The Silkiest Almond Jelly With Lychees Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Sweet and silky almond jelly dances with delicate lychees in this refreshing Asian dessert that promises cool comfort.

Cool summer afternoons feel magical when you savor this elegant treat.

Fragrant lychees add bursts of tropical sweetness to the smooth, delicate almond base.

Delightful textures blend perfectly in this simple yet sophisticated dessert.

Minimal ingredients create maximum pleasure with each delectable spoonful.

Creamy and light, this dessert will become your new favorite way to beat the heat.

You’ll want to share this delicious recipe with everyone at the table.

Why Almond Jelly With Lychees Stands Out

• Craft Dessert Perfection: This almond jelly recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, restaurant-quality dessert that looks and tastes incredibly sophisticated.
• Zero Baking Required: Enjoy a stunning dessert without turning on the oven, making it perfect for hot summer days or when you want a low-effort sweet treat.
• Sensory Delight Experience: Combine smooth, trembling almond jelly with juicy lychees and crunchy almond slices to create a multi-textural dessert that delights every sense.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping lychees with other fruits, adjusting sweetness levels, or adding personal garnish touches to make it uniquely yours.

All the Ingredients for a Refreshing Dessert

Main Ingredients:

• Agar Agar Powder: A plant-based gelatin alternative that helps the jelly set firmly and provides a smooth texture.
• Water: The primary liquid that dissolves the agar agar and creates the jelly's base.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the almond jelly.

• Sugar, Honey: Provide sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dessert.

• Almond Extract: Delivers a strong, distinctive almond flavor throughout the jelly.

• Lychees: Fresh, sweet fruits that add tropical flavor and juicy texture to the dessert.
• Almond Slices: Provide a crunchy contrast to the smooth jelly and reinforce the almond theme.
• Crushed Ice: Offers a refreshing visual and temperature element to the presentation.
• Mint Leaves: Add a fresh, decorative touch and subtle herbal aroma to the dessert.

How to Set Up Almond Jelly in No Time

Step 1: Whisk Agar Agar Base

In a medium saucepan, vigorously whisk agar agar powder into water, ensuring complete dissolution and preventing any pesky lumps from forming. Stir continuously with a smooth, consistent motion.

Step 2: Create Creamy Mixture

Gently blend milk into the agar mixture, whisking until the liquid transforms into a silky, uniform base with a luxurious sheen.

Step 3: Sweeten the Blend

Stir sugar and honey into the liquid, mixing thoroughly until all sweeteners melt completely and integrate seamlessly into the creamy concoction.

Step 4: Infuse Almond Essence

Pour in almond extract, stirring gently to distribute the aromatic flavor evenly throughout the mixture, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Step 5: Mold and Rest

Carefully transfer the liquid into a prepared serving dish or mold, allowing it to settle and relax at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, giving the mixture time to calm and prepare for chilling.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Place the jelly in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, allowing it to transform into a trembling, delicate masterpiece with a perfectly firm consistency.

Step 7: Unmold with Care

Gently release the almond jelly from its mold, using a knife to carefully loosen the edges if needed, ensuring a clean and elegant presentation.

Step 8: Decorate with Lychees

Drain lychees and artfully arrange them across the jelly’s surface, creating a stunning and appetizing display of fruit and texture.

Step 9: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle a generous handful of almond slices over the jelly, introducing a delightful crunch and visual interest to the dessert.

Step 10: Create Chilly Presentation

Crush ice and strategically distribute around the jelly’s edges, adding a refreshing and professional touch to the final presentation.

Step 11: Garnish with Freshness

Delicately place mint leaves atop the dessert, providing a vibrant pop of color and a subtle herbal whisper to the overall composition.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Present the chilled almond jelly immediately, ensuring its delicate structure and vibrant flavors are preserved for maximum enjoyment.

Tips for Light Texture and Balanced Sweetness

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality, ripe lychees and pure almond extract for the most authentic and vibrant flavor profile.
• Control Agar Agar Consistency: Stir continuously while dissolving agar agar to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky jelly texture.
• Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate the jelly for at least 2 hours to achieve the perfect trembling consistency and allow flavors to meld completely.
• Balance Sweetness: Adjust sugar and honey levels to your taste, keeping the delicate almond and lychee flavors in harmonious balance.
• Enhance Presentation: Garnish with crushed ice, almond slices, and mint leaves to create a visually stunning and refreshing dessert experience.

Flavor Variations That Keep It Exciting

• Tropical Paradise: Replace lychees with diced fresh mango and passion fruit, adding a vibrant, exotic flair to the classic almond jelly.
• Chocolate Indulgence: Incorporate cocoa powder into the base mixture and top with chocolate shavings, creating a rich, decadent version of the original dessert.
• Berry Bliss: Swap lychees for a mix of fresh raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries, drizzling a light berry coulis over the surface for intense fruity notes.
• Coconut Dream: Substitute milk with coconut milk and garnish with toasted coconut flakes, transforming the dessert into a creamy, tropical-inspired treat.

Pairing Picks for This Delicate Jelly Treat

• Pair with Aromatic Green Tea: Select a light, floral green tea like jasmine or sencha to complement the almond jelly's delicate sweetness and enhance its subtle nutty undertones.
• Create a Tropical Beverage Companion: Blend fresh lychee juice with a splash of coconut water to mirror the dessert's fruity notes and provide a refreshing, cooling counterpoint.
• Elevate with Sparkling Prosecco: Pour a chilled, crisp prosecco alongside the dessert to add effervescence and create a luxurious, celebratory dining experience that highlights the jelly's elegant texture.
• Match with White Wine Spritzer: Mix a light, slightly sweet white wine like Moscato with a touch of soda water to create a bright, effervescent drink that harmonizes with the almond jelly's smooth consistency.

Store and Serve Almond Jelly the Right Way

• Store the almond jelly in an airtight container with a secure lid to prevent moisture absorption and preserve its delicate texture. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Wrap the container tightly with plastic wrap or use a sealed container to protect the jelly from absorbing other refrigerator odors. Separate from strong-smelling foods to maintain its pure almond essence.
• Store lychees and almond slices separately in small sealed containers to keep them fresh and crisp. Add these garnishes just before serving to maintain their optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• For longer storage, carefully wrap the jelly in multiple layers of plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.

Your Almond Jelly and Lychee FAQs

• What is agar agar, and why is it used in this recipe?

Agar agar is a plant-based gelatin derived from seaweed, used as a vegetarian setting agent that creates a smooth, firm texture in desserts like this almond jelly.

• Can I substitute the almond extract with another flavoring?

Yes, you can use vanilla extract or rose water as alternative flavorings, though they will slightly change the classic almond taste of the dessert.

• Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! The recipe uses agar agar instead of animal-based gelatin, making it completely vegetarian-friendly.