Coffee Jelly (Coffee Jello)
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If you’ve never had coffee jelly before, you’re in for a fun little surprise. It’s exactly what it sounds like, coffee turned into a soft, lightly sweet, jiggly dessert. The flavor is rich and bold like a good cup of coffee, but the texture is smooth and wobbly like classic gelatin. It’s simple, a little nostalgic, and honestly kind of delightful.
Coffee Jelly (Coffee Jello)
Coffee Jelly (Coffee Jello)
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This easy coffee jelly recipe uses strong brewed coffee, sweetened condensed milk for creaminess, and unflavored gelatin to give it that signature texture. A splash of Kahlua adds a subtle coffee-liqueur flavor and just the tiniest kick, but it’s completely optional. The recipe works just as well without it if you want a family-friendly version.
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Coffee Jelly, Ingredients:
- 3 packets of Knox gelatin
- 1/2 cup cold water
- one can sweet & condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 & 3/4 cups HOT strong coffee (3 – 5 TBS instant coffee)
- 3 shots of Kahlua (or more! three shots gives it nice flavor, but only a very gently kick)
Coffee Jelly, Directions:
- Add the packets of gelatin to the cold water, stir and then allow it to bloom for about ten minutes.
- Pour in the hot coffee and stir to incorporate and melt the gelatin.
- Stir in the sweetened condensed milk.
- Allow to set in the refrigerator for several hours.
- Serve and enjoy!
Coffee jelly is especially popular in Japanese cafés, where it’s often served in cubes with cream poured over the top. This version is a little richer thanks to the condensed milk mixed right in, which gives it a creamy coffee flavor that feels almost like a dessert version of iced coffee.
You can serve coffee jelly straight from the dish, cut into cubes, or spooned into small dessert glasses. It’s delicious on its own, but it’s also fun topped with whipped cream, a drizzle of condensed milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to lean fully into dessert territory.
And the best part? It only takes a few minutes to mix together. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill and set in the refrigerator.
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How to Make Coffee Jelly
Coffee Jelly Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 packets of Knox gelatin
- 1/2 cup cold water
- one can sweet & condensed milk 14 oz
- 1 & 3/4 cups HOT strong coffee 3 – 5 TBS instant coffee
- 3 shots of Kahlua or more! three shots gives it nice flavor, but only a very gently kick
Instructions
- Add the packets of gelatin to the cold water, stir and then allow it to bloom for about ten minutes.
- Pour in the hot coffee and stir to incorporate and melt the gelatin.
- Stir in the sweetened condensed milk.
- Allow to set in the refrigerator for several hours.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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- Check out all our easy sweetened condensed milk recipes!
Frequently asked questions
Coffee jelly is a simple dessert made from sweetened coffee and gelatin. Once chilled, it sets into a soft, jiggly texture similar to classic gelatin desserts but with a rich coffee flavor.
This recipe includes optional Kahlua, which adds a subtle coffee-liqueur flavor. You can easily leave it out for a completely alcohol-free version.
Stronger than you would normally drink. Bold coffee helps the flavor come through after the gelatin sets and the condensed milk is added.
It usually takes about 3–4 hours in the refrigerator for the jelly to fully set.
You can cut it into cubes, scoop it into dessert glasses, or serve it topped with whipped cream, condensed milk, or even vanilla ice cream.
This Coffee Jelly was inspired by The Hungry Mouse. Hers looked good, but I wanted mine stronger. They turned out delicious! The perfect treat for National Coffee Day (or any day that ends in a ‘Y’).
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