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How To Make Lychee Jelly For Bubble Tea Recipe

If you’re a bubble tea enthusiast we’ve got the scoop on how to make lychee jelly for bubble tea. 

single drink of bubble tea

As boba shops exploded in popularity here in the US, recipes for recreating this tea-based drink at home and the tasty fruity jelly called boba balls have been a must-have for a hot summer day. 

The exotic lychee flavor is a delicious addition to your bubble tea order and one of the best ways to beat the excessive heat. 

Adding canned lychee or fruit jelly from your favorite bubble tea shop into the mix can create an incredible blend of flavors and textures inspired by your favorite Asian desserts. 

Not only does this unique topping bring a fruity twist to your bubble tea, but the vibrant, translucent cubes are a visually appealing addition as well.

The jelly-like morsels amp up the tea flavor of your fruit bubble tea, and the fresh lychees are great options for those looking to make their own beverage with chewy pearls. 

Preparing your own bubble tea lychee jelly for your bubble tea is relatively simple, and the process usually involves using agar agar powder, sugar, and lychee juice or puree, giving off sweet notes to your classic milk tea.

By following straightforward instructions, you’ll soon be able to recreate this delicious topping in your own kitchen for your fruity bubble tea. 

As you perfect your technique, you’ll come to appreciate the intricacies of this popular Asian fruit and how it can truly transform your bubble tea drinking experience.

What Is Lychee Jelly?

close up with lychee jelly

Lychee jelly is a delicious and refreshing dessert made from tropical lychee fruit, often found in your local Asian supermarket. 

Its sweet and unique flavor is a combination of fresh fruit, including strawberries, cream, sweet citrus, and a hint of rose water, perfect for fruit tea and easy to find at your grocery store. 

The jelly-like texture is similar to that of grapes, making it an enjoyable treat on its own or as a topping for other desserts.

One popular use of lychee jelly is as a topping for bubble tea

Also known as boba tea, this enjoyable beverage typically consists of tea, milk, such as coconut milk or fruit juice, sugar, and tapioca pearls. 

The addition of lychee jelly enhances the taste and adds a fun texture to your bubble tea.

To make lychee jelly for your bubble tea, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

  • Lychees (fresh or canned)
  • Sugar
  • Water (or coconut water) and lychee syrup if using canned lychees
  • Jelly powder

Start by blending lychees with water and lychee syrup in a food processor until smooth. 

In a medium-sized pot, mix the jelly powder with sugar, then add the lychee juice mixture. 

Heat the mixture on low to medium heat, stirring until the sugar and jelly powder are dissolved. 

Pour the mixture into a baking dish or container, let the hot liquids cool, and refrigerate for at least two hours.

Once the jelly has been set, it can be cut into small pieces such as cube shapes to be used as toppings for your bubble tea or other desserts. 

Create a lychee bubble tea by brewing your preferred tea, adding milk or fruit juice, and incorporating the lychee jelly. 

This can also be used to create a lychee milk tea with a delicious jelly topping. 

Finish your concoction with chewy tapioca balls or other jelly boba to enhance texture and flavor.

You can even add brown sugar syrup or maple syrup for a little extra sweetness. 

There you have it – a delightful lychee jelly to add a burst of flavor and fun to your bubble tea or favorite dessert. 

The jelly-like substances have a versatility and exotic taste that make them an appealing addition to your culinary adventures, just like the commercial products you could get at small businesses. 

Enjoy experimenting with the delightful world of lychee jelly and expanding your palate.

Ingredients and Supplies

man holding bubble tea in a cup with a straw

Lychee Jelly Ingredients

To make lychee jelly for your bubble tea, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 5 g agar-agar powder
  • 200 ml lychee syrup (from a can of lychees)
  • 200 ml water
  • 75 g sugar
  • 10 canned lychees (1.25 lbs net weight per can)

The agar-agar powder is essential in creating the jelly texture. Lychee syrup and canned lychees give the jelly its sweet, fruity flavor.

When making lychee jelly remember that your main ingredient, lychees, has a short shelf life, which can influence your lychee-making process. 

Bubble Tea Supplies

Apart from the lychee jelly, you’ll also need the following supplies to make a delicious bubble tea:

  • Milk tea powder, green tea, or any other tea base
  • Fresh milk or cream, such as natural coconut gel, to add richness to your drink
  • Tapioca pearls for that chewy, bubble-like texture (these can be made from tapioca flour or tapioca starch)
  • Ice and cold water for a refreshing, cold drink
  • A large, sturdy straw for both sipping and enjoying the pearls

When you have all of your ingredients and supplies, you can start preparing the lychee jelly and the bubble tea itself.

Making Lychee Jelly

hand holding a cup of bubble tea

Using Gelatin

When making lychee jelly with gelatin, start by blending a can of canned lychees in a food processor until smooth. 

Don’t forget to reserve the lychee syrup from the can. 

Next, combine the fruit with water and syrup in a medium-sized pot over low heat.

