Let’s talk about Coffee Jelly! Sounds cool, right? If you’ve been browsing Pinterest for some new and unique ways to enjoy your daily coffee fix, or if you’re an Instagrammer… It is something you definitely want to add to your list of recipes to try. But what exactly is this intriguing treat, and how can you make it at home without a culinary degree?
What is Coffee Jelly?
Coffee jelly, a popular Japanese dessert, is a simple yet delightful combination of coffee and gelatin. It’s a bit like the perfect marriage between your favorite iced coffee and a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. It’s perfect for coffee lovers, health-conscious eaters, and anyone looking to try something new without spending hours in the kitchen.
The great thing? You don’t need to be a Japanese cuisine expert to master it—just a little time and a few ingredients!
You might be wondering, “What’s so special about this coffee jelly thing, anyway?” Good question! Let’s break it down.
Imagine this: rich, aromatic coffee transformed into a delightful, jelly-like texture, served up with a dollop of whipped cream or sweetened condensed milk. Sounds like a sweet treat your family (especially the kiddos) would go wild for, right?
Plus, it’s got a cool, caffeine kick that makes it way more exciting than your typical coffee break. Trust us, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked—and your friends will be too!
In this article, we’re going to guide you through everything you need to know about coffee jelly.
We’ll talk about the best ways to enjoy it, where to find it if you’re feeling lazy (we get it, we all need shortcuts sometimes!), and why it’s one of the trendiest and easiest Japanese treats you can make. So, pour yourself a cup of coffee, take a seat, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of coffee jelly!
The Origin, Taste, and Texture
So, where did coffee jelly even come from? Well, this dessert originated in Japan during the 1960s—yes, it’s been around for decades!
Japanese coffee jelly is traditionally served as a refreshing dessert, especially in the summer. It’s a nostalgic favorite, often found in cafes across Japan, where it’s paired with soft, fluffy whipped cream or condensed milk for a sweet finish.
It’s no wonder that it has become a beloved treat in the hearts (and bellies) of coffee enthusiasts worldwide.
The taste of is exactly what you’d expect: rich, robust coffee flavor that’s not overpowering. Think of it as your iced coffee but with a delightful twist.
The coffee flavor is mellow and balanced, making it the perfect dessert for those who appreciate a good cup of coffee without being overly sugary.
When it comes to texture, coffee jelly is a fun experience! It’s firm, but not too firm—just enough to jiggle when you shake it (hence the name jelly).
It’s smooth, slightly chewy, and incredibly refreshing, especially when paired with a sweet drizzle of cream. It’s like eating coffee-flavored Jell-O, but for grown-ups—because who says you can’t enjoy dessert and caffeine in one bite?
Where Can You Buy Coffee Jelly?
Now, if you’re in the mood for coffee jelly but not quite ready to dive into the DIY journey, don’t worry—coffee jelly is widely available, and you won’t have to search high and low to find it.
You can typically find pre-made coffee jelly in Asian supermarkets, especially ones with a dedicated Japanese food section. Popular stores like Daiso or Mitsuwa Marketplace often have ready-to-eat versions of this delightful treat, packaged in cups or jars for your convenience.
If you’re more of an online shopper (who isn’t these days, right?), places like Amazon and specialty online food stores will have pre-made coffee jelly too.
Pro tip: Some of these may even come with toppings like sweetened condensed milk, making your life just a little easier.
It’s also available in various flavors, so if you’re feeling adventurous, you might even find matcha coffee jelly (perfect for the matcha lovers out there)!
Of course, if you’re all about supporting local businesses or looking for that homemade feel, you can find artisanal coffee jelly from niche online shops that specialize in Japanese treats. But, be warned: once you try it, you might not be able to stop buying it!
How to Make Coffee Jelly at Home
Ready to make it at home? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think—and way more fun than you’d expect! You’ll need just a few simple ingredients: brewed coffee, sugar, gelatin (yes, you read that right!), and a little bit of water. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to make your own coffee jelly:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of strong brewed coffee (make sure it’s freshly brewed!)
- 1/4 cup of sugar (you can adjust this depending on your sweet tooth)
- 2 tablespoons of gelatin powder (preferably unflavored)
- 1/2 cup of water
Directions:
- Brew the coffee: Start by brewing your favorite coffee. You want it to be strong—this is the flavor that’ll really shine through in your jelly.
- Dissolve the gelatin: In a small bowl, combine the gelatin powder and water. Stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved, and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
- Combine with coffee: In a saucepan, heat the brewed coffee over medium heat, and stir in the sugar until it’s completely dissolved. Once the sugar is dissolved, pour in the gelatin mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Let it set: Pour the mixture into a shallow dish or individual cups, and refrigerate for 3-4 hours (or until fully set).
- Serve and enjoy: Once your coffee jelly is set, cut it into cubes and serve it with your favorite toppings. A little whipped cream or sweetened condensed milk on top can really elevate the flavor!
Coffee Jelly Pairings: Japanese Desserts to Try with It
Now that you’ve made your coffee jelly (or maybe you’re thinking about buying it—no judgment here)… It’s time to level up your dessert game by pairing it with other delicious Japanese treats. Japan has a wide variety of desserts that offer an incredible blend of flavors and textures. So, let’s dive into some mouthwatering pairings!
