This mango jelly recipe is so quick, easy, and comes out perfectly bouncy and fruity! With two ingredients only, you’ll have mango jelly to add in your iced tea, boba drinks, on top of shaved iced desserts, or eat just as it is. I’ll show you how to make mango star jelly and other variations. If you’ve ever wondered how to make mango jelly squares, mango jelly stars and shapes for kids and drinks, or wanted an easy mango jelly for a healthy collagen dessert, this is the recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
Table of contents
Made with just gelatin with mango juice, this mango jelly recipe can be adjusted into chewy mango jellies, soft dessert jelly, sliceable cubes, or even a spreadable mango jelly for toast and pastries. It’s flexible, foolproof, and made with real mango flavor—no powders, no artificial colors…and very collagen-packed.
I love this as a kid friendly Asian inspired treat and it grows my kids love for mango as well as satisfies our sweet tooths without being too sugary. Using mango nectar juice (found at most grocery stores) it’s really simple to make.
If you like this idea it can be done with other flavors like guava jelly or even jasmine tea jelly which is also refreshing. For bubble tea, milk tea, and coffee drinks, I like to also add jellies like homemade boba, grass jelly, nata de coco, and matcha green tea jelly.
What Is Mango Jelly?
Mango jelly is a fruit-based gelatin dessert made by setting mango juice with gelatin. Unlike agar-based jellies, mango gelatin has a softer, bouncier texture that’s perfect for bubble tea toppings, layered desserts, or chilled treats. It cuts so smoothly!
You’ll often see versions shaped into cubes, stars (hello mango star jelly), or cut into strips for drinks—especially in bubble tea shops. You can make this recipe firm, regular, and super soft.
This is not jello from a packet. This is real mango flavor, clean ingredients, and a customizable texture.
Flavor Profile
- Bright, not-too-sweet tropical mango flavor
- Lightly sweet (you control the sugar and can add sugar if you want)
- Clean finish, not artificial
- Soft, bouncy, or chewy, depending on ratio
When made correctly, chewy jellies have a gentle bite that doesn’t melt into drinks or fall apart.
Uses for Mango Jelly
This simple two-ingredient mango jelly is incredibly versatile:
- Mango jelly boba for milk tea or fruit tea (like adding it in mango iced tea…hello, super cool gathering presentation to wow your guests)
- Topping for bubble tea, shaved ice like bingsu, or add with halo-halo ingredients
- Standalone chilled dessert
- Layered jelly cups with coconut milk
- Cut into shapes for kids’ snacks (everyone seems to love mango star jelly)
- Make it soft by using more juice and adding some honey for a spreadable condiment for toast or pastries
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Mango juice (100% juice)
Use bottled mango juice, canned mango juice, or fresh mango juice that has been fully strained. Any pulp will prevent the gelatin from setting cleanly. - 2 1/2 teaspoons Unflavored gelatin powder
This is what gives mango gelatin its structure and chew.
Optional (for variations)
- White sugar or honey (for sweeter or spreadable versions)
This recipe is truly gelatin with mango juice at its simplest.
Equipment
- Heat-safe bowl or tempered glass container
- Whisk
- Small saucepan or microwave – to heat the mango juice
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mold, glass dish, or shallow container
How to Make Mango Jelly (Step-by-Step)
1. Choose Your Texture First
Decide if you’re making:
- Firm mango jelly (sliceable / boba-style) – remove 2 teaspoons of juice
- Regular dessert mango jelly – keep the measurements as is
- Extra-soft or spreadable mango jelly – add an additional 1/4 cup of juice and a tablespoon of honey or sugar
2. Bloom the Gelatin
Pour gelatin powder directly into your mold or heat-safe container.
Add ¼ of the cold mango juice over the gelatin.
Whisk gently and let it sit for 1½ minutes until fully bloomed.
3. Heat the Remaining Mango Juice
Heat the remaining mango juice until almost boiling (do not boil). Use a saucepan or microwave.
If making a sweeter or spreadable version, add sugar now and whisk until dissolved (about 1 minute).
4. Combine & Dissolve
Pour the hot mango juice into the bloomed gelatin.
Whisk continuously for at least 3-5 minutes until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture is completely smooth.
This step is critical for a clean set.
