Coffee Jelly Dessert (Printer-friendly)

Soft coffee-infused jelly cubes served with sweetened cream. A light, elegant Japanese-inspired dessert.

# What You'll Need:

→ Coffee Jelly

01 - 2 cups (480 ml) freshly brewed strong coffee, hot
02 - 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons (7 g) unflavored powdered gelatin
04 - 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cold water

→ Sweet Cream

05 - 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
06 - 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar, or to taste
07 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

# Steps:

01 - In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
02 - Meanwhile, combine hot brewed coffee and sugar in a medium bowl, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
03 - Microwave or gently heat the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved (about 15 seconds in the microwave). Stir gelatin into the sweetened coffee until well combined.
04 - Pour the mixture into a shallow dish or small square pan. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
05 - Once set, cut the coffee jelly into cubes.
06 - In a separate bowl, whisk heavy cream with sugar (and vanilla, if using) until the sugar dissolves and the cream is slightly thickened.
07 - Divide coffee jelly cubes among serving glasses or bowls. Pour sweet cream over the cubes and serve chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt of buttercream or pastry.
  • The wobbly texture is oddly soothing, almost meditative to eat.
  • You can make it ahead and it actually tastes better after a day in the fridge.
  • Coffee and cream together create this nostalgic, grown-up float vibe.
02 -
  • If your jelly turns out rubbery, you used too much gelatin, stick to the measurements or go slightly under if you want it extra soft.
  • Don't skip the blooming step, pouring gelatin directly into hot liquid creates clumps that won't dissolve no matter how much you stir.
  • Let the jelly cool to room temperature before refrigerating or condensation will pool on top and dilute the flavor.
03 -
  • Use a wet knife to cut the jelly so it doesn't stick and tear, just dip it in water between cuts.
  • If you want a softer jelly that melts on your tongue, reduce the gelatin by half a teaspoon.
  • Chill your serving glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling, it keeps everything extra refreshing.
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