Introduction to Butterfly Pea Lemon Jelly Cups
Have you ever wanted to wow your family and friends with a dessert that not only tastes amazing but looks like a work of art? Enter the delightful Butterfly Pea Lemon Jelly Cups! These vibrant jelly cups shift from a stunning blue to a mesmerizing purple with just a drizzle of lemon juice.
I adore recipes that are simple yet create a lasting impression. If you’re a busy mom or a professional, these cups are the perfect treat to make ahead of time. Plus, they bring a touch of magic to your dessert table!
Why You’ll Love This Butterfly Pea Lemon Jelly Cups
If you’re looking for a dessert that checks all the boxes, you’ll adore these Butterfly Pea Lemon Jelly Cups. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, taking just about 15 minutes of your time. The stunning visual transformation will have everyone talking. Plus, the taste is refreshingly sweet and tangy. These delightful cups are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a simple weeknight treat!
Ingredients for Butterfly Pea Lemon Jelly Cups
Creating stunning Butterfly Pea Lemon Jelly Cups is all about the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this beautiful dessert to life:
- Water: The base of the jelly, you’ll need it both hot and cold to create that magical blue color.
- Dried butterfly-pea flowers or blue pea flower tea bags: These vibrant flowers are what give the jelly its enchanting hue. If you can’t find them locally, check specialty tea shops or online.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetener helps balance the tanginess of the lemon. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
- Agar-agar powder or flakes: A plant-based gelling agent that provides the jelly’s structure. Remember, it’s not the same as gelatin, so stick to this vegan option.
- Cold water: Necessary for mixing with the agar-agar before heating it to achieve that perfect consistency.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: This ingredient transforms the jelly’s color and adds a lovely tartness that brightens the dessert.
- Lemon zest (optional): A sprinkle of zest adds an extra zing, enhancing the aromatic experience.
- Honey or more sugar: For an added touch of sweetness, especially if you prefer a honeyed flavor.
If you’re curious about exact measurements, don’t worry! They’ll be available at the bottom of this article for easy printing. Now, let’s delight in the creation of these gorgeous jelly cups!
How to Make Butterfly Pea Lemon Jelly Cups
Now that you have all the gorgeous ingredients, let’s turn them into stunning Butterfly Pea Lemon Jelly Cups. Follow these steps, and soon you’ll be ready to impress everyone with your culinary magic!
Step 1: Prepare the Butterfly Pea Tea
Start by boiling 2 cups of water in a small saucepan. Once boiling, add the dried butterfly-pea flowers or tea bags. Let them steep for about 5 to 8 minutes. You want that beautiful deep blue hue! Once the color is right, strain out the flowers or tee bags. This is where the journey to magical jelly begins!
Step 2: Sweeten the Tea
While the butterfly-pea tea is still warm, stir in 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. This will help dissolve the sugar easily. Give it a good mix until completely dissolved. Taste it to ensure it suits your sweetness preference. Remember, the addition of lemon juice later will add brightness and tang, so don’t over-sweeten!
Step 3: Prepare the Agar Mixture
In another saucepan, combine 2 teaspoons of agar-agar powder with 1/2 cup of cold water. Stir it well and bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. As you whisk, continue for about 2 to 3 minutes until the agar fully dissolves. You want it to thicken slightly, resembling a clear syrup. This is what gives our jelly structure!
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Now comes the fun part! Pour the hot butterfly-pea tea into the agar mixture. Stir well to combine. This beautiful deep blue jelly will mesmerize you! Taste the mixture again and adjust your sweetness if desired, perhaps with a touch of honey or extra sugar. Everything should be perfectly sweet and ready for its transformation!
Step 5: Chill the Jelly
Pour the jelly mixture evenly into four clear serving cups or glasses. Allow them to cool to room temperature, which is always an exciting wait. Once cooled, transfer them to the refrigerator to set completely. This usually takes about 1 to 2 hours, but trust me, the anticipation is worth it!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, drizzle 1/2 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice over each jelly cup. This is where the magic happens—the jelly will change color from blue to a stunning purple! Garnish with lemon zest for that extra zing if you wish. Take a moment to admire your beautiful creation before diving in!
Tips for Success
- Measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
- Ensure your agar-agar is fully dissolved; otherwise, the jelly won’t set properly.
- Experiment with sweeteners to find what tastes best for you.
- Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor and color contrast.
