Japanese Coffee Jelly

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin powder
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cups brewed strong black coffee
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Whipped cream, optional

Steps to Make It

1. Gather the ingredients.
2. In a small bowl, combine the gelatin powder and water.
3. Place the brewed coffee and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a near boil over medium-high heat.
4. Turn off the heat, and whisk in the gelatin mixture until it dissolves. Set aside to cool, about 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Pour the coffee gelatin mixture into a shallow baking dish (8- or 9-inch square or 11 x 7 inches) and refrigerate until set, about 5 hours.
6. Once the coffee jelly has set, cut the gelatin into 1/2-inch cubes.
7. Spoon the cubes into individual serving dishes and top with whipped cream, if desired.

Tips

• This recipe requires strong coffee; if you can, use espresso as it will impart both rich flavor and wonderful aroma. Alternatively, brew coffee with a drip cone, moka pot, or French press as these nonelectric brewers produce a richer coffee than the standard drip machine.
• Leftover coffee jelly will keep in the fridge for up to two days when stored in an airtight container.

Recipe Variations

• If you’d like sweeter coffee jelly, try an extra tablespoon of sugar and taste the coffee mixture (adding more if needed) before mixing it with the gelatin.
• To make this recipe vegetarian, use agar-agar instead of gelatin.
• Instead of cutting into cubes, make individual servings by pouring the liquid mixture into small bowls or cups.
• Create a coffee experience by placing the cubes in a mug and adding some sweetened heavy cream or condensed milk.

Is Coffee Jelly healthy?

When enjoyed in moderation, coffee jelly can be a nutritious dessert or snack—or at least one of the healthier options. This recipe contains a small amount of sugar, and both coffee and gelatin have health benefits. For instance, coffee contains essential nutrients, while the collagen in gelatin may help the skin, hair, and joints. Both ingredients are noted for improving cognitive function, so collectively, they could be good for your brain, too.