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Stunning Matcha Galaxy Jelly Cups Recipe with Easy Blue Butterfly Pea Swirls

matcha galaxy jelly cups - featured image

These jelly cups feature mesmerizing galaxy-like swirls of matcha and blue butterfly pea tea, offering a light, refreshing, and visually captivating dessert that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 teaspoons high-quality matcha powder
  • 2 cups (480 ml) water
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons powdered gelatin (or 4 gelatin sheets, soaked)
  • 1 teaspoon dried blue butterfly pea flowers or 1 blue butterfly pea tea bag
  • ½ cup (120 ml) hot water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Optional: fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brew the butterfly pea tea by pouring ½ cup (120 ml) of hot water over the dried butterfly pea flowers or tea bag. Let steep for 5–7 minutes until the water turns vibrant blue. Remove flowers or tea bag, stir in 1 tablespoon sugar if desired, and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Sift 2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl using a fine mesh strainer to avoid lumps. Add 2 cups (480 ml) of water and whisk vigorously until smooth and frothy.
  3. Bloom the gelatin by sprinkling 2 teaspoons powdered gelatin over ¼ cup (60 ml) cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes. If using gelatin sheets, soak them in cold water until soft.
  4. In a medium saucepan, combine the matcha mixture, sugar, and bloomed gelatin. Warm over low heat, stirring gently until gelatin and sugar fully dissolve. Do not boil; heat for about 3–4 minutes.
  5. Pour about ¼ cup (60 ml) of the matcha jelly base into each clear cup to form the first layer. Refrigerate for 10 minutes until slightly set but still tacky.
  6. Add a few drops of the butterfly pea tea to each cup and gently swirl with a toothpick or skewer to create galaxy patterns.
  7. Pour the remaining matcha jelly mixture over the swirled layer, filling cups about ¾ full. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
  8. Just before serving, add a drop of lemon juice to each cup to shift the butterfly pea swirls from blue to purple hues. Garnish with fresh mint or edible flowers if desired.

Notes

Sift matcha powder to prevent clumps. Bloom gelatin properly for smooth setting. Keep heat low when dissolving gelatin to preserve color and setting power. Swirl butterfly pea tea gently to maintain distinct galaxy patterns. For vegan option, substitute gelatin with agar-agar powder (1 teaspoon) dissolved in boiling water; agar sets faster and firmer. Chill jelly cups on a flat surface for even layers. Avoid microwaving to preserve swirl effect.

Nutrition

Keywords: matcha jelly, butterfly pea tea, galaxy jelly cups, easy dessert, colorful jelly, vegan option, agar-agar substitute