Easy Japanese Coffee Jelly Recipe

Introduction

Discover the delightful simplicity of Easy Japanese Coffee Jelly, a refreshing dessert that combines the bold flavor of coffee with a smooth, gelatinous texture. Perfect as a cool treat or an elegant finish to any meal, this recipe is quick to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (50 g for extra caramel notes; substitute with white sugar, demerara, or raw sugar)
• 3 tsp gelatin powder (9 g / 0.31 oz)
• 2 tbsp instant coffee (8 g / 0.28 oz; see notes for substitutions)
• Thickened cream or heavy cream (substitute with whipped cream)
• Chocolate shavings
• Coffee beans
• Fresh mint leaves
• Cocoa powder
• Maraschino or glacé cherries

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large jug, combine the instant coffee, gelatin powder, brown sugar, and boiling water. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar and gelatin are completely dissolved, ensuring no gelatin sticks to the bottom.
2. Step 2: Pour in the cold water and whisk the mixture again to blend everything evenly.
3. Step 3: Pour the coffee jelly mixture into dessert cups or a glass dish.
4. Step 4: Optional: Use your whisk to gently break any large bubbles around the edges for a smooth finish once set.
5. Step 5: Place the jelly in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to set. The cold water cools the mixture enough to refrigerate it immediately.
6. Step 6: If set in a dish, cut the jelly into cubes and transfer them to serving dishes.
7. Step 7: When serving, add your choice of garnishes such as cream, mint leaves, chocolate shavings, coffee beans, maraschino cherries, or a dusting of cocoa powder directly on top and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a richer taste, use brown sugar or demerara sugar instead of white sugar.
• Substitute instant coffee with espresso powder or brewed strong coffee concentrated to flavor preference.
• Try serving with condensed milk for a creamy sweetness or whip cream for a lighter topping.
• Add a splash of coffee liqueur for an adult version of this dessert.

Storage

Store coffee jelly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep garnishes separate and add just before serving. To reheat, allow to come to room temperature; however, this dessert is best enjoyed chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use agar instead of gelatin?

Yes, agar can be used as a vegetarian substitute but the setting process and texture may differ slightly. Follow the agar package instructions for proper ratios and setting times.

How strong should the coffee flavor be?

The recipe uses instant coffee for a robust but balanced flavor; adjust the amount to suit your taste, using stronger coffee for a bolder jelly or less for a milder dessert.

Easy Japanese Coffee Jelly Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 60 reviews

This Easy Japanese Coffee Jelly recipe creates a smooth, flavorful coffee-flavored gelatin dessert perfect for coffee lovers. Made with instant coffee, gelatin, and brown sugar, it is chilled until set and served with creamy and decorative toppings like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and fresh mint leaves for a delightful and elegant treat.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins
• Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (50 g for extra caramel notes; can substitute with white sugar, demerara, or raw sugar)
• 3 tsp gelatin powder (9 g / 0.31 oz)
• 2 tbsp instant coffee (8 g / 0.28 oz)

Garnishes (Optional)

• Thickened cream / heavy cream (can substitute with whipped cream)
• Chocolate shavings
• Coffee beans
• Fresh mint leaves
• Cocoa powder
• Maraschino or glacé cherries

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large jug, combine the instant coffee, gelatin powder, and brown sugar. Stir briefly to distribute ingredients evenly before adding liquids.
2. Add Boiling Water and Whisk: Pour 1 cup of boiling water into the jug with the dry ingredients. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely and there is no gelatin stuck to the bottom of the jug.
3. Add Cold Water and Whisk Again: Pour in 1 cup cold water and whisk again to ensure everything is well mixed and evenly combined.
4. Pour into Mold: Transfer the coffee jelly mixture into dessert cups or a glass dish to set.
5. Remove Air Bubbles: Using the whisk, gently tap or break any large bubbles around the edges to leave the jelly surface smooth and glossy once set.
6. Refrigerate to Set: Place the jelly-filled containers into the refrigerator for at least 3 hours until the coffee jelly is fully set and firm to the touch.
7. Cut and Serve: If set in a large dish, cut the jelly into cubes and transfer them into serving dishes or cups.
8. Add Garnishes and Serve: Top the coffee jelly with desired garnishes such as thickened cream, chocolate shavings, coffee beans, fresh mint leaves, maraschino cherries, or a dusting of cocoa powder and enjoy.

Notes

• Use high-quality instant coffee for the best flavor. Substitutes can include brewed espresso reduced to a concentrate but may affect setting.
• Brown sugar adds caramel notes; white sugar or raw sugars can be swapped but alter the flavor profile.
• The gelatin powder quantity is crucial to achieve the perfect jelly texture; avoid substituting with agar agar.
• Thickened or heavy cream works best for richness; whipped cream can be used as a lighter topping option.
• If you want a vegan version, try using agar agar as a substitute, but note texture differences.

Keywords: coffee jelly, Japanese dessert, gelatin dessert, easy coffee recipe, no bake dessert, coffee gelatin, summer dessert