This Grass Jelly Dessert Bowl is a chilled, sweet, and endlessly customizable treat popular across many parts of Asia.
Mix and match toppings, pour over your favorite milk or tea base, and enjoy a refreshing dessert that’s as healthy as it is satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s light, hydrating, and naturally sweet.
Can be made dairy-free, vegan, or fully indulgent—your choice!
A fun way to use up fresh fruit or pantry staples.
Perfect for hot days when you want something cool and energizing.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Key Ingredient
Grass jelly – cut into cubes, thin slices, or shredded
Liquid Base Options (choose one)
Regular milk or oat milk mixed with sweetened condensed milk
Sweetened coconut milk (for dairy-free option)
Cold brewed coffee with sweetened condensed milk
Milk tea (black, green, or oolong)
Simple syrup (for a lighter base)
Optional Toppings
Fresh fruit: mango, banana, berries, papaya, dragon fruit
Cooked elements: soft boiled peanuts, mung beans, red beans, lotus seeds, taro, yam, or sweet potato
Chewy add-ins: tapioca pearls, sweet rice balls, black sticky rice, mochi
Extras: a scoop of ice cream, drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Crushed ice (optional, though TCM doesn’t recommend cold foods)
Pro Tips Before You Start
Chill your grass jelly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Use sweetened coconut milk or condensed milk for a creamy base with richness.
If using cooked beans or tubers, prep them ahead of time so they’re soft and sweet.
This is a great use for leftover sticky rice or tapioca pearls!
For a fancy look, layer your ingredients in a clear glass or dessert cup.
How to Make Grass Jelly Dessert Bowl
Step 1: Choose Your Liquid Base
Select a chilled milk, tea, or coffee base and pour it into your bowl or serving glass.
Step 2: Add the Grass Jelly
Cut your grass jelly into cubes, strips, or shreds.
Add a generous amount on top of the liquid.
Step 3: Add Toppings
Pick your favorite toppings—from fresh fruit to chewy tapioca pearls or creamy red beans.
Mix and match for color and texture!
Step 4: Sweeten and Serve
Drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or a bit of extra condensed milk.
Add crushed ice if desired, and enjoy immediately!
What to Serve It With
This grass jelly dessert is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with:
Steamed bao or sesame buns
Mango sticky rice
Chinese almond cookies
A side of cold brew tea
Variations & Substitutions
No milk? Use coconut water or fruit juice for a lighter, hydrating twist.
Make it vegan with oat milk and agave syrup.
No jelly? Try agar-based jellies or chia pudding as an alternative.
Add matcha syrup or pandan syrup for a flavor boost.
Storage & Leftovers
Keep grass jelly and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Assemble only when ready to eat for best texture and freshness.
Avoid freezing—it alters the texture of the jelly and fruits.
FAQs
What is grass jelly made from?
It’s made from the leaves of the mesona plant, part of the mint family, and has a mild, herbal flavor.
Is grass jelly healthy?
Yes! It’s low in calories, often used in traditional remedies, and aids digestion.
Can I use canned grass jelly?
Absolutely—it’s convenient and ready to use. Just drain and slice.
Do I have to use condensed milk?
No, you can sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar syrup instead.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use sweetened coconut milk or oat milk and skip condensed milk.
How do I prep the beans or taro?
Boil until tender, then lightly sweeten with sugar or syrup.
Is crushed ice necessary?
It’s optional—but highly refreshing in warm weather!
Final Thoughts
This Grass Jelly Dessert Bowl is my go-to for a cool, colorful, and nourishing treat.
Whether you keep it simple with just milk and jelly or go all out with toppings, every bite is full of contrast and fun.
It’s one of those desserts that feels good and tastes even better.
