A light and refreshing dessert inspired by Japanese summer treats, coffee jelly combines the bold flavor of coffee with a smooth, delicate gel texture. It’s simple, elegant, and perfect served plain or dressed up with your favorite toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe uses only a handful of pantry staples and comes together with minimal effort. The balance of lightly sweetened coffee and soft jelly makes it refreshing rather than heavy. It’s versatile enough to serve in cubes, glasses, or bowls, and it pairs beautifully with cream-based toppings or ice cream. Best of all, it’s a make-ahead dessert that’s ideal for warm days or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons hot water
1 packet unflavored gelatin (0.25 ounce / about 7 grams)
2 cups hot prepared coffee
3 tablespoons white sugar

Directions

1. Place the hot water in a small bowl. Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the water and stir until completely dissolved.
2. Transfer the dissolved gelatin to a saucepan.
3. Add the hot coffee and sugar to the saucepan and stir well.
4. Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
5. Carefully pour the hot coffee mixture into a shallow 9-inch square dish, or divide it evenly among four heatproof glasses for individual servings.
6. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then transfer it to the refrigerator.
7. Chill until fully set, about 6 to 7 hours.
8. Once set, cut into cubes if using a large dish, or serve directly from the glasses.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Chilling time: 6 hours
Total time: approximately 6 hours and 10 minutes

Variations

You can adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the sugar to suit your taste. For a milder coffee flavor, replace part of the coffee with milk. Try serving the jelly with whipped cream, frozen whipped topping, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For a creative twist, add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the coffee mixture before boiling.

Storage/Reheating

Store coffee jelly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it well sealed to prevent it from absorbing other refrigerator odors. This dessert is meant to be served cold and should not be reheated, as heat will cause the gelatin to melt and lose its structure.

FAQs

What is coffee jelly?

Coffee jelly is a chilled dessert made from sweetened coffee and gelatin, popular in Japanese cuisine and often served with cream or ice cream.

Can I use instant coffee for this recipe?

Yes, instant coffee works well. Prepare it according to package directions to make 2 cups of hot coffee.

How strong should the coffee be?

A medium to strong coffee flavor works best so it remains noticeable after chilling.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, coffee jelly is ideal for making ahead since it needs several hours to chill and set.

Why didn’t my coffee jelly set properly?

This usually happens if the gelatin was not fully dissolved or if the measurements were inaccurate.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can adjust the sugar to taste or use a suitable sweetener that works with gelatin.

Is coffee jelly served solid or cubed?

It can be served either way. You can cut it into cubes or serve it directly in individual glasses.

Can I add milk or cream to the mixture?

Milk or cream is best added as a topping rather than mixed in, as dairy can affect how the gelatin sets.

Is this dessert suitable for warm weather?

Yes, it’s especially refreshing when served cold on hot days.

Can I freeze coffee jelly?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture can become watery and uneven when thawed.

Conclusion

Coffee jelly is a simple yet sophisticated dessert that highlights the rich flavor of coffee in a refreshing form. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a wonderful option for entertaining or enjoying a light treat at home. Whether served plain or topped with cream, this dessert is sure to become a favorite.

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