I must say, I've been around the coffee block, sampling everything from mazagran to affogato al caffe. But one simple recipe continues to intrigue me: Coffee jelly. Somewhere between coffee and dessert, it transforms our beloved morning brew into something quite unexpected.
I must say, I’ve been around the coffee block, sampling everything from mazagran to affogato al caffe. But one simple recipe continues to intrigue me: Coffee jelly. Somewhere between coffee and dessert, it transforms our beloved morning brew into something quite unexpected.
So today, I wanna dive deeper into this simple but delicious caffeinated treat. I’ll explore what it is and where it originated from. I’ll also share a few delicious recipes that you can make at home.
Overview: What Is Coffee Jelly?
This unique dessert transforms liquid coffee into a silky, gelatinous treat. At its core, it consists of three ingredients: Coffee, unflavored gelatin powder (or leaf gelatin) and sugar.
Gelatin acts as the setting agent, turning liquid coffee into firm but delightfully wobbly cubes. It’s important to note that vegan and vegetarian recipes use alternatives like agar-agar or pectin instead.
Where Did Coffee Jelly Originate?
Coffee jelly (in Japanese, koohii zerii) originated in Japan during the Taishō era (1912-1926). However, it gained widespread popularity during the Victorian-era, redefining the British coffee scene. Back then, gelatinous desserts were all the rage. At about the same time, these desserts also appeared in American cookbooks, served in a mold alongside custard.
However, it was Japan that elevated these jellies to new heights, with popularity peaking in the 1960s. Incidentally, chains like Mister Donut did much to popularize this dessert.
Over the years, coffee jellies have evolved in fascinating ways. Third-wave coffee shops experimented with them by using cold brew and specialty coffee. In Asia, fusion adaptations with, for example, frappuccinos, appeared at Japanese Starbucks outlets in the late 2000s. Even Chinese and Taiwanese bubble tea shops got in on the game, using coffee jelly as a topping.
Today, this dessert remains a firm Asian favorite. However, it’s experiencing a global renaissance. Thanks to fourth-wave coffee, people are exploring new ways to enjoy coffee as jellies at home.
What Does Coffee Jelly Taste Like?
Imagine your favorite brew transformed into a silky, bouncy bite. That, in a nutshell, is coffee jelly.
The flavor is decidedly coffee-forward, and the texture, satisfyingly jiggly. What’s more, coffee introduces a sophisticated bitterness, which balances out the added sugar in this culinary creation.
Is Coffee Jelly Healthy?
This caffeinated jelly sits in an interesting nutritional middle ground. While it isn’t exactly a health food, it does have advantages over traditional desserts.
First, it’s low in calories. A typical 2.65-ounce (75-gram) serving contains only 110 calories. Furthermore, gelatin (unless you use agar-agar) provides protein, which strengthens joints and skin.
Additionally, coffee itself contains beneficial compounds. These include vitamin B2 and B3, potassium, magnesium and phenols.
However, this dessert also contains caffeine. So if you’re intolerant to it, use decaf coffee instead. Be careful of the sugar, too. Opt for jellies made with natural alternatives like stevia and monk fruit if you’re watching your sugar intake.
How Long Does Coffee Jelly Last?
When refrigerated, homemade jelly lasts 3-5 days. You’ll know it’s time to discard it when you notice changes in texture, mold or a foul odor.
Commercial coffee jellies have a longer shelf life. Unopened, they last 6-12 months, and once opened and refrigerated, a mere 5-7 days.
How you store coffee jellies also matters. Once opened, always keep them refrigerated. Store in an airtight container and away from strong-smelling foods like garlic. And please, for the love of coffee, don’t freeze them; the texture will turn grainy once thawed.
How to Make Coffee Jelly
Coffee jelly makes for a wonderful light dessert or after-dinner coffee. Here’s my take on a simple Japanese recipe:
Coffee Jelly Ingredients
1 cup (240 milliliters) espresso/strong-brewed coffee/Japanese flash brew coffee
3 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
1 tablespoon (15 grams) unflavored leaf gelatin/gelatin powder (sub with agar-agar for vegan/vegetarian recipes)
1/4 cup (60 milliliters) cold filtered water
Sweetened whipped cream and condensed milk, to serve
Easy Coffee Jelly Recipe
In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin powder (or agar-agar) over 1/4 cup of cold filtered water. Let it sit and bloom for 1 minute.
Brew 1 cup of flash brew coffee, strong coffee (using a French press or moka pot) or the equivalent amount of espresso (8 shots) using your best espresso machine.
While the coffee’s still hot, stir in sugar until completely dissolved.
Then, add the bloomed gelatin to the hot coffee. Stir until all the gelatin dissolves.
