This Black Grass Jelly Dessert is a refreshing, silky treat thatโs perfect for cooling down on a warm day. With its smooth, slightly herbal flavor, this 3- ingredients easy-to-make dessert can be enjoyed as a light snack or a fun, healthier alternative to traditional sweets. Itโs quick to prepare and ideal for both everyday indulgence and special occasions.
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I first fell in love with the Icy Grass Jelly Signature from Meet Fresh. Itโs on the blander side compared to my usual dessert choices, but there's something satisfying about indulging in a healthier option. Plus, since I'm making it at home, I get to do it my wayโor the kidsโ way, which means skipping all the taro balls they leave behind and sticking to just the good olโ jelly.
The fun part? It's black, which means it easily joins the ranks of my Halloween recipes alongside Squid Ink Pasta and Pork Tinumis. Itโs a spooky, mysterious dessert that fits right into any eerie-themed party, but donโt worryโitโs way tastier than it looks!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe?
- Refreshing and light, perfect for hot days or when you need a quick dessert.
- Customizableโadjust sweetness or add your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
- Easy to make with minimal ingredients, no complicated steps required.
- Great for Halloween, thanks to its jet-black color!
- Naturally gluten-free and low in calories.
What is Grass Jelly?
Also known as liรกng fฤn (pronounced lee-yang fen), is made from natural seaweed. Originating from Asia, it has a smooth, gelatinous texture and a slightly herbal flavor.
Itโs particularly popular in China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, often used in refreshing summer desserts. It is usually paired with sweeteners like condensed milk, syrup, or fresh fruit to balance its mild taste.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need:
- Grass Jelly Powder โ The base of this dessert, made from natural seaweed.
- Condensed Milk โ Adds a creamy sweetness to balance the jellyโs mild flavor.
- Half-and-Half โ A blend of milk and cream that gives the dessert a silky texture.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitution and Additions
- Coconut Milk โ Swap out half-and-half for coconut milk to add a tropical vibe.
- Honey or Maple Syrup โ A lighter, natural sweetener to replace condensed milk.
- Fresh Fruit โ Add toppings like lychee, mango, or berries for a pop of color and flavor.
- Boba or Tapioca Pearls โ For extra chewiness, throw in some boba pearls.
How To Make Grass Jelly Dessert?
- Cook the jelly according to the package instructions. If you prefer a firmer jelly, reduce the water slightly.
- Allow the jelly to cool completely, then cut it into cubes or slices.
- In a bowl, mix half-and-half and condensed milk until well combined.
- Pour the sweetened mixture over the jelly cubes and serve chilled.
Variations
- Coconut Twist โ Use coconut milk for a richer, tropical flavor.
- Fresh Fruit Boost โ Add chopped fruits like strawberries, kiwi, or pineapple for extra sweetness.
- Matcha Drizzle โ Pour matcha syrup over the jelly for a green tea twist.
- Boba Fun โ Incorporate boba pearls for a bubble tea-style dessert.
- Coffee-Infuse โ Pair with coffee-flavored syrup for a bold, bitter-sweet experience.
What To Serve With This
- Shaved Ice โ Serve it with a mound of shaved ice for an extra-refreshing treat.
- Tapioca Pearls โ Add tapioca pearls for chewiness and a bubble tea feel.
- Sweet Red Beans โ For a more traditional Asian pairing, try sweetened red beans on top.
- Fresh Fruits โ Serve it alongside fresh fruits like mango or watermelon for added texture and flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the milk mixture separate and pour it over the jelly just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Expert Tips
- Use less water when cooking the jelly for a firmer texture.
- Let the jelly cool fully before cutting, or it may stick together.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less condensed milk to suit your taste.
Recipe FAQs
It is made from natural seaweed, often found in powdered form to create a gelatinous dessert.
It has a mild, slightly herbal taste with a smooth, cooling texture, often complemented by sweet toppings.
Yes, it is a low-calorie, naturally gluten-free option, especially when paired with healthier toppings and sweeteners.
More Easy Desserts
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Black Grass Jelly Dessert
Equipment
- 1 small pot
Ingredients
- 24 grams grass jelly powder
- ยฝ cup condensed milk
- 1 cup half and half
Instructions
- Cook the grass jelly according to the package instructions. If you prefer a firmer jelly, reduce the water slightly.
- Allow the jelly to cool completely, then cut it into cubes or slices.
- In a bowl, mix half-and-half and condensed milk until well combined.
- Pour the sweetened mixture over the jelly cubes and serve chilled.
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Notes
- Use less water when cooking the grass jelly for a firmer texture.
- Let the jelly cool fully before cutting, or it may stick together.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less condensed milk to suit your taste.
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