How to Make Coffee Jelly: A Simple and Delicious Dessert Recipe

My husband is a coffee enthusiast. At home, we have a coffee machine for freshly brewed beans and a trusty stash of instant coffee—perfect for those days when he’d rather skip the machine (yes, even coffee lovers have lazy days!).

A few years ago, a friend brought coffee jelly to a Christmas party, and I instantly fell in love. The flavour was just right—not too bitter, not too sweet—a heavenly mix of coffee, sugar, cream and condensed milk. Knowing how simple it is to make, I couldn’t wait to try it myself.

Inspired by that memory, I set out to recreate coffee jelly at home. While getting the flavour just right was easy, perfecting the jelly's texture took some trial and error. After experimenting with different coffee, sugar, and gelatine ratios, I now have a recipe that I feel more confident to share with you.

This recipe is tailored to the gelatine powder I use, making it easy to replicate at home. I’d love for you to give it a try—and if you do, let me know how it turns out! 

Ingredients:

• 5 cups of water
• 3 tbsp of gelatine powder
• 3 tbsp of instant coffee
• 4 tbsp to 4 ½ tbsp of granulated sugar (I use caster sugar)
• ⅓ cup of condensed milk
• 1 cup of thickened cream

Now, for the easy recipe:

1. Prepare the Gelatine

• Sprinkle the gelatine powder over a small amount of cool water to let it bloom (hydrate).
• After blooming, gently heat the mixture over low heat until the gelatine is fully dissolved. Be careful not to let it boil, as boiling can weaken the gelatine’s setting properties.

2. Combine Coffee and Sugar

• Turn off the heat and add freshly brewed or instant coffee along with the sugar to the dissolved gelatine. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Transfer to a Container

• Pour the coffee-gelatine mixture into a flat container or mould. Let it cool to room temperature.

4. Refrigerate to Set

• Once the mixture has cooled (but hasn’t yet solidified), place the container in the refrigerator to allow the gelatine to set completely.

5. Cut the Gelatine into Cubes

• Once the gelatine has firmed up, slice it into bite-sized cubes for easy mixing and serving.

6. Prepare the Cream Mixture

• In a separate bowl, mix condensed milk and thickened cream. Adjust the ratio of condensed milk to cream based on your desired level of sweetness.

7. Combine and Serve

• Gently fold the gelatin cubes into the cream mixture. Ensure everything is well combined, and then serve chilled.

Why You’ll Love Coffee Jelly

Coffee jelly is a versatile and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for summer—or any time you’re craving something light yet indulgent. Its delightful balance of coffee flavour and creamy sweetness makes it a hit even with non-coffee drinkers (like me!). Whether you serve it at a gathering or enjoy it as a personal treat, this dessert is sure to impress with its unique texture and flavour. Give it a try, and let it become a favourite in your recipe collection!