- Make the jelly cups a day in advance to save time when hosting!
Equipment Needed
- Small saucepan: Ideal for boiling water; a medium pot works if you only have one size.
- Whisk: Useful for mixing; a fork or spoon can also do the job.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accuracy; use standard kitchen mugs or spoons in a pinch.
- Clear serving cups or glasses: Perfect for showcasing your jelly; any dessert cups will do!
Variations
- Fruit-infused Jelly: Consider adding pureed fruits like mango or strawberry to the blue jelly for a fruity twist.
- Herbal Enhancements: Infuse the butterfly-pea tea with herbs such as mint or basil for a refreshing flavor kick.
- Try Other Citrus: Swap out lemon juice for lime or orange juice to create different flavor profiles while still achieving a color change.
- Sweetener Substitutes: Use agave syrup or stevia for a low-calorie option; just keep your taste buds in mind!
- Layered Effect: Create layers by letting one color set before adding another layer of jelly for a striking visual.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these Butterfly Pea Lemon Jelly Cups with a light, citrusy sorbet for a refreshing dessert duo.
- Serve alongside a simple fruit salad for added freshness and color.
- Present them on a beautiful platter garnished with mint leaves for an elegant touch.
- Complement with a sparkling water or lemonade for a delightful drink pairing.
FAQs about Butterfly Pea Lemon Jelly Cups
Can I use gelatin instead of agar-agar?
No, I highly recommend using agar-agar for these Butterfly Pea Lemon Jelly Cups. Gelatin is animal-based and won’t work with the vegan nature of this recipe. Agar-agar is plant-based and provides the right texture for your jelly!
How long do the jelly cups last in the fridge?
These colorful treats will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure they are covered to keep them fresh. I like to make extra for late-night snacks!
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! The Butterfly Pea Lemon Jelly Cups are already vegan. Just swap out the honey for additional sugar or a vegan sweetener, and you’re good to go!
Are butterfly-pea flowers safe to eat?
Yes! Butterfly-pea flowers are safe to eat and are even used in various cuisines around the world. Just ensure you source them from reputable suppliers to guarantee their quality.
Can I add flavors to my jelly?
Definitely! Feel free to infuse your butterfly-pea tea with herbs or pureed fruits for exciting flavor variations. I love adding a splash of mint for something refreshing!
Final Thoughts
Creating Butterfly Pea Lemon Jelly Cups is not just about making a dessert; it’s about crafting a moment of joy and amazement. Watching the vibrant colors shift as you drizzle lemon juice is almost like magic unfolding right before your eyes.
These jelly cups are perfect for sharing with family and friends, sparking conversation and delight. Plus, they’re a breeze to prepare, even on busy days. So, the next time you need a show-stopping dessert, reach for this recipe. It’s a colorful treat that embodies both beauty and flavor!
Print
Butterfly Pea Lemon Jelly Cups
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Butterfly Pea Lemon Jelly Cups are a vibrant and refreshing dessert that changes color with the addition of lemon juice. Perfect for impressing your guests!
Ingredients
- 2 cups (480 ml) water
- 2 tablespoons dried butterfly-pea flowers or 2 blue pea flower tea bags
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons agar-agar powder or 1 tablespoon agar flakes (NOT gelatin)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
- 1 tablespoon honey or more sugar, to taste
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add butterfly-pea flowers or tea bags and steep for 5–8 minutes until a deep blue color develops. Strain and discard the flowers or remove tea bags.
- Stir in 1/4 cup sugar while the tea is still hot, mixing until dissolved.
- In another saucepan, combine agar-agar powder with 1/2 cup cold water. Stir well, then bring to a gentle boil, whisking constantly for 2–3 minutes until agar fully dissolves. The mixture should be clear and thickened slightly.
- Pour the hot butterfly-pea tea into the agar mixture. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Pour the blue jelly mixture evenly into 4 clear serving cups or glasses. Let cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator until fully set, about 1–2 hours.
- Just before serving, drizzle 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice over each jelly cup. Watch as the color shifts from blue to purple! Garnish with lemon zest if desired and a drizzle of honey or extra sugar for added sweetness.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
- For a vegan option, ensure that the honey is replaced with additional sugar or a vegan sweetener.
- Can be made a day in advance for ease of service.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 12mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Butterfly Pea, Lemon Jelly, Dessert, Color Changing Dessert, Vegan Dessert