Coffee Jelly Recipe

Learn how to make this Japanese Coffee Jelly Recipe at home with this easy step-by-step recipe. This light, refreshing, subtly sweet Japanese dessert is made with brewed coffee or diluted coffee granules and gelatin, served in soft cubes and topped with cream, condensed milk, or ice cream. Popular in Japan and the Philippines, this easy coffee jelly recipe is perfect for coffee lovers looking for a simple no-bake summer treat with rich flavor and a smooth, jiggly texture.

How this Recipe for Coffee Jelly Began

The story of “Japan Coffee Jelly” dates back to the early 20th century, where it was the start of coffee culture becoming popular in Japan alongside the rise of Western-style cafés or “Kissaten”. A dish inspired by European gelatin desserts and a growing love for coffee, creative cooks began experimenting with coffee gelatin recipes as a refreshing way to enjoy coffee during hot summers. Though the first sighting of this type of dish appeared briefly in cookbooks in the 1910s, the dessert gained widespread popularity in the 1960s when coffee consumption increased across Japan. This then became especially common in Japanese cafés during the post–World War II era, when coffee culture expanded. Over time, it spread to other parts of Asia and remains a popular ingredient in parfaits, bubble tea, and chilled desserts, appreciated for its refreshing bitterness and smooth texture.

Today, coffee jelly is enjoyed in a variety of modern, visually appealing ways, especially in Japan and across East and Southeast Asia. These are often cut into cubes and served in a glass with sweet cream, flavored syrup, or a scoop of ice cream, layered into elaborate café parfaits. In recent years, it has also become popular as a topping in milk tea and specialty sweet or even alcoholic drinks, aligning with the global rise of bubble tea culture. Convenience stores like 7-11 or Family Mart, and café chains frequently sell ready-to-eat coffee jelly cups, making it an easy grab-and-go dessert.

While it’s been in and out of popularity through the years. Its renewed popularity is closely tied to social media and aesthetic food trends—its glossy, translucent cubes photograph beautifully, especially in layered drinks. Japanese coffee chains have long featured it on their menus, while international brands such as Starbucks have occasionally introduced coffee jelly beverages in Asian markets, sparking waves of interest. As specialty coffee culture continues to grow, this dessert appeals to people who enjoy the bold flavor of coffee but want it in a lighter, dessert-style format.

What is Japanese Coffee Jelly ?

What is Coffee Jelly? Coffee Jelly is a light, refreshing dessert made from sweetened brewed coffee or diluted coffee powder that’s set with gelatin until firm and jiggly. This summer treat is popular during summer. Coffee Jelly in Japan is often served as jelly cubes, topped with whipped cream, sweetened condensed milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The coffee jelly main ingredients are simple; brewed coffee or diluted coffee mixed with sugar, and gelatin. The outcome is  bold, slightly bitter, and perfectly balanced with creamy toppings. This dessert is ideal if you’re looking for a Jiggly Japanese coffee jelly recipe easy enough for beginners. It requires minimal ingredients, no baking, and only a few simple steps to prepare at home.

In the Philippines, this dessert is a well-loved, affordable dessert that blends the country’s strong coffee culture with its love for creamy, sweet treats. Commonly made with locally popular instant coffee and cut into small cubes, then mixed with sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and all-purpose cream to create a chilled, lightly sweet dessert that balances bitterness and richness. Sometimes turning into a drink by replacing the all purpose cream with whole milk or a non-dairy alternative.

Coffee jelly is frequently served at family gatherings, fiestas, and holiday celebrations, and it’s also sold in bakeries, small stalls, cafes, and casual restaurants as an everyday merienda (afternoon snack). Major fast-food chains like Jollibee have featured coffee jelly sundaes and drinks for summer or as ‘limited edition’. Its simplicity, affordability, and compatibility with the Filipino taste for creamy desserts have helped keep coffee jelly popular across the country.

Filipino Coffee Jelly Ingredients :

Ingredients Coffee Jelly

• Water – dissolves and helps mix everything together.
• Coffee powder – or granules, the main flavoring of the jelly.
• Brown sugar – adds sweetness to the jelly.
• Unflavored gelatin – stabilizes the coffee jelly.
• All purpose cream – for the base, the more you whisk it, the more the sauce will feel lighter.
• Condensed milk – adds a creamy and sweet touch.
• Evaporated milk – dilutes the sauce slightly but still keeps it creamy.

Japanese Coffee Jelly Recipe

Ingredients :

• 8 cups water
• 4 to 5 tablespoons coffee powder or granules
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 packs unflavored gelatin
• 1 pack all purpose cream ( chilled )
• 1 can condensed milk ( chilled )
• 1 can evaporated milk

Steps :

1. In a pot, pour in water, coffee granules, brown sugar, and gelatin powder. Mix until the powder dissolves. Place over heat and bring to a boil.

