Cubes of jelly, flavored with coffee served in a thick, sweetened cream, this coffee jelly is definitely a crowd-pleaser and an excellent dessert for any occasion.
I sometimes wonder how something that is is easy and simple can turn out soooo good.
Take this coffee jelly dessert for an example. It really is just some jelly, made from gelatin, sugar, and coffee, and cream and condensed milk are added to it and then chilled. So easy and simple yet people seem to love it.
The truth is, I have never tried coffee jelly until I made it for my nephew's Christening.
I mean I've seen it being served in restaurants and other places but I've never touched the thing. Armin and my sisters, on the other hand, had had their shares of testing and tasting. Some would get a thumbs-up but some, at rare times, got spurned.
The negative comments would be 'it's too sweet or not sweet enough or coffee is too weak or too strong and bitter'.
Which I usually just ignore as I was not able to relate at all since I am not a coffee person. Actually, I (used to) detest anything with coffee. I do not like the aftertaste that coffee leaves in your mouth, that is why I prefer tea instead. 
But since I decided to make coffee jelly as part of my dessert table for the reception (because it is easy to make and they look so cute in shot glasses), I had to give it a try.
With some advice and after several tasting from my sisters and Armin, I finally got it. And for someone who hates coffee, I had some(several cups) of it during and after making this recipe..and I love it!
I was told that the coffee should be a little stronger so it will not lose its flavor and be overpowered by the sweetened cream when mixed.
I tried making coffee jelly using both freshly brewed coffee and instant coffee powder.
When I was doing the batch for the christening, I realized that we did not have any coffee powder at home since Armin usually prefers freshly brewed coffee (that or the exact opposite, a 3-in-1 where you just add hot water to it). So I just used brewed coffee by making a batch (2 cups) that is twice as strong.
But for this one here, I used the instant coffee powder that says strong in its label.
Both have its pros and cons. Using the coffee powder, however, will save you a lot of time and if it is of good quality then you can almost not tell the difference.
Jelly Powder vs. Gelatin Powder
What is the difference?
Jelly Powder, also known to us as Gulaman or Agar Agar, is plant-based, usually derived from seaweeds. It needs to be boiled for it to set but it can set even at room temperature and much faster than gelatin.
Gelatin Powder is made from animal collagen from skin and bones. Needs only to be dissolved in a warm or hot liquid to set. Usually needs to be refrigerated for it to set that can take some hours depending on other ingredients.
I used a local brand of jelly powder and 1 pouch (25g) is good for 6 cups of water but I only use 5 cups because I like it a little firmer.
Printable Recipe
Easy Coffee Jelly Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pouch clear jelly powder (gulaman/agar agar) - (25g) see Note 1 for gelatin powder
- 5 cups tap water
- 2-3 tablespoons instant coffee powder - adjust according to preference
- 4-5 tablespoons granulated sugar - adjust according to preference
- 1 small can sweetened condensed milk - (168ml per can)
- 2 packs all-purpose cream - (250ml per pack)
Instructions
- In a pot, add water and gradually sprinkle jelly powder, stir until dissolved.
- Bring to a soft boil then remove from heat. Add sugar and coffee powder and stir until completely dissolved.
- Pour mixture in a 9x9-inch square pan and let it cool to set.
- Using a knife, cut through the coffee jelly horizontally and then vertically to make cubes. It could be big or small cubes.
- In a large bowl or container with lid, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and all-purpose cream until well combined. Add the coffee jelly cubes and mix again. Cover and chill.
- It is best served cold.
K says
Would this work with regular coffee instead of coffee powder?
Bebs says
Yes, it would. Just follow the instruction of your jelly powder package. Some needs to be dissolved in cold water first before adding it to the hot liquid while others needs to be warmed.
Kim says
We followed the directions exactly as stated and the jelly didn't completely firm up. I also had to use an 11" x 11" pan for the squares to come out the correct size. I am retrying the receipt with 30g of agar agar jelly powder and 4 cups of water. Even with 5 tablespoons of sugar, the coffee was not sweet at all so I also added more sugar.
Bebs says
Hi Kim, follow the ratio and instruction stated on the jelly powder you have, we used Mr. Gulaman which requires 6 cups per pouch and we used only 5 for a firmer texture. As for the sugar, yes we do not make it too sweet since the sweetened condensed milk is sweet enough already but you could adjust it to your taste.
Mel says
hi, i just made these today with many adjustments using ingredients I can find, and they taste great... i wonder though how long do these last in the refrigerator? thanks!
Bebs says
It is ok to refrigerate it for a couple of days just do not freeze it.
Kenneth Licup says
May i ask how many days coffee jelly can last (refrigerated) cause im starting to make it a business i want to know how many days i can refrigerate it until all stocks are sold tyyyy
Nicole Razonable McCready says
Hi Bebs,
I’m using the Knox Gelatin. Do I follow the directions in video? Or do I just make my coffee add sugar to taste them dissolve the gelatin in it?
Bebs says
Follow the instructions of the brand, instead.
Jessica says
Hi,
Are you able to tell me exact brands you used for this recipe? Thank you
Bebs says
I used Mr. Gulaman. For coffee any strong coffee that you like.
Bea says
Hi Bebs! Thank you for this recipe. I made coffee jelly dessert for my dad's birthday. Hope you could make more easy-to-prepare or go-to dessert recipe perfect for summer! Tysm and more powers.
Bebs says
Hi Bea, will do! Thanks for the 5 stars..
Nicholas Zervas says
Confused by the "packs of cream." Are we talking a specific number of ounces? or cups? or pints? Is it heavy whipping cream? Or half n half? I ask because I've never heard of packages of cream. Planning to make this tomorrow!
Bebs says
Hi Nicholas, it is noted in the recipe, a pack = 250ml. In the Philippines, we normally have all-purpose cream which can be bought in a small box (pack). You may use whipping cream if you like it thicker or half and half for a thinner consistency.
Shee says
It's called a "pouch", it's a small carton box of cream that you tear/cut on the side to pour. Also comes in a small can but the pouch one is more popular in Philippines.
jomar says
coffee jelly
Jamie says
Sounds great! Can't wait to try it! Thanks for sharing!
Beng says
I've tired ur cassava n leche flan recipes. Not only are they picture - perfect! Rather, they were taste-perfect!!! The- best- desserts--ever n the best-crowd- pleaser!!! Cheers to you Ms. Bebs!! I don't know how to thank you for ur free n great cooking lessons. All the best n God bless u in all ways..Again... Thank u so so much for teaching us how to cook at our best, especially with our Filipino comfort-foods.
Bebs says
Aaawwww...thanks for your very nice comment, Beng! Really happy that you are enjoying our recipes here...
Owish says
Interested to start loving the kitchen
Owish says
Great to learn how to make the coffee jelly.
Bebs says
It is really easy and delicious, even for me who is not really a coffee drinker...
shazeena says
I love to join