5. Chill to Set
Transfer to the fridge, uncovered to avoid condensation drops, and chill for about 3 hours.
- Once set, cut into cubes, stars, strips, or scoop with a spoon. Dip your shape maker in warm water if it is sticking too much to your jelly.
- If you need to remove the jelly from the mold, dip the mold in hot water for several seconds then flip the mold over on top of a platter.
Best Tips for Perfect Mango Jelly
- Always strain fresh mango juice
- Do not boil gelatin — it will weaken the set. Just heat the mango juice until very hot, but not boiling.
- Whisk longer than you think you need. At least 3 minutes, but more like 4-5 minutes is best.
- Use glass or smooth, clear molds for smooth jelly
- Chill uncovered for the first 30 minutes to avoid condensation
Add-Ins & Variations
Texture Variations
- Firm mango jelly (boba-style): Add more gelatin powder, holds shape in drinks and has a chewier bite
- Regular mango jelly: Soft dessert texture
- Extra soft: Reduce gelatin slightly or add more juice
- Spreadable: Add extra mango juice + sugar or honey
Flavor Add-Ins
- Sweetened coconut milk or condensed milk swirl
- Lime juice for brightness
- Ginger-infused mango juice
- Vanilla for dessert-style jelly
- layer this mango gelatin mixture with coconut jelly or pandan jelly
Shapes
It’s super easy to buy small shape cutters to shape the jelly however you want.
- Cubes for bubble tea
- Stars for mango star jelly
- Thin strips for fruit tea
- Big squares for a plated dessert
How to Serve Mango Jelly
- Add to milk tea or fruit tea as mango jelly boba
- Spoon over ice cream or panna cotta
- Layer with coconut cream for dessert cups
- Serve chilled with fresh mango
- Spread lightly on toast (spreadable version)
This is one of the most easy jellies for bubble tea and dessert recipes you can make at home.
FAQs
Can I make mango jelly without sugar?
Yes. Mango juice alone is enough for a clean, lightly sweet, very healthy mango jelly.
Why didn’t my mango gelatin set?
Common causes: juice too hot, gelatin not bloomed, or juice not strained.
Can I freeze mango jelly?
Not recommended. Gelatin changes texture when frozen.
Is this chewy like bubble tea jelly?
Yes, very similar — when made with the firm ratio, these are chewy mango jellies.
Can I use mango nectar?
Yes, and you don’t need to add sugar since nectar is already sweetened.
This easy recipe proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients to get incredible results. With just gelatin and mango juice, you can create everything from mango jelly stars to elegant dessert jelly to soft, spreadable mango gelatin for breads and as a filling.
Mango Jelly
Equipment
- Heat-safe bowl or tempered glass container
- Small saucepan or microwave to heat the juice
- Mold, glass dish, or shallow container
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Mango juice
- 2 ½ teaspoons Unflavored gelatin powder
Optional (for variations)
- White sugar or honey for sweeter or spreadable versions
Instructions
Choose Your Texture First
- Decide if you’re making:Firm mango jelly (sliceable / boba-style) – remove 2 teaspoons of juiceRegular dessert mango jelly – keep the measurements as isExtra-soft or spreadable mango jelly – add an additional 1/4 cup of juice and a tablespoon of honey or sugar
Bloom the Gelatin
- Pour gelatin powder directly into your mold or heat-safe container.Add ¼ of the cold mango juice over the gelatin.Whisk gently and let it sit for 1½ minutes until fully bloomed.2 ½ teaspoons Unflavored gelatin powder
Heat the Remaining Mango Juice
- Heat the remaining mango juice until almost boiling (do not boil). Use a saucepan or microwave.If making a sweeter or spreadable version, add sugar now and whisk until dissolved (about 1 minute).1 cup Mango juice, White sugar or honey
Combine & Dissolve
- Pour the hot mango juice into the bloomed gelatin. Whisk continuously for at least 3-5 minutes until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture is completely smooth.This step is critical for a clean set.
Chill to Set
- Transfer to the fridge, uncovered to avoid condensation drops, and chill for about 3 hours.Once set, cut into cubes, stars, strips, or scoop with a spoon. Dip your shape maker in warm water if it is sticking too much to your jelly.If you need to remove the jelly from the mold, dip the mold in hot water for several seconds then flip the mold over on top of a platter.
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