Chill & Thrill with Coffee Jelly

Coffee jelly hails from England, but I haven’t seen it since my grandparents’ time. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it is still now one of the most beloved desserts in Japan, especially in the summer.

Coffee jelly recipe

Coffee jelly is a popular dessert that combines the rich flavors of coffee with a gelatinous texture. It is made primarily from strong brewed coffee, sugar, and a gelling agent such as gelatin or kanten (agar-agar), which is derived from red algae and is often used in vegan recipes.

Coffee jelly features a bold coffee flavor that can be sweetened to taste. The sweetness often complements the bitterness of the coffee, creating a balanced dessert.

In Japan, it takes on various delightful forms – served on its own, cut into cubes, or topped with a dollop of whipped cream. You can also find a dessert with a similar jelly texture to this one – the Yokan.

This dessert is quite similar to the fruit jelly recipe, but instead of combining jelly and fruit, it combines jelly with coffee. Here is how to make Japanese Coffee Jelly.

Japanese Coffee Jelly

A delightful dessert that combines the rich, aromatic flavors of coffee with the refreshing texture of jelly.

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Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Chilling time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Asian, Japanese

Servings 8

Calories 90 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp agar-agar powder or gelatin powder
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp instant coffee powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
• Plain cream or milk or whipped cream optional

Instructions

 

• Combine 1 tablespoon of agar-agar or gelatin powder in a saucepan with 1 1/2 cups water. Stir and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
  
• Add 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons instant coffee powder to the boiling mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
  
• Turn off the heat, remove it, and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Pour the coffee mixture into a square or rectangular mold. Allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the jelly is fully set.
• Once the coffee jelly is set, carefully remove it from the mold and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the jelly into small cubes of your desired size.
• Serve the coffee jelly cubes with plain cream or milk. Top with whipped cream if desired.
  

Keyword coffee jelly, cold dessert, easy Japanese recipes

How to serve and pair

You can serve this jelly with various accompaniments, such as:

1. With Cream: Top the coffee jelly with:

• A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream
• Heavy cream
• A drizzle of sweetened condensed milk for added richness.

This gives it a velvety texture and indulgent flavor.

2. With Chocolate or Caramel: Drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over the coffee jelly or add chocolate shavings for a mocha-like flavor. This twist makes it a treat for chocolate and caramel fans alike.

3. In Beverages: Add coffee jelly cubes to:

• Milkshakes
• Iced coffee
• Unsweetened milk

The jelly adds a chewy texture and a fun twist on a classic drink.

4. As a Dessert Base: Serve coffee jelly cubes as a base for other desserts, like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cookies for crunch. It pairs especially well with chocolate or vanilla flavors, creating a unique dessert experience.

5. With Fruit: Balance the coffee jelly’s slight bitterness with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries, or drizzle with fruit syrups. This brings a fruity, refreshing contrast.

6. As a Standalone Snack: Enjoy coffee jelly solo, especially in warmer months. Try adding almond or coconut flakes for a bit of crunch and flavor.

7. With Whipped Yogurt: Serve a side of whipped yogurt for a tangy contrast to the coffee jelly, adding a smooth and creamy finish.

Variations

1. Flavor Enhancements

• Espresso Shot: Add a shot of espresso for a stronger coffee flavor.
• Flavored Coffee: Try using flavored coffee, like hazelnut or vanilla, for unique taste notes in the jelly.

2. Texture Adjustments: Adjust the amount of kanten or gelatin to control the texture. Use more for a firm jelly that’s easy to slice or less for a softer jelly to enjoy in bowls.

3. Sugar-Free Options

1. Liquid sweeteners
   • Stevia drops minimal quantity adjustments
   • Monk fruit extract setting integrity
   • Sugar-free syrups careful measurement to avoid affecting the texture
2. Granulated alternatives
   • Erythritol has the closest texture to sugar
   • Allulose superior dissolution
   • Xylitol smooth texture but requires temperature adjustments

Discover More:

Mizu Yokan – A Delightful Japanese Jelly Dessert Elegant Fruit Jelly to Beat the Heat Simple Mocha Pear Cake Recipe – Where Rich Coffee Meets Juicy Pears Japanese Mango Shaved Ice Kakigori without a shaved ice machine Doraemon Dorayaki – Japanese Red Bean Pancake Castella Cake: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Magic