Coffee jelly is a refreshing, bouncy coffee dessert you can serve in cubes, layer into parfaits, or shake up as a coffee jelly drink—even in a bottle for on-the-go. With simple coffee jelly ingredients and a quick stovetop method, you’ll get a cool treat that tastes like iced coffee in jelly form.
Quick Facts Prep: 5 mins Cook: 5 mins Chill: 6–7 hrs Total: ~6 hrs 10 mins Yield: 4 servings Difficulty: Easy Coffee Jelly Ingredients 2 cups strongly brewed coffee (hot) 1 packet (0.25 oz / ~7 g) unflored gelatin 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste) 2 tablespoons hot water (to dissolve gelatin)Optional toppings: whipped cream, sweetened condensed milk, half-and-half, ice cream, or flored coffee creamers (vanilla, hazelnut, caramel).
Equipment: small bowl, saucepan, whisk or spoon, 8–9 inch square dish or 4 heat-safe glasses, refrigerator.
How to Make Coffee Jelly (Step-by-Step) Step 1 — Gather all ingredients.Measure out coffee, sugar, gelatin, and hot water. Set out your dish or glasses so you can pour immediately.
Step 2 — Bloom the gelatin.
In a small bowl, add hot water and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Stir until completely dissolved (no granules).
Step 3 — Sweeten the coffee.
Add hot brewed coffee and sugar to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and the mixture is just about to boil.
Step 4 — Combine & heat briefly.
Whisk the dissolved gelatin into the sweet coffee. Bring to a gentle boil for 10–15 seconds, then remove from heat.
Step 5 — Pour & chill.
Pour into a square dish (for cubes) or four glasses (individual servings). Refrigerate 6–7 hours until set.
Step 6 — Serve.
For cubes, cut into ½–¾-inch squares and spoon into bowls. Top with whipped cream or drizzle sweetened milk/creamer. Enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations
Stronger is better: Brew coffee on the strong side so the flor survives chilling.
Sugar swaps: Use simple syrup or 3–4 packets of a zero-cal sweetener.
Vegan option: Replace gelatin with agar-agar (about 1–1¼ tsp powder simmered in the coffee for 1–2 minutes). Texture will be a bit firmer.
Flor twists: Add vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or cocoa powder.
Lovely layers: Alternate coffee jelly with whipped cream or mousse in parfait glasses for a “tiramisu-lite” vibe.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, about ¼ of recipe)
Calories: ~43
Total Fat: 0 g
Sodium: ~10 mg
Total Carbohydrates: ~9–10 g
Sugars: ~9 g
Protein: ~2 g
Estimates only; values vary with brands and toppings.
FAQs1) Can I use instant coffee? Yes—use 2–3 teaspoons instant coffee per cup of hot water (taste and adjust). Stronger brews make better jelly.
2) How do I make it vegan? Swap gelatin for agar-agar powder (about 1–1¼ tsp). Simmer agar in the coffee for 1–2 minutes to activate, then proceed. Texture will set faster and firmer.
3) Why didn’t my jelly set? Common causes: undissolved gelatin, weak coffee temperature when mixing, or too much liquid. Reheat gently, add a bit more gelatin (bloomed), and re-chill.
4) How long does coffee jelly last? Up to 3–4 days refrigerated in a covered container. For drinks, consume within 24 hours for best texture.
5) Can I make it sugar-free? Absolutely. Replace sugar with your preferred sweetener. Start small; you can always add more to the drink or topping.
6) What size cubes are best for drinks? Aim for ½-inch cubes for wide straws; smaller cubes are easier to sip.
7) Can I add alcohol? For adult desserts, try a splash of Baileys, Kahlúa, or coffee liqueur over the cubes. (Skip if serving kids.)
Final ThoughtsWith minimal coffee jelly ingredients and a no-fuss method, you can serve it classic (cubes + cream), as a coffee jelly drink, or conveniently in a bottle. It’s refreshing, customizable, and budget-friendly—perfect for hot days or make-ahead desserts. Snap a coffee jelly picture for your menu or socials and watch it trend!