Dessert

Japanese Coffee Jelly with Sweet Cream Recipe

Name: Japanese Coffee Jelly with Sweet Cream Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 tbsp instant coffee; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 1/4 cups hot water; 1/2 tbsp gelatin powder; 1 tbsp water (for blooming gelatin); 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream; 2 tbsp milk; 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk; A pinch of sea salt; Cocoa powder (for dusting, optional)

Byreem everly December 25, 2025December 25, 2025

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Introduction

Japanese Coffee Jelly is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the bold flavor of coffee with a smooth, creamy topping. It’s simple to make and perfect for a quick treat or an elegant finish to any meal.

A tall clear glass filled with three layers of a creamy drink sits on a brown wooden coaster on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dark brown coffee base, the middle layer has swirling light brown and white cream mixing with the coffee, creating a marbled effect, and the top layer is thick, frothy white foam with a dusting of brown powder on the rim of the glass. Above the glass, a spoon holding a scoop of the thick frothy cream hovers in the air. Coffee beans and a black milk frother with a silver whisk head are scattered around the glass. In the background, a clear white cup filled with milk is slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp instant coffee
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 1/4 cups hot water
1/2 tbsp gelatin powder
1 tbsp water
3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp milk
1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
A pinch of sea salt
Cocoa powder (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, bloom the gelatin powder by sprinkling it over 1 tablespoon of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it swells and becomes jelly-like.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix the instant coffee, brown sugar, and hot water until the sugar dissolves.
Step 3: Add the bloomed gelatin to the coffee mixture and stir well until completely combined.
Step 4: Pour the coffee mixture into a tall serving glass and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 5: Chill the glass in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight until the jelly is fully set.
Step 6: To make the sweet cream topping, combine the heavy whipping cream, milk, sweetened condensed milk, and a pinch of sea salt in a small glass.
Step 7: Whip the cream mixture using a milk frother or a small whisk until it thickens slightly but remains pourable.
Step 8: Pour the sweet cream over the set coffee jelly. Dust the top lightly with cocoa powder if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use strong brewed coffee instead of instant for a richer flavor.
For a vegan option, substitute gelatin with agar-agar and use coconut cream instead of dairy.
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar and condensed milk to suit your taste.

Storage

Store the coffee jelly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cream topping separate and add just before serving for the best texture. Re-chill after assembly if needed before enjoying.

How to Serve

A clear glass filled with three layers sits centered on a wooden coaster over a white marbled surface: the bottom layer is dark brown coffee, the middle layer is mixed cream creating a swirling light brown and white pattern, and the top layer is thick, white foam dusted lightly with brown cocoa powder. A metal spoon above the glass holds a scoop of thick mousse that is white with dark brown chocolate chunks. Scattered coffee beans and a black milk frother with a silver whisk lay nearby. A white jar of milk is partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular gelatin sheets instead of powder?

Yes, you can substitute gelatin powder with sheets. Soften the sheets in cold water according to package instructions, then add them to the hot coffee mixture to dissolve before chilling.

Is instant coffee necessary?

Instant coffee is convenient and dissolves easily, but you can use strong brewed coffee instead. Just ensure it’s hot to dissolve the gelatin properly.