If you adore all things coffee and are looking for a fun, refreshing twist on your regular cup of joe, this Coffee Jelly Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Silky, wobbly coffee cubes swimming in sweet cream—it’s a playful, Japanese-inspired dessert that strikes the perfect balance between bittersweet coffee and luscious dairy. Whether you crave an afternoon pick-me-up or want to impress friends at your next dinner party, this recipe has just the right amount of sophistication and nostalgia in one perfectly spoonable treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Coffee Jelly:
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee (hot)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 1/4 cup cold water
For Serving:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (optional, for serving)
How to Make Coffee Jelly Recipe
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
Start by sprinkling your unflavored gelatin powder over 1/4 cup of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes—this simple step allows the gelatin to absorb the water, ensuring the smoothest, lump-free texture in your final jelly cubes.
Step 2: Brew the Coffee & Sweeten
While the gelatin is blooming, brew 2 cups of strong, hot coffee. Stir in the sugar until it’s completely dissolved. The warmth helps the sugar disappear smoothly, giving your Coffee Jelly Recipe that signature delicate sweetness that doesn’t overshadow the bold coffee flavor.
Step 3: Melt the Gelatin
Once the gelatin is fully bloomed and jiggly, stir it straight into the hot coffee-sugar mixture. Keep stirring until you’re certain every last bit has dissolved. This blend should be totally smooth; undissolved gelatin won’t set properly, so take your time here!
Step 4: Set the Jelly
Pour the coffee-gelatin mixture into a square or rectangular dish—you can use glass or any non-reactive container. Cover and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Patience pays off as the mixture turns into a glistening, coffee-hued sheet of jelly.
Step 5: Cut and Serve
Once your jelly is set and firm, use a knife to slice it into neat cubes. Spoon the cubes into serving cups or bowls, and then give them a generous pour of chilled heavy cream or a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. Each bite is a harmonious dance of bitter, sweet, and creamy!
How to Serve Coffee Jelly Recipe
Garnishes
The classic finish for Coffee Jelly Recipe is a silky blanket of heavy cream or that irresistible swirl of sweetened condensed milk. For a little extra flair, try a sprinkle of cocoa powder, a dusting of cinnamon, or a few chocolate shavings on top—each garnish amplifies the dessert’s visual and flavor appeal.
Side Dishes
This refreshing dessert pairs beautifully with light, buttery cookies like langues de chat or crisp biscotti. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes a playful sidekick for a truly over-the-top coffee dessert experience. If you’re feeling fancy at brunch, serve the jelly alongside fresh fruit for a sweet and vibrant contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Layer your coffee jelly cubes in small jars or fancy glasses for a parfait look; add whipped cream, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of caramel for extra richness. If you’re hosting a party, assemble bite-sized skewers of jelly cubes and dip them in chocolate—unexpected and delightful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once set, your Coffee Jelly Recipe can happily hang out in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing any strong fridge odors, and wait to add cream or condensed milk until just before serving to keep the cubes perfectly bouncy.
Freezing
Although gelatin desserts generally don’t love the freezer—freezing can cause the texture to break down and become watery—you could freeze the coffee jelly if you’re looking for a slushy, granita-style treat. Thawing, however, isn’t recommended if you want to keep those perfect cubes intact.
Reheating
No reheating needed! In fact, serving your Coffee Jelly Recipe well-chilled is the key to its refreshing charm. If your jelly becomes too firm, just let it sit at room temperature for a minute or two before serving—it’ll soften up nicely.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes! Instant coffee works beautifully. Just dissolve about two tablespoons of your favorite instant coffee in hot water to yield two cups—the result will still be bold and delicious.
Is it possible to make a vegan version?
Absolutely! Swap out the gelatin for agar-agar powder (a plant-based gelling agent) and use coconut cream or a rich non-dairy milk for serving. The jiggle will be slightly different, but no less delightful!
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Of course. Feel free to add more or less sugar based on your preference, or even use a sugar substitute if you like. Just remember, the cream or condensed milk added at serving time will also increase the sweetness.
How do I keep the jelly cubes from sticking together?
After cutting, you can gently separate the cubes and lightly toss them with a little bit of cream or leave them uncovered in the fridge for a few minutes. This keeps the sides from sticking and helps them look perfectly glossy when served.
What type Dessert
A glass, ceramic, or non-reactive metal dish works best for setting the coffee jelly. If you want perfectly even cubes, look for a dish with straight sides. You can even use silicone molds for fun shapes!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Coffee Jelly Recipe enough, especially if you’re looking for an easy dessert that’s both striking and simple. Each spoonful is a joyful mix of rich coffee and silky cream. Give it a go—you might find this playful treat becomes your new go-to sweet!
Print
Coffee Jelly Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a unique Japanese dessert with this Coffee Jelly recipe. Enjoy the refreshing taste of coffee in a jelly form topped with creamy goodness.
Ingredients
Coffee Jelly:
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee (hot)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 1/4 cup cold water
For Serving:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Bloom Gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water, let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Coffee: Brew coffee, stir in sugar until dissolved.
- Mix Gelatin: Stir bloomed gelatin into hot coffee until smooth.
- Set Jelly: Pour mixture into dish, refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
- Cut and Serve: Cut jelly into cubes, serve with cream or condensed milk.
Notes
- For a creamier option, mix the cream with sugar or vanilla extract before pouring over the jelly.
- This dessert is perfect for warm days or as a unique coffee-flavored treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
