its jiggly consistency, sweet tropical flavor, and versatility, this lychee jelly recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying it in a cup of lychee boba tea or serving it as a topping for fruit salads, this delightful treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. So why not try it today and share your creations on social media to join the tiktok – make trend?