Easy Coffee Jelly

Sweet wobbly coffee jelly topped with milk for the perfect coffee drink with a twist! An easy fuss-free way to make coffee jelly, make it straight in your glass.

What is coffee jelly?

Coffee jelly is essentially a coffee mixture set with a gelling agent like gelatine or agar-agar.

Originally common in Britain and America, coffee jelly is now most commonly found in Japan! The Japanese love coffee jelly, aka kohii zerii (コーヒーゼリー), so much that it is available in most cafes, supermarkets and convenience stores.

I can't blame them though, what's not to love about sweet, wobbly coffee-flavored jelly, and when served with milk it makes the perfect coffee-flavored drink!

How do you make coffee jelly?

Coffee jelly is so easy to make, however, this recipe makes it even easier by making the jelly directly in the glass.

Coffee jelly is made of four main components: coffee, sugar, gelatine, and water. These ingredients are melted and combined together before being set.

The sweetness of the jelly can be adjusted by adding more or less sugar, as can the coffee intensity.

Traditionally the coffee is cut into cubes and served with cream, or sweetened milk.

On the other hand, Japanese coffee jelly is typically served with whipped cream. I like to serve mine with milk and another shot of espresso for a drink that is almost like a jelly latte.

Ingredients

Coffee Jelly

• Instant coffee powder: Any kind of instant coffee powder will work. You can increase or decrease the amount of coffee to suit your preferences
• Powdered gelatine: Powdered gelatin or gelatine is perfect for this as it is easy and convenient. All you need to do is dissolve the powder into boiling water. You can also replace this with other vegetarian gelling agents. Powders like kanten powder or agar agar powder can be used to make this vegan.

• Granulated sugar: Sugar is needed to sweeten the jelly and prevent it from being overly bitter from the coffee. You can also adjust this according to your preferences.
• Boiling water: Water forms the base of your jelly. Make sure you use boiling water as this will help to dissolve the gelatine and coffee. If the gelatine doesn't fully dissolve you can microwave it for 20 seconds or so until completely dissolved.

Assembly

• Whole milk: I like the combination of regular milk and coffee. However, feel free to add any kind of milk you like from plant-based milks like almond, oat or soy to flavoured milks!
• 1 shot of Espresso (optional): If you want to create a iced latte style drink I highly recommend adding a shot of espresso for a stronger coffee flavour.
• Sweetener (optional): If you prefer a sweeter drink you can add a sweetner like sugar syrup or condensed milk

Ways to serve coffee jelly

There are so many different ways to serve this. I like to serve mine with milk but the options are endless, here are a couple of variations you can try.

• With whipped cream: One of the most popular ways to enjoy coffee jelly. Just top the set coffee jelly with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and refreshing dessert
• With vanilla ice cream: Another delicious way to enjoy the dessert. Rather than serving the ice cream on top of the jelly you can even cut the jelly into cubes and serve it as a fun ice cream topping

• With condensed milk: A combination of condensed milk and regular milk is a great way to sweeten the jelly for a delicious drink.
• Flavored milk: Flavored milk is perfect as the coffee jelly adds a bitter-sweet flavor that works with most flavored milk. Think chocolate milk with a hint of coffee jelly!

Rather than setting the jelly in individual glasses you can also double or triple the recipe and make a larger portion in a larger rectangle mold or baking dish. Then unmold the jelly and cut it into cubes to serve. That way you can serve it as a topping in so many different desserts!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does coffee jelly last?

If the coffee jelly is stored on its own it can last up to 4 days when covered with plastic wrap and stored in the fridge. If you have already mixed it with cream or milk consume it as soon as possible or within the day it is made.

Can you make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can! This kind of dessert is the best kind to make ahead of time. Simply set the coffee jelly in the individual cups and when it is ready to serve top with milk or cream!

Can I use a different kind of milk?

Yes! Choose your favorite kind of milk and customize this to your liking. This recipe is so versatile so no matter what milk you serve it with it'll be delicious.

I can't eat gelatin, what can I replace it with?

There are so many different kinds of setting agents that you can use in its place. Powders like kanten, agar-agar or carageen are made from seaweed or algae and are a great vegetarian substitute.

Can I make this into cubes instead?

Yes, you can make this like traditional coffee jelly rather than in a cup. If you are making this into cubes I recommend tripling the recipe and combining the ingredients in a saucepan and bringing it to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until melted.

This makes sure that the gelatin and coffee are melted and distributed evenly through the coffee mixture. As it is a bigger batch, if you make it directly in the mold there is a high chance that granules of coffee and gelatin will be left undissolved at the bottom.

Let's Get Cooking

If you liked this recipe make sure to leave me a comment and rating down below, I would love to know how you went. Also don't forget to tag me on Instagram @catherine.desserts so I can see and share your desserts.

Follow me on facebook, pinterest, youtube and tiktok for more of my baking creations and updates! Until next time... happy caking!

📖 Recipe

Easy Coffee Jelly Recipe

Print Recipe

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Sweet wobbly coffee jelly topped with milk for the perfect coffee drink with a twist! An easy fuss-free way to make coffee jelly, make it straight in your glass.

• Author: Catherine Zhang
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 glass 1x
• Category: Drink
• Method: Easy
• Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Coffee Jelly

• 1 tsp Instant coffee powder
• 1 tsp Gelatin powder
• 1 tbsp Granulated sugar
• ¾ cup Boiling water

Assembly in a Glass

• 1 cup Whole milk, or any milk alternative
• 1 shot of Espresso (optional)
• Sweetener i.e. sugar syrup (optional)

Assembly as a Dessert

• Condensed milk (optional)
• Whipped cream (optional)

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Instructions

Coffee Jelly in a Glass

1. Combine the instant coffee powder, gelatin powder, and sugar together in your glass of choice
2. Add the boiling water and stir until the mixture is completely dissolved (If there are still undissolved granules at the bottom of the glass place it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to fully dissolve)
3. Place the glass in the fridge to chill for 2-3 hours, or until completely set

Assembly in a Glass

1. Top the jelly with ice cubes and milk
2. Add any sweeteners and pour over an additional shot of espresso, if desired
3. Enjoy!

Coffee Jelly Cubes

1. Click the 2X button to double the recipe
2. Prepare a rectangular mold 
3. Combine the instant coffee powder, gelatin powder and sugar in a small saucepan
4. Add the boiling water and heat over medium heat until everything is completely dissolved
5. Pour the mixture into your rectangular mold, chill for 2-3 hours until set

Assembly as a Dessert

1. Run the outside of the rectangular mold in hot water to help you unmold the jelly
2. Cut into cubes and place in a bowl or glass
3. Top with a drizzle of condensed milk, a swirl of whipped cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder
4. Enjoy!

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