COFFEE JELLY RECIPE: MY SUPER EASY-TO-FOLLOW PROCEDURE!
Have you ever finished dinner and found yourself craving something a little silly for dessert? How about Jello? It’s sweet, delicious, and it jiggles.
Coffee jelly takes Jello to the next level, adding the sophistication of a cup of coffee to this wonderfully playful treat. It’s the dinner party dessert I always keep in my back pocket for when I want to surprise and delight. And with my easy coffee jelly recipe, now you can, too!
About Coffee Jelly
Coffee-flavored jelly is currently very popular in Japan, where gelatin desserts are more common. But the modern Japanese coffee jelly is actually a fresh take on an old British dessert recipe dating back to 1817 (1).
I love breathing new life into lost recipes, and as a coffee lover, I’m thrilled to see this one re-entering the mainstream. It’s simple in ingredients, equipment, and procedure, so there’s no reason not to give it a try. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 cups of brewed coffee
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of hot water
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin powder
AT A GLANCE
BREW TIME
10 mins + setting time
YIELD
4 servings
Can I use decaf coffee for this recipe?
Yes, using decaf coffee is a great idea if you are sensitive to caffeine or want to serve your jelly as an after-dinner treat.
Can you make coffee jelly without gelatin?
Yes, if you follow a vegan diet or are avoiding gelatin for other reasons, simply replace the gelatin with 1 teaspoon of agar agar powder.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Making Coffee Jelly
Coffee jelly is a simple yet fun dessert sure to appeal to all coffee lovers. If you’ve made Jello before, this recipe will be a cinch.
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out this chocolate covered coffee beans recipe.
Step 1: Make Coffee
You can use any brewing method to make the coffee for this recipe, as long as you end up with 2 cups of liquid.
Using a standard brewing method like pour over, drip machine, or French press, brew 16 ounces of strong coffee. Or, with an espresso machine or Moka pot, pull two double shots of espresso and dilute with water to make 2 cups total.
If you don’t have a coffee maker, you can use 1 tablespoon of instant coffee powder dissolved in 2 cups of water.
Step 2: Sweeten The Coffee
Add the coffee and sugar to a small saucepan. I like to use 2 tablespoons of sugar for a moderate sweetness, but feel free to add sugar to your taste.
Heat the coffee almost to a boil over medium-high heat, but don’t let it boil. Turn off the heat.
Step 3: Prepare The Gelatin
Combine powdered gelatin and water in a separate glass, and whisk thoroughly until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
Step 4: Combine The Coffee And Gelatin
Add the gelatin mixture to the saucepan of hot coffee and stir until completely dissolved. Let cool.
Step 5: Let The Jelly Set
Pour the coffee mixture from the saucepan into a shallow pan, baking dish, or a mold. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the jelly is completely set, at least 2 hours.
Coffee jelly is usually cut into cubes and served in small cups with toppings.
What is a good topping for coffee jelly?
You can enjoy coffee jelly all on its own, but it really shines when it’s dressed up a little bit. Here are some suggestions:
- Drizzle it with sweetened condensed milk or heavy cream.
- Top it with a scoop of ice cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
- Float the coffee jelly cubes in a glass of ice-cold cream or milk.
- Add a swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and use your imagination. If a flavor combination works in a latte, it probably works with coffee jello too!
Final Thoughts
Coffee jelly is a beautiful combination of bitter and sweet, the perfect light and refreshing dessert to serve after a rich summer meal. If you love coffee, I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s time for this popular Japanese dessert to regain its once-widespread admiration. Whether you serve it straight or topped luxuriously with sweetened cream, I highly recommend this jiggly treat for your next dinner party.
FAQs
Yes, coffee jelly is healthy, especially compared to richer desserts. Without a topping, it’s fat-free and relatively low in calories and sugar. Both coffee and gelatin have proven health benefits. Among other things, coffee reduces the risk of diabetes and heart disease, prevents certain cancers, and promotes brain health. Gelatin is derived from collagen, which benefits your skin, hair, and joints (2).
Coffee jelly lasts up to five days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Just don’t add any toppings until you’re ready to serve. You can also freeze coffee jelly and then snack on the frozen cubes, but you can’t thaw it again without ruining the texture.
Coffee jelly without any toppings tastes like sweetened black coffee. You shouldn’t notice any flavor from the gelatin. If you plan to serve your jelly straight, it’s more important to use high-quality coffee because the flavor profile of the coffee will be on display. So particularly if you’re using instant coffee, splurge for the best you can afford.
