Coffee Jelly

When I say “jelly” (not the jam kind), you probably immediately think of the red and green jello cubes. Nothing is wrong with jello. But it is mostly considered as a kid treat. Now, here is a grown up version just for you – coffee jelly. You will sure get your dose of caffeine while having a sweet and fun dessert!

Coffee jelly can usually be found in Japanese western cuisine restaurants. These restaurants serve food like pasta, omurice, sandwiches, hamburger steak, and curry. At one point in history, Japan was heavily influenced by western culture, especially Europe. Some of the dishes from the western world were being adapted to the Japanese food scene, like hamburg (Salisbury steak) and naporitan (spaghetti with ketchup). All these food are different from the original versions. They are unique and can’t be compared. If you bump into one of these restaurants, don’t hesitate and go in. You will find a few things you like and enjoy.

When Bryan and I were in Tokyo last year, we had lunch in an Italian cafe. We had pasta, hamburg, and garlic toasts. At the end, we shared a coffee jelly with ice cream (see my instagram video). It was delicious! Sweet and creamy. Recently, we were in Mitsuwa Marketplace for lunch. I ordered a pasta combo and it came with coffee jelly for dessert. It was simple and tasty. Most importantly, it brought Bryan and I back to Japan.

This jelly will only take you less than 10 minutes to make. They will need to set in the fridge for 4 hours and they will be ready. The jelly was little sweet and little bitter from the coffee. In a bite, you get a little of jelly and little half and half, it is like drinking a cup of coffee, just in jelly form. Real good! I have a friendly reminder though. You may not want to eat this dessert too late in the night. Caffeine may keep you up. Rolling around in bed for hours is no fun (that happened to Bryan and I)!

Coffee Jelly

4 servings

Ingredients:

–   2 cups water, plus ¼ cup cold water

–   1 package Knox unflavored gelatin (about 2 1/2 teaspoons)

–   7 – 8 tablespoons sugar

–   2 tablespoons instant coffee powder

–   half and half

–   whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, add ¼ cup cold water. Sprinkle gelatin on top evenly. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, turn the heat to low. Add sugar and coffee. Stir until dissolve. Taste and add more sugar if needed. Add the gelatin and stir constantly until dissolve, about 1 – 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for 2 minutes.
3. Prepare 4 serving glasses or cups. Pour the coffee mixture evenly into the glasses. Let them sit at room temperature until cool. Wrap each glass with plastic wrap. Keep in the fridge for at least 4 hours or until set.
4. To serve, top the jelly with whipped cream if using. Pour 2 tablespoons half and half over each cup of jelly. Serve immediately.

Tips:

1. 7 – 8 tablespoons may seem like a lot of sugar for coffee. But this is a dessert after all. You want it sweeter than what you normally add to your coffee.
2. ½ cup per serving is a good amount. I think it will be too much if more than that, but feel free to do smaller servings.
3. I topped my jelly with chocolate curls. It is mainly for presentation purpose. The jelly tastes great with half and half.