Save to Pinterest The first time I encountered coffee jelly, I was in a tiny Tokyo café during a humid afternoon. The waitress brought over this glass filled with dark wobbling cubes swimming in creamy white liquid, and I honestly had no idea what to expect. One spoonful later, I was completely hooked on the contrast between bittersweet coffee and sweet milk, plus that ridiculous jiggly texture that makes you feel like a kid again. Now whenever summer heat strikes, my kitchen starts smelling like a coffee shop, and my friends start texting to ask if it's jelly day yet.
Last summer, I made these for a backyard BBQ and watched my coffee snob friend's eyes light up with genuine surprise. He'd been skeptical about jelly in his drink, but after three glasses, he was already planning his own flavor experiments for the next weekend. Something about the combination just makes people lean in and ask questions, which is exactly the kind of food moment I live for.
Ingredients
- Strong brewed coffee: Use freshly brewed dark roast or espresso for that bold punch that stands up to the sweet cream
- Unflavored gelatin: This creates the perfect bouncy texture, though you can swap in agar agar if you need vegetarian
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to take the harsh edge off the coffee without making it dessert sweet
- Whole milk: The richness here creates that perfect creamy base that balances the bitter coffee
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is your secret weapon for achieving that Vietnamese coffee style sweetness
- Heavy cream: Adds that luxurious mouthfeel that makes every sip feel indulgent
Instructions
- Bloom the gelatin:
- Sprinkle the gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it absorbs the liquid and becomes soft and spongy.
- Prepare the coffee base:
- Stir the sugar into your hot coffee until completely dissolved, then add the bloomed gelatin and keep stirring until it disappears into the liquid.
- Set the jelly:
- Pour everything into a shallow dish and let it cool completely before refrigerating for at least 90 minutes until firm.
- Cube it up:
- Use a sharp knife to cut the set jelly into half inch cubes, then lift them out gently with a spatula.
- Mix the creamy layer:
- Combine the milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream in a pitcher until smooth.
- Assemble the drinks:
- Fill glasses with coffee jelly cubes and some ice, then pour that sweet cream mixture right over the top.
Save to Pinterest My sister now requests these for every family gathering, claiming they're the only reason she tolerates summer heat. Watching her kids get excited about coffee flavored anything is pretty entertaining too.
Making It Your Own
Once you've mastered the basic version, the flavor variations are endless. I've experimented with cold brew concentrate for an ultra smooth version, and even added a splash of vanilla extract to the cream mixture. The beauty is that the structure stays the same while you can play with different coffee beans, sweetness levels, or even layered presentations.
Texture Tips
The size of your jelly cubes actually matters more than you might think. Too small and they dissolve too quickly into the milk, too large and you're chewing more than drinking. I find that half inch cubes hit that sweet spot where you get that satisfying bounce in every spoonful. Some days I even cut them into rectangles for a more elegant look when serving company.
Serving Suggestions
These work beautifully as an afternoon pick me up or even as a light dessert after dinner. I love serving them in clear glasses so you can see those gorgeous layers. The presentation alone makes people feel like they're at a fancy café, even if you're just sitting on your back porch in sweatpants.
- Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa for extra indulgence
- Try using coconut milk instead of dairy for a tropical twist
- Add a shot of espresso over the top for serious coffee lovers
Save to Pinterest There's something magical about watching someone take that first surprised spoonful and realize coffee can be playful. Hope this brings some jiggly joy to your kitchen too.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What does coffee jelly taste like?
Coffee jelly has the familiar bold flavor of brewed coffee with a unique bouncy texture. The sweetness level can be adjusted, and when combined with the creamy milk base, it creates a balanced flavor profile similar to a coffee milkshake but with more texture.
- → Can I make coffee jelly without gelatin?
Yes, you can substitute gelatin with agar-agar for a vegetarian-friendly version. Use approximately 1 teaspoon of agar-agar powder for every 2 cups of liquid, following the package instructions for proper activation.
- → How long does coffee jelly last in the refrigerator?
The prepared coffee jelly cubes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sweet cream mixture should be kept separately and consumed within 2-3 days for best freshness.
- → Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, you can use instant coffee dissolved in hot water. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of instant coffee powder with 2 cups of hot water to achieve a strong coffee base. Adjust the amount based on your preferred coffee intensity.
- → Is coffee jelly served hot or cold?
Coffee jelly is traditionally served cold. The jelly needs to be chilled to set properly, and the cold temperature enhances the refreshing quality of this beverage. Adding ice cubes just before serving keeps it perfectly chilled.
- → What type of coffee works best for coffee jelly?
A strong brewed coffee works best to maintain flavor through the gelatin setting process. Espresso, dark roast, or French press coffee provides excellent results. The bold coffee flavor balances well with the sweet cream mixture.