Let's make a simple lychee jam recipe with coconut sugar! This recipe takes 15 minutes to cook and requires only 3 ingredients: lychee's (can be fresh or canned), coconut sugar, and lime juice.

I decided to make lychee jam after recently perfecting my rambutan jam recipe. Rambutan is like the cousin fruit of lychees and can also be used in this recipe instead of lychees. I was browsing our local Sunday market and stumbled upon the most gorgeous fresh lychees and I thought I'm going to make lychee ice cream as well as a lychee jam!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Lychees are an extremely sweet tropical fruit and a very unique flavour, which makes them perfect for making jam! I love this recipe because it uses fresh lychees and coconut sugar, which is a healthier alternative to white sugar. Using coconut sugar not only makes this recipe a healthier alternative, but also the perfect tropical jam combination too! You will wonder why you ever bought store bought jam in the past (I know I did once I learnt how easy it is to make!).
Ingredients
To make this lychee jam recipe you will need:
Lychees
15 lychees. You can use fresh lychee's or canned lychees work fine too. Make sure to remove the seeds. If you are using fresh lychees, the easiest way to do this is to cut the lychee flesh away from the seed because there is a hard exterior to the shell that is difficult to remove with your fingers.
Coconut Sugar
Approximately ¾ cup. The exact amount of sugar is the weight of the lychee flesh divided by 2. After sharing my rambutan recipe online, I received so many comments regarding the amount of sugar used and the health concerns regarding this! That's why I decided to remake the recipe using not only lychees, but also with coconut sugar. Not only is it healthier, but I'm totally in love with the flavour of coconut sugar jam too!
Health Benefits of Using Coconut Sugar VS White Sugar
Coconut sugar is a better alternative to white sugar for two main reasons. The first being that it has a lower glycemic index than white sugar because of the inulin present. The second reason is that coconut sugar retains more minerals and nutrients than white sugar including calcium, iron, potassium and zinc1.
Lime Juice
The juice of 2 fresh limes. Lime juice is needed for this recipe because lime juice contains pectin. Without pectin, the jam will not set and you are basically just making fruit soup. You don't want to do that!
Ingredient Variations
- Lychees: you can use any type of lychee for this recipe or you can use any fruit from the same family such as the rambutan
- Coconut sugar: coconut sugar provides a unique flavour profile and gives the jam a dark brown colour. This can be substituted for any brown sugar or palm sugar. Alternatively, you can also use white sugar but you will miss out on the health benefits stated previously.
- Lime juice: a great local (Malaysian) alternative to regular limes is the calamansi lime. The most important thing is the pectin in the lime juice. If you do not have access to any type of limes this can be substituted for lemon juice as well.





How long do I cook the jam for and when do I know it's ready?
I like to to use a candy thermometer to know when my jam is ready. Bring the mixture to boiling and then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Using a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, aiming for 220°F (104°C). It will slowly rise, taking approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Whilst this is happening keep stirring the jam to ensure all of the sugar dissolves completely.
Alternatively, perform a jam test to know when it is ready.
Jam Test
To determine if your jam has reached the desired consistency, perform a jam test. Take a small amount of the hot jam and place it on a plate. Allow it to cool, then tip the plate on its side. If the jam holds its shape and doesn't run, it is ready. If it is still too runny, continue simmering until it thickens. You can put the plate in the fridge to cool the jam faster.
Why is my jam have a hard shell on top of it?
If your jam has a hard shell on top after cooling in the fridge, don't worry! This just means that the sugar was not completely dissolved before pouring. Just remember this for next time as you continue to improve your jam making skills.
More Tips
- When adding the jam to a jar, ensure that the jar is preheated to prevent any cracking. Run the jar under boiling water before filling it with the jam.
- Allow the jam to cool slightly before pouring into the jar. Again, this is to prevent any breakage.
Now Lets Cook!!
Discover your new favourite jam recipe with this easy lychee jam recipe!! If you liked this recipe, make sure to leave me a comment and review below. I love hearing from you!
For more easy and healthy recipes like this one you can follow me on YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, and PINTEREST.

Lychee Jam With Coconut Sugar
Ingredients
- 15 lychee's fresh or canned
- ¾ cup coconut sugar
- 2 juice of, limes
Instructions
- Peel the lychees and remove any seeds. If using fresh lychees, cut the flesh away from the seed using a knife. Weigh the lychee flesh and measure out ½ the weight in coconut sugar, approximately ¾ cup.
- Blend the lychee flesh with the juice of 2 limes in a blender until smooth. The mixture does not need to be completely smooth, as some small fruit pieces can add texture to the jam.
- Transfer the lychee puree and coconut sugar to a saucepan. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
- Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, aiming for 220°F (104°C). Alternatively, perform a jam test by placing a small amount of jam on a chilled plate; once cooled it should not run when tipped vertically. If still runny, keep boiling and repeat the test until it passes.
- Once the jam reaches the desired temperature or passes the jam test, remove it from the heat. Allow the jam to cool slightly before transferring it to a pre heated jar for storage. Run the jar under boiling water before pouring the jam mixture to prevent glass breakage.
Sarah says
I love that this recipe uses coconut sugar! Also you can really taste the lychee flavours. I used canned lychees and it worked really well.
Sarah
Georgia Papas says
Thanks Sarah! I'm glad that you enjoyed the recipe and it's great to hear that canned lychees work as well 🙂
Thanks!
Georgia