Anmitsu
Anmitsu is a classic Japanese dessert that combines multiple textures and flavors in one bowl. It consists of small cubes of agar jelly (a plant-based gelatin), anko, and fresh fruits like cherries, peaches etc.
The beauty of anmitsu is that it’s naturally light, with the contrast between the soft jelly, crunchy fruit, and creamy bean paste.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting—adding coffee jelly into your anmitsu mix creates the perfect balance of rich coffee flavor against the sweet, refreshing ingredients. The coffee jelly’s firm, chewy texture contrasts beautifully with the softer agar jelly, while its deep coffee taste complements the sweetness of the red bean paste and fruit.
Don’t forget to drizzle a little syrup (or honey if you’re feeling adventurous) over the top to bring everything together!
This pairing is a great way to enjoy a multi-textural dessert experience, and it’s particularly fun for anyone who loves variety in their sweets. Anmitsu is also incredibly customizable, so feel free to add other ingredients like matcha or mochi for extra flavor and chewiness.
Matcha Ice Cream: The Perfect Harmony of Coffee and Green Tea
If you’re a fan of the popular green tea flavor that’s all the rage (yes, we’re looking at you, matcha lovers!), then matcha ice cream paired with coffee jelly is perfect. Matcha, with its earthy and slightly bitter flavor, pairs wonderfully with the rich, bold taste of coffee.
The creaminess of matcha ice cream balances out the slight bitterness of both the matcha and the coffee jelly, creating a beautifully harmonious contrast.
To make this pairing even more decadent, you can layer the matcha ice cream with cubes of coffee jelly in a dessert bowl or parfait glass.
Add a drizzle of condensed milk for extra creaminess, and top it all off with almonds or anko for texture.
The result is a satisfying dessert that combines the best of both worlds! Rich coffee flavor and the umami-packed earthiness of matcha. This pairing is perfect if you’re craving a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Related Recipe: How to Make Matcha Parfait (Super Easy)
Dorayaki: Soft Pancakes
Dorayaki is a traditional Japanese snack consisting of two soft pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste (anko). It’s a beloved treat in Japan, often enjoyed as an afternoon snack or dessert. The texture of the dorayaki is light and soft, making it an ideal complement to coffee jelly.
Check out our Dorayaki recipe right here!
To create a divine dessert combo… Slice your dorayaki in half, sandwiching a layer of coffee jelly between the two pancakes. You’ll experience the softness of the pancakes, the sweetness of anko, and the refreshing coolness of the coffee jelly.
It’s like your favorite sandwich—but upgraded with a Japanese twist. You could even serve the dorayaki alongside a bowl of coffee jelly for dipping, allowing each bite to soak in that wonderful coffee flavor. This playful pairing will have your family and friends asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
Mochi
Mochi, a chewy rice cake made from glutinous rice, is one of Japan’s most iconic desserts. It has a texture that’s chewy yet soft making it the perfect base for pairing with other ingredients. Mochi comes in many different flavors and fillings! But the plain variety (known as kiri mochi) works particularly well with coffee jelly.
Related recipe: The Easiest Way to Make Mochi Donuts in 2025
To create an irresistible mochi-coffee combo, simply serve a few pieces of mochi alongside your chilled coffee jelly. The chewy texture of the mochi balances out the smooth, wobbly texture of the jelly.
The neutral flavor of the mochi also allows the coffee jelly to shine, giving it center stage in your dessert.
For an extra treat, try pairing matcha-flavored mochi with your coffee. The added earthy notes from the matcha will complement the coffee perfectly, and the texture contrast is just so satisfying.
Mochi and coffee jelly are a perfect pairing for anyone who enjoys an afternoon tea or a treat after dinner.
Yokan: Jelly Dessert That Matches Coffee Jelly’s Texture
Yokan is a dense and sweet jelly-like dessert made from red bean paste, agar, and sugar. It’s often served in block form and sliced into small, manageable pieces. The texture of yokan is firm and jelly-like, which makes it an ideal dessert to pair with your coffee.
The sweetness of the red bean paste in yōkan adds depth to the coffee jelly’s bitter-sweet flavor, while the smooth, velvety texture of yokan contrasts with the slightly firmer texture of coffee jelly.
This dessert pairing is perfect for those who enjoy a little more sweetness in their coffee without it becoming overwhelming. The red bean paste in yokan provides a comforting, sweet counterpoint to the bitterness of the coffee, making for a beautifully balanced dessert.
You could even serve slices of yokan alongside a small bowl of coffee jelly topped with whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a Japanese dessert made from brewed coffee, sugar, and gelatin, which creates a wobbly, gelatinous dessert. It’s often served with whipped cream or sweetened condensed milk for a delicious, refreshing treat.
Making it is easy! Brew some strong coffee, dissolve sugar and gelatin in it, and let the mixture set in the fridge. Once set, cut it into cubes and serve with your favorite toppings!
You can find pre-made coffee jelly in most Asian supermarkets, especially Japanese grocery stores. It’s also available online on platforms like Amazon and specialty food stores.
