The Secret of Traditional Jelly Cake｜How to Pair It and Create Irresistible Desserts

Have you ever tried jelly cake? This Taiwanese traditional dessert has been passed down for generations, cherished for its unique chewy texture and glossy appearance. Whether added to shaved ice, sweet soup, or bubble tea, the charm of jelly cake transcends time and age. In this article, we’ll take you through the origins, production, and popular drink pairings of jelly cake—and even compare it with coconut jelly and tapioca pearls to see which topping truly wins your heart!
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What Is Jelly Cake? The Secret Behind Its Delicious Texture

Jelly cake originated from Zhangzhou, Fujian, carrying a deep cultural and historical background. After being introduced to Taiwan through migration, it became an essential part of local desserts. Traditionally, it’s made from sweet potato starch. Boiling water is poured into a slurry of sweet potato flour, stirred until it becomes translucent and thick, then poured into molds to cool before being cut into strips or cubes and served with syrup.

In Taiwan, jelly cake is a familiar sight in traditional markets, night markets, and ice shops—a nostalgic dessert loved by all ages. For many, it’s not only a refreshing summer treat but also a childhood memory filled with warmth. Its translucent appreance and springy texture are the secrets behind its timeless appeal.

The All-Time Classic: Jelly Cake Goes Well With Everything!

In the early days, jelly cake was a must-have in traditional shaved ice, bringing cool relief to the scorching Taiwanese summer. As dessert menus evolved, it broke free from its icy beginnings and became a star ingredient in modern drinks and desserts!

From pairing with tofu pudding and syrup to blending with tea jelly or milk foam, jelly cake adds a unique chewiness and depth of texture. Some beverage brands have even created signature jelly cake drinks, elevating this humble dessert to main-character status.
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What Is Jelly Cake Made Of? Behind-the-Scenes of Its Production

The main ingredients of jelly cake include sweet potato starch, tapioca starch, or cornstarch. Through heating and gelatinization, these starches create the signature chewy texture. The key to making the perfect jelly cake lies in precisely controlling the temperature and the ratio of water to powder.

Because traditional preparation is quite labor-intensive, many shops now prefer to use SKYFUL’s jelly cake powder, which can be easily prepared by simply heating or mixing with hot water. Generally, there are two main methods of making jelly cake. The first is the traditional boiling method, commonly used for large-scale production. In this process, the jelly cake powder is mixed with water, heated, and stirred until it becomes thick and glossy, then poured into a mold to cool and set.

The second is the instant hot-water method, where hot water between 90°C and 100°C is poured directly into the powder while stirring rapidly to achieve gelatinization. Once cooled, the mixture can be cut into pieces and served.

SKYFUL’s jelly cake powder enhances elasticity, consistency, and overall yield, producing 20–30% more output from the same amount of powder while maintaining its authentic taste and translucence.
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Jelly Cake vs. Coconut Jelly vs. Tapioca Pearls: Who’s the Real Star of Bubble Tea?

In the world of beverages and desserts, jelly cake, coconut jelly, and tapioca pearls each have their own devoted fans. But which one truly deserves the spotlight? Let’s explore their unique textures and flavors below.
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Jelly Cake

Transparent and slightly golden, jelly cake is loved for its chewy, bouncy texture and light flavor. Compared with other toppings, it’s lower in calories and adds a pleasant bite without overpowering the drink. Common pairings include grass jelly, shaved ice, and tofu pudding. Whether infused with brown sugar or added to modern bubble teas, jelly cake always enhances the overall experience.

Coconut Jelly

Made from coconut water, water, and sugar fermented with Acetobacter bacteria for 5–7 days, coconut jelly is later sterilized and flavored with syrup and coloring. Its translucent, elastic texture and mild sweetness make it a versatile topping for drinks and desserts.

Tapioca Pearls

Made from potato starch, tapioca flour, or sweet potato starch, pearls are boiled until translucent and glossy black. Their chewy and sticky texture releases a subtle sweetness when bitten. Most famous in bubble milk tea, they’re also popular in icy or fruity drinks for added texture.
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Comparison Table: Jelly Cake vs. Coconut Jelly vs. Tapioca Pearls

4 Must-Try Jelly Cake Drinks from Popular Brands

As a trendy topping in bubble tea, jelly cake has become a customer favorite thanks to its chewy texture and versatility. Here are four must-try jelly cake drinks that highlight creativity and flavor.
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iMUZ – Jelly Cake Osmanthus Lemon

A refreshing combination of osmanthus fragrance and real lemon juice creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. For flavor consistency, sugar and ice levels are fixed. The chewy jelly cake adds texture and depth, making it an ideal choice for both hot summer days and relaxed afternoons.

TEA TOP – Honey Buckwheat Jelly Cake

This TEA TOP specialty features layers of flavor and texture. The jelly cake is perfectly chewy and infused with a hint of roasted buckwheat aroma, pairing harmoniously with the naturally sweet “Honey Bomb” syrup. It’s a delightful fusion of traditional taste and modern creativity in every sip.

Wanpo Island Tea – Jin Xuan Pearl & Jelly Cake Mix

Wanpo combines Jin Xuan tea with chewy pearls, boba, and signature jelly cake, creating a drink full of texture and aroma. Each ingredient complements the others beautifully, offering a complex mouthfeel that chewing lovers can’t resist.

TP TEA – Buckwheat Oolong Jelly Cake

This drink blends the nutty aroma of buckwheat with the refreshing fragrance of Four Seasons Oolong. The addition of silky jelly cake gives every sip a rich, layered texture and satisfying chew, perfect for a relaxing pick-me-up.
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SKYFUL – The Exclusive Jelly Cake Powder Formula Loved by Beverage Brands

SKYFUL’s exclusive jelly cake powder formula is praised by drink shop owners for its reliable quality and simple preparation. After multiple tests and adjustments, SKYFUL successfully recreates the classic chewy texture of traditional jelly cake while ensuring long-lasting stability.

The prepared jelly cake pairs beautifully with a variety of teas, fruit drinks, and desserts, making it a flexible ingredient for innovative menus. SKYFUL is now a trusted supplier for many well-known bubble tea chains and a top choice for brands developing jelly cake drinks.
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Conclusion

From its traditional roots to modern-day reinvention, jelly cake continues to captivate taste buds with its simplicity and charm. SKYFUL not only supplies jelly cake powder but also provides fruit syrup, purée, sugar syrup, and instant drink mixes, all produced under strict quality standards.

Moreover, SKYFUL offers professional support for new store owners, helping businesses develop unique and appealing drinks. If you’re looking for jelly cake powder or high-quality beverage ingredients, contact SKYFUL today and start crafting your signature drinks!
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