While your mixture heats up, combine gelatin powder and sugar in a separate bowl. 

Gradually add this mix to your warm lychee juice, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. 

Keep stirring until the gelatin and sugar are fully dissolved.

Pour the jelly mixture into a shallow baking dish or container, and refrigerate for at least two hours to set. 

Once solid, cut the lychee jelly into small cubes to add to your bubble tea.

Using Agar-Agar

If you prefer using agar-agar for your lychee jelly, the process is quite similar to gelatin. 

Begin by blending fresh or canned lychees in a food processor.

Combine the blended tropical fruit with water and the reserved syrup from canned lychees in a pot, heating on low.

In a separate bowl, mix agar-agar powder and sugar until blended. Gradually add this mixture to your fruit mix, stirring continuously.

Remember that agar-agar must reach a higher temperature than gelatin to dissolve, so heat your lychee juice until it comes to a gentle boil while you stir.

Once everything is incorporated, transfer the mixture to a shallow dish and allow it to set at room temperature. 

After it solidifies, cube the lychee jelly and include it as a delicious topping for your bubble tea. 

Enjoy the unique tropical flavor of lychee jelly in your next refreshing beverage!

Preparing Bubble Tea

a cup filled with lychee jelly and bubble tea

Here’s the scoop on the process of preparing bubble tea with lychee jelly. 

You will learn how to cook tapioca pearls, select and brew tea, and assemble your delicious bubble tea.

Before we begin, keep in mind that lychee jelly and bubble tea might have some additives, such as malic acid, sodium citrate, xanthan gum, and potassium sorbate. 

These additives add to the flavor of your drink, but you can check to see if these additives aren’t included in your ingredients if you want a more natural taste. 

Cooking Tapioca Pearls

First, you need to cook the tapioca pearls (often referred to as boba) to create the chewy texture that is iconic to bubble tea. 

Follow these steps to prepare your tapioca pearls:

  1. In a large pot, boil an ample amount of water.
  2. Once the water is boiling, add the tapioca pearls gradually into the pot.
  3. Cook the pearls according to the package instructions, usually for about 5 minutes.
  4. Strain the cooked pearls and let them cool.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix the cooked pearls with brown sugar or white sugar syrup to add a hint of sweetness.

Selecting and Brewing Tea

Now it’s time to choose and prepare your tea base. 

You can use either green tea, black tea, or oolong tea, depending on your personal preference.

  1. Heat water to the ideal brewing temperature for your chosen tea (usually, 80°C for green tea and 100°C for black tea).
  2. Add the tea bags or loose tea leaves to the hot water and let it steep for the recommended time (usually 3-5 minutes for green tea and 2-3 minutes for black tea).
  3. Remove the tea bags or strain the loose tea leaves and let the brewed tea cool.

Assembling the Bubble Tea

With your tapioca pearls and brewed tea prepared, you can now assemble your lychee bubble tea:

  1. In a tall glass, add a generous amount of the cooked and sweetened tapioca pearls.
  2. On top of the pearls, add ice cubes to keep your beverage cold and refreshing.
  3. Pour the cooled brewed tea over the ice.
  4. Add lychee jelly, which can be prepared following a lychee jelly recipe.
  5. Stir and enjoy your flavorful and refreshing lychee bubble tea!

By following these steps, you can make your own delightful lychee bubble tea at home, with an authentic taste reminiscent of Taiwanese bubble tea shops.

Bubble Tea Additives and Flavors

pouring milk into bubble tea cup

Alternative Jelly Options

When making lychee jelly for bubble tea, you can consider alternative options for a unique twist. 

One popular alternative is agar-agar, a plant-based gelatin substitute that creates a firmer texture. 

Another option is nata de coco, made from fermented coconut water, offering a chewy texture and a slightly sweet taste.

You can also experiment with other jelly textures, such as:

  • Popping boba: These are filled with fruit juices that burst in your mouth when you bite into them.
  • Fruit jellies: Made with fruit juices or purees, these offer various flavors and textures.
  • Tea zone lychee coconut jelly 

Other Fruits and Toppings

top view of bubble tea

Apart from lychee, you can try using other fruits in your bubble tea for added flavor and nutritional benefits:

  • Mangoes: These tropical fruits are juicy and full of natural sweetness. You can use mango puree instead of lychee juice for a different spin on your bubble tea.
  • Strawberries: The combination of strawberries and lychee creates a delightful mix of flavors. Add diced strawberries to the tea for a pop of color and a burst of flavor.
  • Grass jelly: boiling stalks and leaves for a long time.

In addition to fruits and jellies, other tasty toppings can enhance your bubble tea experience:

  • Fiber-rich additives: Chia seeds or basil seeds can add texture while providing a healthy dose of fiber.
  • Sweets: Shaved chocolate, cookie crumbs, or caramel drizzle can add some decadence to your drink.

When adding flavors and sweeteners to your bubble tea, consider using natural alternatives to simple syrup. 

Coconut water, fruit juices, or honey can add just the right amount of sweetness without overloading it with sugar.

