I wonder sometimes how something so simple and easy can turn out so delicious. This jelly with coffee flavor is solid, smooth, and flavored with sugar. It is sure to please the crowd – you can’t go wrong with it for a dessert for any occasion.
Here is an easy dessert food made from coffee, gelatin, sugar, cream, and condensed milk that’s much simpler than you’d expect. It’s really just some jelly with cream and condensed milk poured over it, then chilled and served.
My nephew asked me to make coffee jelly for his Christening and I’d never tried it before. I mean I’ve seen it served in restaurants, but I’ve never eaten it myself.
In contrast, Armin and my sisters had tested and tasted many different things. Some of them had been approved, but some, on rare occasions, were rejected.
It is almost always a complaint that it has too much sweetness or not enough sweetness or the coffee is too strong and bitter. Which I just ignore as I cannot relate at all since I am not a coffee lover.
How To Make Coffee Jelly – Easy Recipe
To be honest, I (used to) not enjoy anything with coffee. I dislike the aftertaste that coffee leaves in your mouth, which is why I prefer tea instead.
However, since I decided to make coffee jelly for my dessert table at the wedding (since it is easy to make and looks so pretty in a shot glass), I couldn’t resist.
As a coffee-hater, I have to admit that while making this recipe, I had some of it (multiple cups). But I found out that I really liked it after my sisters and Armin tasted it.
Jelly Powder vs Gelatin Powder: What is the difference?
Our gelatin, or gelatin-like, is usually derived from animal products; jelly powder, however, is plant-based and derived from seaweed. It can be boiled for it to set, and it can set at room temperature, but jelly powder sets more rapidly than gelatin.
The gelatin powder is made of collagen from animal skin and bones. The powder does not require refrigeration for it to set, but if there are other ingredients, the powder may require several hours of refrigeration.
Easy Coffee Jelly Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose cream
- 1/4 cup condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder
- 3 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons instant coffee powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
How to make Easy Coffee Jelly?
- Add the hot water, coffee, and sugar to a bowl. Stir in the gelatin powder and stir until completely dissolved.
- Place the mold in the fridge for about four hours or overnight.
- When the jelly has been sliced, cube the cubes into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- The cream, condensed milk, and coffee powder should be combined in a bowl, followed by the coffee jelly.
- Once combined, refrigerator until ready to serve.
Tips
The strength of the coffee that is used in this recipe must be exceptional, preferably espresso because of the rich flavor and wonderful aroma it imparts.
When preparing coffee jelly, store in an airtight container. It will keep fresh for two days if stored in a drip cone, moka pot, or French press. These machines produce higher quality coffee than standard drip machines.
Recipe Variations
Adding an extra tablespoon of sugar can make the jelly sweeter (you can add more if necessary). Before adding the gelatin and mixing, taste the coffee mixture.
For individual servings, pour the pudding mixture into small bowls or cups rather than cutting it into cubes. You can also use agar-agar in place of the gelatin if you prefer it vegetarian.
If you are using condensed milk or condensed heavy cream, you can add some sweetened heavy cream to create a coffee experience.
Storing/Shelf Life
If you have coffee jelly, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within 2-3 days. Unlike what some think, jelly-like foods don’t last long, so it is best to eat it immediately.
Make enough coffee jelly to consume it all in a couple of days, so nothing goes to waste. The gelatin in it may have started deteriorating, but still be safe to eat for a while longer.
Ways to Enjoy Coffee Jelly
You can serve this refreshing dessert either solid in glass dishes like I did today, or in a bowl, or in a baking dish poured with the coffee mix.
Coffee jelly cubes are sometimes used to add additional flavor and texture to milkshakes, ice cream floats, and sundaes, while it also makes the desserts even more appealing.
The treat can also be served with vanilla ice cream or coffee flavored whipped cream to make a sundae. I prefer serving it with whipped cream on top.
Want a healthier alternative? Use half & half instead.
It is often served in cafes and restaurants throughout Japan, as well as in supermarkets and convenience stores in individual plastic cups.
It is still very easy to make this recipe of coffee jelly at home though, so you should definitely give it a try!
FAQ’s – How To Make Coffee Jelly
1. Is Coffee Jelly Sweet?
It’s just like normal coffee, but with a different delicacy. It’s sweet, but it’s bitter, since it has coffee in it. The amount of sugar you add to it determines the sweetness or bitterness.
I like to add sugar, cream, and sweetened condensed milk to make my coffee jelly taste sweeter. However, I have to add only cream and gelatin because they are both milk-based ingredients. The combination of the three aforementioned ingredients is perfect for me.
2. Is Coffee Jelly healthy?
Despite the large amount of sugar in this recipe, both coffee and gelatin are healthy ingredients. ! coffee jelly is a nutritious dessert and is one of the healthier choices.
In addition, coffee provides essential nutrients, and gelatin contains collagen, which benefits the skin, hair, and joints. Since the combination of these ingredients improves cognitive function, it may also benefit the mind.
3. What does coffee jelly taste like?
It is chewy and lively, as well as bitter and sweet at the same time. It is described by some as creamy, while others say it has a fluffy texture. Everyone will have their own opinion on this. Coffee and sugar combine to create a sweet and milky taste that’s also delightfully bitter.