Why You’ll Love Coffee Jelly Recipe
This coffee jelly recipe is a perfect combination of bittersweet coffee flavor and light, bouncy texture. It’s incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients and can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal dessert for entertaining. Whether you’re looking for a creative way to enjoy your daily caffeine fix or a refreshing treat on a warm day, coffee jelly delivers a satisfying, low-effort solution.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Brewed black coffee (hot)
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Unflavored gelatin powder
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Granulated sugar
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Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Directions
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In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder over a few tablespoons of cold water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes.
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In a saucepan, combine the hot brewed coffee and sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
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Add the bloomed gelatin to the hot coffee mixture and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
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Pour the mixture into a square or rectangular dish and let it cool to room temperature.
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Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
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Cut the jelly into cubes and serve in individual glasses or bowls.
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Top with whipped cream, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Variations
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Coffee type: Use espresso or cold brew for a stronger flavor.
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Sweetener: Swap sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute for a different sweetness profile.
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Layered dessert: Add a layer of sweetened cream or milk jelly for contrast.
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Iced drink twist: Serve coffee jelly cubes in iced milk or coffee for a fun drink-dessert hybrid.
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Flavored coffee: Infuse your coffee with vanilla or caramel for added depth.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover coffee jelly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled and covered to preserve its texture and flavor. This dessert does not require reheating and should be served cold. Freezing is not recommended, as it may alter the gelatin structure.
FAQs
What type of coffee should I use for coffee jelly?
Use strong brewed black coffee or espresso for the best flavor. Instant coffee also works if you’re short on time.
Can I make coffee jelly without sugar?
Yes, but it may taste bitter. You can use sugar substitutes or natural sweeteners to adjust to your preference.
Is coffee jelly caffeinated?
Yes, unless you use decaffeinated coffee. You can easily switch to decaf if you want a caffeine-free dessert.
Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin?
Absolutely. Agar-agar is a plant-based alternative to gelatin. Adjust the quantity based on the package instructions.
How long does coffee jelly take to set?
It typically takes at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to fully set, but overnight chilling is ideal.
Can I serve it with milk?
Yes, coffee jelly pairs beautifully with milk or cream poured over the cubes.
How do I make it sweeter or less bitter?
Adjust the amount of sugar to taste or use a milder coffee blend for a less intense flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, coffee jelly is great for making ahead. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days.
Can I use flavored coffee creamers?
Yes, flavored creamers can be used when serving or even mixed into the jelly base for extra flavor.
What’s the best way to cut coffee jelly into cubes?
Use a sharp knife and gently lift the jelly with a spatula or spoon. It helps to chill the jelly well before cutting.
Conclusion
Coffee jelly is a simple yet elegant dessert that captures the essence of coffee in a refreshing, jiggly form. Whether served plain or dressed up with cream, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any coffee enthusiast. With its rich flavor and smooth texture, coffee jelly is a sweet treat that never goes out of style.
Coffee Jelly
This coffee jelly recipe combines the bold, bittersweet flavor of coffee with a light and bouncy gelatin texture. It’s simple to make with just a few ingredients and is perfect for make-ahead entertaining or a refreshing coffee-flavored dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups brewed black coffee (hot)
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for blooming gelatin)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder over 2 tablespoons of cold water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine the hot brewed coffee and sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the bloomed gelatin to the hot coffee mixture and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into a square or rectangular dish and let it cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
- Cut the jelly into cubes and serve in individual glasses or bowls.
- Top with whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- Use strong coffee or espresso for a richer flavor.
- Adjust sweetness to taste or substitute with honey or sugar alternatives.
- Serve with milk or flavored creamers for extra flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Do not freeze; gelatin texture may be compromised.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