If you prefer to use leaf gelatin, first soak it in cold water for about 5 minutes. Then, squeeze out excess water from the leaves. Add this scrunched up gelatin to the hot coffee and stir well.
Pour the mixture into a square dish or individual serving cups. Allow to cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until completely set.
Once set, if you used a large dish, cut the coffee jelly into 1-inch cubes and serve. If you used individual serving cups, serve the jelly as is.
Drizzle with condensed milk and a dollop of whipped cream. I also love adding a splash of Kahlua, dark chocolate shavings or shredded coconut.
Dig in, and enjoy!
Coffee Jelly Variations
As with every coffee recipe there are delicious variations. Here are some of my favorite coffee jellies from around the world:
Saiki K Coffee Jelly
Saiki K coffee jelly is a popular coffee in Japan. It consists of jelly cubes served with generous amounts of sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream.
To make it, you need:
1 and 1/2 cups strong-brewed black coffee (or 3 tablespoons of instant coffee dissolved in the same amount of hot water)
2 teaspoons gelatin or agar-agar powder
3 tablespoons white sugar
Evaporated milk and whipped heavy cream (to serve)
What makes this recipe particularly special is the presentation. It’s served in parfait glasses, which showcase multiple layers of jelly and cream. This Japanese classic also references Saiki K, the protagonist of a popular anime show Saiki Kusuo. It’s actually his favorite dessert.
Vietnamese Coffee Jelly Recipe
Also known as thạch rau câu cà phê in Vietnam, this dessert captures the iconic flavors of Vietnamese iced coffee.
It stands out because it uses traditional Vietnamese coffee, which has a distinct chocolatey, nutty and slightly bitter taste.
To make it, you’ll need:
1 cup (240 milliliters) strong-brewed, phin-filter-brewed Vietnamese coffee
1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar (or to taste)
2 teaspoons gelatin powder or agar-agar
1/2 cup (120 milliliters) coconut milk
1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk
Some variations include a layer of coconut milk jelly, creating a beautiful two-tone effect and delightful texture contrast.
Coffee Jelly Filipino Style
This recipe stands out because it turns a jelly dessert into a refreshing drink-like treat. To make it, use:
2-3 tablespoons of instant coffee granules
5 cups (1.2 liters) hot water
1 cup (240 milliliters) cold water
1 pack gelatin powder (0.9 ounces/25 grams, preferably Mr Gulaman)
1 cup (100 grams) sugar
3/4 cup (180 milliliters) heavy cream
3/4 cup (180 milliliters) evaporated milk
3/4 cup (180 milliliters) condensed milk
Crushed ice
Combine heavy cream, evaporated milk and condensed milk in a bowl and chill. To make the jelly, soak gelatin in the cold water. For the coffee, dissolve instant coffee granules in the hot water. Combine the two and chill to set.
Fill a tall glass with crushed ice, and top with coffee jelly cubes and the cream mixture. Serve with a straw and spoon for the perfect hot weather pick-me-up.
Matcha Coffee Jelly Recipe
This dessert is a modern take on traditional Japanese flavors. You’ll need:
1 cup strong-brewed coffee, or Japanese flash brew coffee
2 scoops (2 grams) of green matcha powder
6 tablespoons sugar (divided, for both jellies)
2 tablespoons gelatin or agar-agar (divided, for both jellies)
1/2 cup cold filtered water (divided, for both jellies)
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
Red beans (azuki), to taste
To begin, make Japanese coffee jelly and matcha tea jelly (using the measurements above). Then, once both jellies set, alternate layers of cubed coffee and matcha jelly in a tall glass. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and sweet azuki paste.
The bitter notes (from the coffee and matcha) balance perfectly with the sweet ice cream and beans. The beautiful color contrast between the dark brown and the vibrant green jellies also makes this dessert stand out.
Final Thoughts
Have you fallen in love with coffee jellies yet? I really hope so! This delightful treat offers a unique but simple way to enjoy your favorite brew. Besides, these fun desserts prove that sometimes the most intriguing culinary experiences come from reimagining familiar flavors.
So, add coffee jelly to your repertoire today! Oh, and don’t forget to experiment with different serving styles.
Have you tried coffee jellies before? What’s your favorite way to enjoy them? Tell us all about it in the comments section!
Coffee Jelly FAQ
Coffee jelly is a dessert that combines coffee with gelatin. It creates firm, translucent cubes with a wobbly texture.
Coffee jelly tastes like a silky, concentrated version of coffee with a signature jiggly texture. The flavor is bold, and when served with heavy cream or milk, rich and balanced.
Use strong-brewed coffee or espresso to make coffee jelly. Instant coffee works, too, but fresh-brewed coffee always gives better results.
Yes. The amount of caffeine varies depending on the type of coffee used.
