Coffee jelly is a delightful Japanese dessert that has gained popularity for its unique texture and refreshing taste.
Originating in Japan, this dessert combines the rich flavor of coffee with the fun, jiggly texture of gelatin.
It’s incredibly easy to make at home, using just a few simple ingredients.
Coffee jelly is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or topped with whipped cream, ice cream, or fruit.
Perfect for a hot summer day or as a light after-dinner treat, coffee jelly is a must-try for any coffee lover.
How to Make Delicious Coffee Jelly: At A Glance
- Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin
- Step 2: Make the Coffee Mixture
- Step 3: Combine Gelatin and Coffee
- Step 4: Set the Jelly
- Step 5: Serve
What is Coffee Jelly?
Coffee jelly is a unique dessert made from coffee-flavored gelatin.
It has a jiggly, slightly firm texture that holds its shape when cut into cubes.
The flavor is a perfect blend of rich coffee with a hint of sweetness, making it a delightful treat for coffee lovers.
Originating in Japan, coffee jelly has become a popular dessert throughout Asia.
It is often enjoyed in various forms, such as cubed and served in bowls, topped with whipped cream, or mixed with ice cream.
Some even enjoy it in drinks, where the cubes add an interesting texture.
This versatile dessert is light, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion, whether served as a standalone treat or as an addition to other desserts.
Ingredients
To make coffee jelly, you will need the following ingredients:
- Unflavored Gelatin or Agar-Agar: 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin powder or 1 stick packet of agar-agar (approximately 2 teaspoons).
- Strong Brewed Coffee (or Instant Coffee): 2 cups of freshly brewed strong coffee or 2½ cups water with 2-3 tablespoons of instant coffee powder.
- Sugar: 2-3 tablespoons of white sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference).
- Water: ¼ cup of cold water for blooming the gelatin. Use additional water as needed if using instant coffee.
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Condensed milk
- Flavored syrups (such as vanilla or caramel)
- Fresh fruits (such as berries or sliced bananas)
These quantities will make a batch that is perfect for 4 servings.
You can adjust the recipe based on how many servings you need or based on your taste preferences.
Equipment Needed
To make coffee jelly, you will need the following equipment:
- Mixing Bowl: Used for combining the gelatin or agar-agar with water to bloom it.
- Whisk: Essential for thoroughly mixing the gelatin into the hot coffee to ensure it dissolves completely.
- Saucepan: Used to heat the coffee and sugar mixture to a near boil.
- Shallow Dish or Individual Serving Glasses: A shallow dish is ideal for setting the coffee jelly if you plan to cut it into cubes. Individual serving glasses are perfect if you prefer to serve the jelly as a single portion directly from the glass.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin
First, bloom the gelatin.
In a small mixing bowl, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin powder over 1/4 cup of cold water.
Let it sit for about a minute until the gelatin absorbs the water and swells.
This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your coffee jelly.
Step 2: Make the Coffee Mixture
Next, make the coffee mixture.
Brew 2 cups of strong coffee or prepare 2½ cups of water with 2-3 tablespoons of instant coffee powder.
Pour the brewed coffee into a saucepan and add 2-3 tablespoons of white sugar.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
This ensures a smooth and consistent flavor throughout the jelly.
Step 3: Combine Gelatin and Coffee
Now, combine the bloomed gelatin with the hot coffee mixture.
Turn off the heat under the saucepan.
Add the gelatin mixture to the hot coffee and whisk thoroughly until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
This step is key to ensure the jelly sets properly without any lumps.
Step 4: Set the Jelly
Pour the coffee-gelatin mixture into a shallow dish or divide it evenly into individual serving glasses.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Then, place it in the refrigerator for several hours, or until it sets completely.
This usually takes about 4-5 hours, but for best results, leave it overnight.
Step 5: Serve
Once the coffee jelly is set, it’s time to serve.
If you used a shallow dish, cut the jelly into cubes of your desired size.
If you used individual glasses, you can serve directly from the glasses.
Enhance your coffee jelly with optional toppings like whipped cream, condensed milk, or fresh fruits for added flavor and texture.
These toppings complement the coffee jelly beautifully and add a touch of indulgence.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of coffee jelly contains approximately:
- Calories: 43 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 7g
These values can vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients and quantities used, especially if additional toppings like whipped cream, condensed milk, or flavored syrups are added.
Adjusting the sugar content or using different types of milk or cream will also affect the nutritional profile.
Tips and Variations
Adjusting Sweetness and Coffee Strength
To tailor the coffee jelly to your taste, adjust the sweetness and strength of the coffee.
If you prefer a sweeter dessert, add more sugar to the coffee mixture.
Start with the recommended 2-3 tablespoons, and increase gradually until it suits your palate.
For a stronger coffee flavor, use a more concentrated brew or add extra instant coffee powder.
Alternative Methods Using Agar-Agar
For a vegetarian version of coffee jelly, substitute gelatin with agar-agar.
Agar-agar is derived from seaweed and sets more firmly than gelatin.
To use agar-agar, dissolve 1 stick packet (about 2 teaspoons) in the coffee mixture while it is boiling.
Follow the same steps for setting the jelly.
Agar-agar sets at room temperature and doesn’t require refrigeration, though chilling it enhances the dessert’s refreshing quality.
Serving Ideas
Coffee jelly can be served in various ways to suit different occasions:
- In Drinks: Add coffee jelly cubes to iced coffee or milk for a unique texture and flavor. It’s similar to boba tea but with a coffee twist.
- With Toppings: Top the jelly with whipped cream, condensed milk, or flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel. Fresh fruits such as berries or sliced bananas also pair well.
- As Part of a Dessert Platter: Include coffee jelly in a dessert platter with other treats like cookies, cakes, or ice cream. It adds a delightful and refreshing contrast.
Potential Flavor Additions
Enhance the flavor of your coffee jelly with various additions:
- Vanilla Extract: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the coffee mixture for a subtle, sweet aroma.
- Cinnamon: Sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon into the coffee for a warm, spicy note.
- Alcohol: For an adult version, stir in a splash of Baileys, Kahlua, or another coffee liqueur. This adds depth and richness to the dessert.
Conclusion
Coffee jelly is a simple yet delightful dessert that combines the rich flavor of coffee with a unique, jiggly texture.
Its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion, whether served plain or with various toppings.
Try this recipe at home and experiment with different variations to find your favorite way to enjoy this refreshing treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use decaf coffee?
Yes, you can use decaf coffee to make coffee jelly.
Simply follow the same instructions as you would with regular coffee, but use decaf instead.
This way, you can enjoy the delicious taste of coffee jelly without the caffeine.
How long does coffee jelly last in the refrigerator?
Coffee jelly can last up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its texture and flavor.
Enjoy it fresh for the best taste and consistency.
Can I make coffee jelly without sugar?
Yes, you can make coffee jelly without sugar or use a sugar substitute if you prefer.
The dessert will still set properly, but the flavor will be less sweet.
Adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste for a customized dessert experience.
