Coffee Jelly Dessert (Printable)

Japanese-inspired dessert featuring coffee-infused jelly cubes paired with sweetened cream. Light, elegant, and refreshing.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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:

01 - Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until absorbed and softened.
02 - Combine hot brewed coffee and sugar in a medium bowl. Stir continuously until sugar completely dissolves.
03 - Microwave bloomed gelatin for approximately 15 seconds or heat gently until fully liquefied. Pour into sweetened coffee and stir until thoroughly incorporated.
04 - Transfer mixture to a shallow dish or 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 1-inch cubes using a sharp knife.
06 - Whisk heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract (if using) in a separate bowl until sugar dissolves and cream achieves slight thickness. Do not over-whip.
07 - Distribute coffee jelly cubes evenly among serving glasses or bowls. Pour prepared sweet cream over cubes. Serve immediately while chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The textural contrast between silky cream and bouncy jelly creates this magical moment when the coffee flavor blooms on your tongue in the most unexpected way.
  • Its the perfect make-ahead dessert that actually tastes better after sitting in your fridge overnight, saving you from last-minute dessert panic.
02 -
  • Cutting the jelly while its still warm results in a cloudy, broken dessert – I learned this the hard way when rushing to prepare it for guests.
  • The cream should be cold but not whipped stiff – my first attempt with fully whipped cream didnt allow for that magical melding of flavors as you eat.
03 -
  • Adding a pinch of salt to the coffee mixture enhances its flavor complexity and cuts through the sweetness for a more sophisticated profile.
  • Pour half your jelly mixture into the setting container, let it partially set for about 30 minutes, then add the remaining mixture – this creates subtle layers within the jelly itself for an elevated mouthfeel.
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