How to Make Japanese Coffee Jelly – A Light & Refreshing Dessert

Japanese Coffee Jelly is a delightful dessert that’s both refreshing and elegantly simple. Made with rich brewed coffee and lightly sweetened, this jelly is perfect for coffee lovers looking for a unique way to enjoy their favorite flavor. Served chilled and often topped with a splash of cream or a dollop of whipped topping, it’s a low-calorie treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without the heaviness of traditional desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Coffee Lover’s Dream – Bold coffee flavor in a cool, refreshing form.
Light and Refreshing – Perfect for a light dessert or afternoon pick-me-up.
Easy to Make – Minimal ingredients and simple preparation.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for prepping ahead and chilling until ready.

Ingredients

• 2 cups freshly brewed coffee (strong)
• 2 tbsp granulated erythritol (or preferred sweetener)
• 1 tbsp unflavored gelatin powder
• ¼ cup water (for blooming the gelatin)
• Optional: Light cream or whipped topping for serving

Instructions

Bloom the Gelatin
In a small bowl, add ¼ cup of water and sprinkle the gelatin powder on top. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.

Sweeten the Coffee
While the gelatin is blooming, brew 2 cups of strong coffee. Stir in the erythritol while the coffee is still hot, ensuring it fully dissolves.

Combine and Stir
After 5 minutes, add the bloomed gelatin to the hot coffee. Stir thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

Pour and Chill
Pour the mixture into small cups or glass containers. Let it cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 3 hours or until fully set.

Serve and Enjoy
Once set, cut the jelly into cubes or leave it whole. Serve with a splash of light cream or a dollop of whipped topping if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 15
Protein: 2g
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Sugar: 0g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

Brew It Strong – A stronger coffee brew ensures the flavor shines through.
Mix Thoroughly – Make sure the gelatin is completely dissolved for smooth jelly.
Chill Completely – Give it enough time to fully set for the best texture.
Top It Off – A touch of cream or whipped topping adds a velvety finish.

Why This Recipe Works

Japanese Coffee Jelly is a masterclass in simplicity—just a few ingredients come together to create a refreshing, lightly sweetened dessert with bold coffee flavor. Using gelatin instead of heavy ingredients keeps it light and guilt-free, while the creamy topping option adds just the right touch of indulgence.

Japanese Coffee Jelly is a simple yet sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for warm afternoons or as a light ending to any meal. With its cool, silky texture and deep coffee flavor, it’s a refreshing twist on your daily brew, made even better with a splash of cream.