2. Once boiling, take the pot off the heat and transfer into trays. Let it cool and set. Then cut into cubes. Set aside.

3. In another bowl mix together all purpose cream, condensed milk, and evaporated milk. Mix until well combined.

4. In a serving bowl mix coffee jelly with the cream and milk mixture. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Coffee Jelly Toppings

• This Japanese coffee jelly recipe with condensed milk can be made better with a light and airy whipped cream or ice cream to really turn this into a summer treat.
• Chocolate Mocha Twist – This creamy coffee jelly recipe can also be made a bit sweeter with chocolate syrup, and adding chocolate shavings / cocoa powder. Layer the cubes with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings for a parfait-style presentation.
• Coconut Cream Filipino Twist – Add a tropical flair by swapping regular cream for coconut cream and a splash of coconut or regular condensed milk. The subtle coconut flavor softens the bitterness of the coffee while giving the dessert a distinctly island-inspired taste. For extra texture, top it off with toasted coconut flakes or even small tapioca pearls.
• Brown Sugar Milk Tea Twist – Inspired by modern milk tea drinks, prepare the coffee jelly as usual, but serve it in a tall glass with brown sugar syrup and cold milk. The brown sugar complements the coffee’s natural bitterness. Add ice to make it perfect for the summer weather, stir before drinking for a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up.
• Add a Scoop of Vanilla or Coffee Ice Cream – Turn your coffee jelly into a show-stopping dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla, caramel, or mocha ice cream. As the ice cream slowly melts into the jelly cubes, it creates a creamy coffee float effect. Finish with chocolate syrup, caramel drizzle, or crushed cookies for added indulgence.
• Or turn this into a Parfait with Fruity & Fresh Pairings – Similar to adding a layer of whipped cream or your choice of ice cream. Brighten the dessert with sliced bananas, mango cubes, or even strawberries. The natural sweetness and acidity of fresh fruit cut through the richness of creamy toppings, making the dessert feel and tastelighter and more refreshing.
• Nutty & Crunchy Add-Ons – Add texture contrast with toasted almonds, candied pecans or walnuts, crushed peanuts, hazelnuts, or granola. The crunch pairs perfectly with the soft, jiggly jelly. For a slightly salty-sweet balance.

Coffee Jelly Recipe with a Twist

• Turn this into a Japanese Coffee Jelly Drink Recipe – For Coffee Jelly Milk, instead of adding all purpose cream and evaporated milk, mix together condensed milk with whole milk-or any type of milk you prefer.
• If you want a chewier jelly, instead of coffee jelly recipe gelatin powder, use Japanese Coffee Jelly Recipe with Agar Agar – agar gar uses less water ( though always make sure to follow the instructions in the packet.), it makes for a chewier and a bit tougher jelly.
• Japanese coffee jelly dessert recipe, you can also make another batch but instead of coffee use Matcha or Hojicha to mix with the coffee jelly, you can also make this dairy free by using coconut evaporated milk and condensed milk, and coconut milk as an alternative.
• Spiced Cinnamon Vanilla Twist – Infuse your brewed coffee with cinnamon sticks or a dash of cinnamon powder and a few drops of vanilla extract before setting it into jelly. The warm spices enhance the coffee’s aroma and adds depth without overpowering the flavor. Serve with sweetened cream ( all purpose cream or regular cream whipped with condensed milk ) and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a cozy finish.

How to store this dessert for a Party

For best results, store coffee jelly-by itself in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent it from absorbing other odors and maintain its fresh flavor and aroma. It will keep well for 3–5 days when properly chilled.

If you’ve already added cream or milk, consume it within 1–2 days for the best taste and texture. Chill in the fridge to get it ready overnight but freezing is not recommended, as it can cause the gelatin to break down and become watery once thawed.

Try our other Yummy Jelly Recipes :

Japanese Jelly Coffee Recipe ( Tagalog )

Pinoy Coffee Jelly Recipe

Mga Sangkap :

• 8 tasa ng tubig
• 4 o 5 kutsara ng coffee powder o granules
• ½ tasa ng kayumangging asukal
• 2 pakete ng unflavored gelatin
• 1 pakete ng all purpose cream ( pinalamig )
• 1 lata ng condensed milk ( pinalamig )
• 1 lata evaporated milk

Paano Lutuin :

1. Sa kawali, ibuhos ang tubig, Haluin ng coffee granules, asukal, at gelatin powder hanggang matunaw ang powder. Pakuluin.
2. Pagkumulo na, tanggalin sa init at ilipat sa trey. Palamigin para tumigas. Pagkatapos, ihiwa ng pa kubo. Itabi.
3. Sa ibang mangkok, haluin ang all purpose cream, condensed milk, at evaporated milk. 
4. Sa serving bowl, haluin ang coffee jelly at hinalong crema. Palamigin ng 4 oras o magdamag bago ihanda.