Pin I discovered coffee jelly during a sweltering afternoon when my neighbor mentioned it casually over the fence—a drink that seemed almost whimsical, bouncy cubes of coffee suspended in clouds of sweet cream. That first sip changed everything about how I thought desserts could refresh rather than weigh you down. The textural contrast alone, that satisfying little bounce of the jelly against your tongue followed by the silky milk, became something I craved on hot days. Now I make it whenever someone needs convincing that coffee belongs in more places than just a morning cup.
I remember making this for a book club that happened to fall on one of those days where the air felt thick and nobody wanted anything hot. Watching everyone's faces light up when they realized coffee could be chewy and cool at the same time felt like discovering a recipe that actually belonged to summer. One person asked for the recipe that very night, and it's been my go-to contribution ever since.
Ingredients
- Strong brewed coffee: Use something with real character here—the gelatin will mellow it slightly, so don't hold back on the strength or you'll end up with something that tastes more like cream than coffee.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to round out the coffee's edges without making it syrupy.
- Unflavored gelatin powder: The unsung hero that gives you those satisfying bouncy cubes.
- Cold water: For blooming the gelatin—this step actually matters and takes just five minutes.
- Whole milk: The backbone of your sweet cream, adding body and richness.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is where the magic happens, creating that creamy sweetness that makes people ask what you did differently.
- Heavy cream: Adds luxurious depth and helps the mixture coat your mouth in the best way.
- Ice cubes: Keep the drink cold without diluting it as it sits.
Instructions
- Bloom your gelatin:
- Sprinkle the gelatin powder over cold water in a small bowl and let it sit for five minutes. You'll see it absorb the water and look like wet sand—that's exactly right. This step prevents lumps and ensures the gelatin dissolves smoothly.
- Dissolve the coffee mixture:
- Stir sugar into your hot coffee until it completely disappears, then pour in that bloomed gelatin and keep stirring until you don't see any grains or specks. The heat will transform the gelatin into liquid.
- Set it up to chill:
- Pour the mixture into a shallow dish—the wider the surface area, the faster it sets—and let it cool on the counter first. Then refrigerate for at least ninety minutes until it feels completely firm when you press it.
- Cut into cubes:
- Once it's set, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts to get neat cubes. Aim for half-inch pieces so they're substantial enough to feel satisfying but small enough to fit through a straw.
- Mix your cream blend:
- In a pitcher, combine milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream, stirring until it's completely homogeneous. This mixture can sit in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
- Assemble and serve:
- Fill a glass with a generous handful of coffee jelly cubes and a few ice cubes, then pour the sweet cream mixture over the top. The cubes will float and bob around as you stir, creating that perfect ratio of texture and flavor.
Pin There's something almost comforting about how this drink bridges the gap between dessert and refreshment, the way it makes people slow down and actually pay attention to what they're drinking. It became my answer to questions about what coffee could be beyond bitter and hot.
Making It Ahead
The coffee jelly cubes can be made up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge, which makes this perfect for entertaining. The cream mixture also keeps for a day or two, so you can actually do most of the work well before guests arrive. On the day of serving, just give both components a gentle stir and assemble right before pouring to keep everything at its most refreshing.
Variations Worth Trying
The base recipe is flexible in the best ways—you can experiment with different coffee brewing methods or even add a shot of espresso to the jelly mixture if you want something more intense. Some people swear by a tiny splash of vanilla extract in the cream, while others have convinced me that a pinch of sea salt in the coffee jelly somehow makes it taste more like coffee. The framework is sturdy enough to support whatever direction your taste buds want to pull it.
Dairy-Free and Dietary Swaps
If dairy isn't in your world, coconut milk and coconut cream swap in beautifully—the tropical notes actually complement the coffee in unexpected ways. For a fully plant-based version, use agar-agar instead of gelatin, though you'll want to follow the package directions as it sets differently and typically works best when briefly simmered. You can also play with alternatives like oat milk or cashew cream if you want something creamier than standard coconut milk but still completely dairy-free.
- Brush off any hesitation about agar-agar—it creates a slightly different texture but honestly, some people prefer it.
- Always check condensed coconut milk labels since sweetness levels vary wildly between brands.
- A dusting of cocoa powder or a dollop of whipped coconut cream on top transforms this into something that feels celebratory.
Pin This drink has a way of turning an ordinary hot afternoon into something worth remembering. Make it once and you'll understand why it keeps coming back to your kitchen.
Recipe FAQ
- → How is the coffee jelly made?
Strong brewed coffee is sweetened and mixed with gelatin to set into firm but bouncy cubes after chilling.
- → Can this drink be made dairy-free?
Yes, substituting whole milk and cream with coconut milk and coconut cream works well for a dairy-free version.
- → How long should the coffee jelly chill before serving?
Chill the coffee jelly mixture for at least 1.5 hours or until fully set for optimal texture.
- → What is the role of condensed milk in the drink?
Condensed milk adds a smooth sweetness and creamy richness that complements the slightly bitter coffee jelly.
- → Can I add a stronger coffee flavor?
Adding a shot of espresso to the sweet cream blend enhances the coffee intensity without altering the texture.
- → Are there any alternative setting agents for vegetarians?
Agar-agar can be used as a plant-based substitute for gelatin to make the jelly vegetarian-friendly.