The dessert, Light and fresh
Lychees, raspberries, and rose syrup
Lychees, raspberries, and rose syrup is a dessert for 6 people that takes only 15 minutes of active work. The lychees macerate in rose syrup earlier in the day, then raspberries and rose petals are added right before serving. It's a very easy recipe, costing about €2.70 per person, and the key is using the rose syrup sparingly, since it overpowers fast.
Here's a dessert full of fragrance, lychees, raspberries, and a rose syrup, fresh and elegant.
- For
- 6 people
- Work
- 15 min
- Total time
- 1 h 10
- Prep
- Prepared the same day
- Difficulty
- Very easy
- Cost per person
- €2.70
- Calories per person
- 140 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
This dessert plays on contrast, the juicy sweetness of lychees against the bright tartness of fresh raspberries, all wrapped in a rose scent that should stay subtle if you measure it right. The texture is soft on the lychee side, slightly grainy on the raspberry side, with no cooking and no fat involved. It's the kind of dessert that feels cooling at the end of a meal, especially after something rich.
Serve it for a summer dinner with friends, a light family meal, or a warm evening when you want to end on something fresh and elegant without spending time in the kitchen. It pairs well with a menu where the starter or main already took some effort, since this dessert only needs fifteen minutes of work and a quiet stretch of time in the fridge.
The schedule
What happens when, so you can be with your guests instead of in the kitchen.
- The day before Nothing to do
- The same day 3 steps, 2 h 05
- Before the guests arrive 1 step, 10 min
- When it's time to serve 1 step
In the morning, drain the lychees, mix the syrups, and let everything macerate in the fridge while you handle the rest of the meal. Right before guests arrive, rinse and drain the raspberries on paper towels. At serving time, assemble the glasses and scatter the rose petals last so they keep their color.
The ingredients
Pantry
- Canned lychees in syrup 800 g
- Rose syrup 6 tbsp
- Edible rose petals 1 tbsp
Fruits and vegetables
- Raspberries 300 g
- Lime 1
The recipe, moment by moment
The same dayDuring the day, whenever you get a moment.
-
Drain the lychees, keeping 10 cl of their syrup, then place them in a bowl. 5 min
Cut the lychees in half to remove any leftover pit.
-
Mix the lychee syrup, rose syrup, and lime juice, then pour over the lychees.
The lime adds the acidity that balances the sweetness.
-
Cover and let macerate in the fridge until evening. 2 h
The lychees soak up the rose scent and become wonderfully soft.
Before the guests arriveThe last hour, right before the doorbell rings.
-
Rinse the raspberries gently and let them drain on paper towels. 10 min
Don't rinse them too early, they get soft.
When it's time to serveThe final touches, right in front of your guests.
-
Arrange the lychees in glasses, add the raspberries, drizzle with syrup, and scatter with rose petals.
Add the petals at the very last moment so they stay vibrant.
Our tips to get it right
- Pick good quality canned lychees in syrup, since that syrup becomes the base of the soaking liquid and gives the dessert its softness.
- Taste the syrup mixture before pouring it over the lychees, that's your chance to balance the rose, sugar, and lime.
- Serve this in clear glasses or cups, the pale pink and raspberry red look better and make the dessert more appealing.
The variations
- Swap the raspberries for chopped strawberries if they're in season, they pair just as well with the rose flavor.
- Add a few thinly sliced fresh mint leaves when plating for a brighter note and extra color.
- For a quicker same day version, skip the long maceration and just drizzle the lychees and raspberries with syrup right away, the flavor will be less blended but still pleasant.
What to serve it with
- Iced green tea with mint
- Crisp almond tuile cookies
- A glass of light sparkling wine
Storage
The macerated lychees keep for 2 days in the fridge in a sealed container, but add the raspberries and petals only right before serving. This dessert doesn't freeze well.
Questions about this recipe
Can rose syrup be replaced with another flavor?
Yes, orange blossom or violet syrup both work well with lychees. Keep the same small amount so the fruit flavor isn't covered up.
Where can you find edible rose petals?
Look for them in specialty food shops or the spice aisle of some supermarkets, often dried. If you can't find any, the dessert still tastes great without them, just a bit less decorative.
Can fresh lychees be used instead of canned lychees in syrup?
Yes, but you'll need to make a separate syrup with water and sugar to soak the fruit, since fresh lychees don't come with their own syrup. Plan for a bit more prep time.
How can this dessert be presented for a dressier meal?
Serve it in stemmed glasses or champagne coupes instead of bowls, the height shows off the colors better. A few rose petals resting on the rim add a nice touch.
Can lychees, raspberries, and rose syrup be made ahead?
Yes, during the day. The recipe needs 15 min of work in total, split up like this, the same day, 3 steps, before the guests arrive, 1 step, when it's time to serve, 1 step.
How long does it take to make lychees, raspberries, and rose syrup?
Allow 1 h 10 in total, including resting and cooking time, of which 15 min is actual work. The recipe is rated "very easy".
How many calories are in lychees, raspberries, and rose syrup?
About 140 kcal per person, for a recipe meant for 6 people. The calories are calculated by Kiloach, your kilo coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.
How much does lychees, raspberries, and rose syrup cost?
About €2.70 per person, that's €16.20 for 6 people, based on average supermarket prices.
What allergens does this recipe contain?
This recipe doesn't contain any of the major allergens tracked by Mon Chou. It's still a good idea to ask your guests about their allergies.
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