Coffee Jelly Japanese Dessert (Printable)

Soft coffee jelly cubes paired with sweet cream create a refreshing Japanese-inspired dessert perfect for warm weather.

# What you need:

→ Coffee Jelly

01 - 2 cups freshly brewed strong coffee, hot
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin
04 - 2 tablespoons cold water

→ Sweet Cream

05 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
06 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, or to taste
07 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

# How to make it:

01 - Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until gelatin absorbs the liquid and becomes soft.
02 - Combine hot brewed coffee and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Stir continuously until sugar completely dissolves.
03 - Heat the bloomed gelatin in microwave for approximately 15 seconds or until fully melted. Pour into sweetened coffee mixture, stirring until thoroughly incorporated.
04 - Transfer mixture to a shallow dish or small square pan. Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 2 hours until completely firm.
05 - Remove set jelly from refrigerator. Cut into uniform cubes using a sharp knife.
06 - Whisk heavy cream with granulated sugar and vanilla extract if using. Continue whisking just until sugar dissolves and cream achieves slight thickening.
07 - Distribute coffee jelly cubes evenly among serving glasses or bowls. Pour prepared sweet cream over cubes. Serve immediately while chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms your daily brew into something elegant and unexpected without any fancy equipment.
  • The contrast between bitter coffee and sweet cream creates that perfect restaurant-style balance in minutes.
  • You can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge for those sudden dessert emergencies.
02 -
  • The gelatin won't set properly if you add it to boiling liquid, so let your coffee cool slightly before combining.
  • Cutting the jelly with a warm knife prevents it from sticking and gives you cleaner, more precise cubes.
03 -
  • A light dusting of cocoa powder over the cream makes it look like something from a pastry shop window.
  • Chill your serving glasses beforehand for restaurant-worthy presentation.
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