It’s important to remember the possibilities are endless when customizing your bubble tea. Play around with various flavor combinations and find what works best for you.

Health Considerations

two bubble tea cups with straws

When indulging in lychee bubble tea, it’s essential to consider the health impacts of this popular beverage. 

You should be aware of the calories and sugar content in your drink. 

Bubble tea often contains high levels of sugar, which can lead to weight gain and increase your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease if consumed in excess.

Moreover, additives in bubble tea, such as syrups and flavored powders, may contain artificial ingredients that can impact your health. 

It’s essential to choose natural ingredients, like fresh lychee juice or puree, to avoid consuming unnecessary chemicals.

From a nutritional standpoint, lychee boba offers some health benefits. 

Lychee is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your body from harmful free radicals. 

Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and promoting overall health.

However, don’t forget about your fiber intake. 

Many bubble tea beverages lack a significant amount of fiber, which is essential for maintaining healthy digestion and preventing various health issues.

To increase your fiber intake while enjoying lychee boba, consider adding fruit pieces or even chia seeds, which offer both fiber and other nutrients.

Lychee bubble tea can be an enjoyable treat, but it’s crucial to be mindful of its health implications. 

Be aware of the calories, sugar content, and additives, and find ways to incorporate more natural ingredients and fiber into your drink. 

By doing so, you can enjoy your lychee boba without compromising your health.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

hand holding bubble tea in cup with a straw

When it comes to enjoying your lychee bubble tea, there are a variety of ways to serve and customize it. 

The refreshing and fruity flavors of lychee boba tea make it perfect for those hot summer days. Here are some tips and serving suggestions to help you get the most out of your homemade lychee bubble tea.

  • For a colder and more refreshing drink, always serve your lychee bubble tea over ice. This ensures that your beverage stays cool throughout your enjoyment, making it perfect for hot weather.
  • Experiment with different toppings to add even more flavor and texture to your lychee bubble tea. Common options include:
    • Boba pearls: The classic choice for bubble tea, these tapioca balls add a chewy texture that complements the smoothness of the lychee jelly.
    • Jellies: If boba pearls aren’t your favorite, consider using other jellies, such as fruit or herbal varieties inspired by Southeast Asia.
    • Whipped cream: For a decadent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream to the top of your drink, then drizzle with lychee syrup.
  • Make it a dessert by pairing your lychee boba tea with ice cream. The cold and creamy ice cream can help to enhance the fruity flavors of the lychee while adding an indulgent aspect to the beverage.
  • If you want to try a different spin on the typical lychee bubble tea recipe, consider using green tea or another herbal tea as your base. This can add a unique and subtle twist to the drink while maintaining its refreshing qualities.

When preparing the lychee jelly, remember to use a cooling rack to ensure the jelly sets evenly. 

This process will help you achieve a consistent texture throughout and avoid any issues when adding the jelly to your drink. 

Happy experimenting, and enjoy your homemade lychee bubble tea!

Final Thoughts

woman putting straw of bubble tea to mouth

Making lychee jelly for bubble tea is a simple and delightful way to enhance your beverage with a burst of flavor and texture.

By combining the refreshing taste of lychee with the satisfying chewiness of jelly, you can create a unique and enjoyable bubble tea experience.

The process typically involves preparing a lychee-flavored syrup and adding gelatin to achieve the desired jelly consistency.

Whether you prefer to use fresh lychee fruit or canned lychee in syrup, this homemade jelly adds a delightful touch to your bubble tea.

The sweet and floral notes of lychee complement the tea flavors perfectly, providing a refreshing and enjoyable treat.

So, the next time you’re craving a delicious bubble tea, don’t forget to make some homemade lychee jelly to take your beverage to the next level.

how to make lychee jelly for bubble tea Pinterest image

How To Make Lychee Jelly For Bubble Tea Recipe

hand holding a cup of bubble tea
Lychee jelly is a delicious and refreshing dessert made from tropical lychee fruit that you can add to your bubble tea. 
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 5 g agar-agar powder
  • 200 ml lychee syrup (from a can of lychees)
  • 200 ml water
  • 75 g sugar
  • 10 canned lychees (1.25 lbs net weight per can)

Instructions

First, mix the agar-agar powder and sugar together. 

Then, blend the canned lychees, water, and lychee syrup in a food processor or blender. 

Combine everything and heat it until the agar-agar dissolves and the mixture thickens. 

Pour the jelly into a flat baking dish and allow it to cool and set.

While the lychee jelly sets, prepare your chosen tea base, followed by adding milk and sweeteners as needed. 

In a separate pot, cook the tapioca pearls according to package instructions.

Once your lychee jelly has set and the tapioca pearls are cooked, you're ready to assemble your bubble tea. 

Slice the lychee jelly into small cubes, then layer it with the tapioca pearls at the bottom of your glass. 

Pour in your tea, milk, and ice mixture, then stir everything together. 

Grab a large straw, and enjoy your delicious, homemade lychee bubble tea!

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