Summertime in Japan gets hot and humid. Luckily, there’s no shortage of cold, sweet treats to help you cool down! One of my favorites is chilled Japanese coffee jelly (コーヒーゼリー). Translucent and jiggly, the glistening jelly is incredibly refreshing and soothing, with a bold coffee flavor and pleasant sweetness. With just four ingredients, you can easily make this delicious coffee jello treat from scratch. It’s the perfect afternoon pick-me-up to grab from the fridge after a long, hot day—or any day!
What is Coffee Jelly?
Japanese coffee jelly is a chilled gelatinous dessert flavored with sweetened strong coffee. Created during the Taisho period (1912–1926), it was Japan’s answer to British molded jellies made with animal collagen from calves’ bones. Japanese chefs put their own spin on the dish by using kanten (agar, 寒天, かんてん), a plant-based gelling agent used in traditional Japanese desserts. This makes coffee jelly a vegan-friendly snack. Although not as common now in the UK and US, this treat is endlessly popular in Japan. You can find this coffee jelly dessert at many convenience stores (konbini), coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants. It’s added to creative beverages and desserts, but I love it served the classic way in a small bowl with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk topping.
Why You’ll Love This Jelly Dessert
Only 4 ingredients! Quick prep time — My recipe takes only 10 minutes of active time. Soft, bouncy texture — I add extra water to create a softer texture than standard kanten jelly. Pantry-friendly — Keep the ingredients on hand for whenever the craving strikes!
Ingredients for Coffee Jelly
You only need 4 ingredients to make coffee jelly from scratch:
Substitution Tips and Variations
Try these variations in your coffee jelly:
For a pantry-friendly and convenient option, use instant coffee powder or crystals instead of brewed coffee. Replace it with the same amount of water, then follow my recipe instructions for when to add the instant coffee powder. For a more intense flavor, try espresso powder! To skip the caffeine, use decaf coffee. If you can’t find kanten powder, substitute gelatin or agar-agar powder. For a soft set, I recommend substituting 8 g (4 tsp) powdered gelatin or agar powder for 1 stick packet (4 g, 2 tsp) of kanten powder. You could also use 8 g gelatin leaves/sheets (about 4.5 sheets). Test your gelatin first to make sure it sets (see below). Note: Gelatin produces a soft and wobbly jelly; it’s too soft to cut into cubes, so serve it with a spoon. Use more gelatin if you prefer a harder set.
How To Make the Best Coffee Jelly
Recipe Tips and Techniques
Dissolve the kanten powder completely. The clear powder may be hard to see, but make sure to stir the kanten powder constantly and thoroughly during cooking. If you don’t dissolve it completely, the coffee jelly may not set. Make sure to cook the kanten long enough. You must heat the kanten powder for 2–3 minutes in a small pot to dissolve it properly. It solidifies in an hour or less at room temperature. Wet the mold or baking pan. This keeps the jelly from sticking. Run the mold or pan under running water and shake off the excess, but do not dry it. I use a Japanese stainless steel square mold called nagashikan (流し缶) with two parts. The inner pan lifts up the jelly and slides it off for effortless removal. No need to flip! Remove the bubbles on the surface for a translucent effect. To do so, quickly touch them with the flame from a long-stemmed utility/candle lighter or butane torch (also called a kitchen torch). You could also scoop them off with a spoon or pop them with a toothpick, although this is a time-consuming method. Test first if using gelatin or agar powder. In general, you’ll need roughly twice as much gelatin powder or agar powder as kanten powder. Since each brand is different, first test the gelatin or agar powder to see if it sets following the package instructions. Don’t heat gelatin too long or boil it because it won’t set.
How To Store
To Refrigerate: You can keep the coffee jelly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Fun Ways To Enjoy Coffee Jelly
Mix coffee jelly into other beverages and desserts. These translucent, bouncy cubes will level up your sweet snacks with additional flavor and unexpected texture! Layer them into your iced lattes, boba milk tea, milkshakes, and sundaes. Change up the toppings on your coffee jelly with sweetened heavy cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or matcha ice cream, chocolate shavings, or chocolate sauce.
Other Jelly Recipes You Might Enjoy
Hojicha Jelly Fruit Jelly Orange (Mikan) Jelly Anmitsu Fruits Mitsumame
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on April 20, 2014. It was updated with a slightly revised recipe and new images on May 3, 2024, and republished on July 18, 2024.
