Japanese Coffee Jelly

Name: No Sugar Japanese Coffee Jelly
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 187 min
Ingredients: 2 cups freshly brewed hot coffee (see notes); 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons brown sweetener (optional, see notes); 2 tablespoons powdered gelatin (see notes)

In This Post You'll Learn:

Easy Sugar-Free Coffee Jelly

Japanese Coffee Jelly is a delightful and jiggly coffee-infused dessert that will capture the hearts of coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.

Made with three simple ingredients, it boasts a soft and wobbly texture, creating a playful yet sophisticated treat. The best part? This sugar-free and keto-friendly version makes it a guilt-free indulgence for those looking to satisfy their sweet cravings while following a low-carb lifestyle.

Why should you try this recipe? Not only is Japanese Coffee Jelly incredibly easy to make, but it also offers a unique and refreshing coffee experience.

The combination of rich coffee flavour and the jellied texture makes it a perfect dessert to enjoy on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or your favourite milk. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just looking for a fun and delicious treat, this recipe is a must-try for all coffee enthusiasts. So, grab your coffee mugs and get ready to savour the jiggly goodness of Japanese Coffee Jelly!

Related Recipes: Serve with Keto Milk / Peanut Milk

What You’ll love About this Recipe:

KID FRIENDLY – Even the little ones will adore these coffee jellies. Serve them with or without cream for a delightful treat.
HEALTHY – Made with high-quality gelatin, this dessert is a healthier option than traditional sugary treats. Making it with a keto sweetener makes this a low carb coffee jelly that everyone can enjoy!
INEXPENSIVE – With mostly pantry ingredients, these coffee jellies won’t break the bank.

Coffee Jelly Ingredients

Coffee – I use fresh brewed coffee. You can use any coffee you like. Whether it is instant coffee powder, freeze-dried coffee, or even mixed sachets, this recipe will work. It is mostly important to use coffee you like the flavour of.
Gelatin – Gelatin is not only a key ingredient in this recipe but also beneficial for your hair, skin, and nails. I recommend using Locako Gelatin for the best results. Its superior quality ensures a better set and doesn’t have the off-putting odour of standard gelatin. Agar Agar (Kanten powder) can be used instead of gelatin for a vegan coffee jelly option. (see notes in the coffee jelly cubes recipe card).
Sweetener – I use Natvia Brown sweetener. You can use almost any sweetener you prefer. Adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below to make this easy Japanese coffee jelly recipe.

How to Make Coffee Jelly

Step 1. Combine coffee, water, sweetener (if using), and gelatin in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2. Cook, stirring until the gelatin is dissolved.

Step 3. Pour into 4 cups or a silicone mould(s). Refrigerate until set (5-6 hours).

Step 4. Cut into cubes and place into a glass or serving bowl.

Japanese Coffee Jelly in two glasses and a hand pouring milk into one of them.

How to Serve Coffee Jelly

Once the coffee jellies are set, you can enjoy them as is or get creative with toppings. Some serving suggestions include whipped cream, double cream, mascarpone, milk (keto milk), or condensed milk. You can find more ideas in the blog post above.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with different flavours and add-ins. For instance, you can try incorporating various extracts like vanilla or almond for a twist on the classic coffee taste.

Add chai tea for dirty chai jelly. Swap coffee for hot chocolate, tea, fruit tea, or even a tablespoon or two sugar-free caramel syrup for a caramel jelly.

Add 1-2 tablespoons of collagen peptides for an extra nutritional boost. Serve with ice cream, custard, or on top of porridge for an amazingly tasty breakfast.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of freshly brewed coffee for Japanese coffee jelly?

Yes, you can use instant coffee as a substitute for freshly brewed coffee in this recipe. Simply dissolve the instant coffee in hot water according to the package instructions, and then proceed with the recipe as directed. Keep in mind that the strength of the coffee flavour may vary depending on the brand and type of instant coffee you use.

How long does Japanese coffee jelly need to set in the refrigerator?

Japanese coffee jelly typically needs to be set in the refrigerator for about 5 to 6 hours. The gelatin will solidify, giving the dessert its jiggly texture. It’s best to prepare the coffee jelly in advance, allowing enough time to chill and set properly before serving.

Can I customize the sweetness level of Japanese coffee jelly?

Absolutely! The sweetness level of Japanese coffee jelly can be adjusted according to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can add a sweetener of your choice, such as sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit. Alternatively, if you prefer a less sweet option, you can reduce or omit the sweetener altogether. Keep in mind that some sugar substitutes may react differently with gelatin, so it’s best to use a syrup-based sweetener for a smoother texture. Feel free to experiment and find the perfect sweetness level that suits your taste buds.

Next Recipes To Try

Here are just a few more delicious keto recipes to try soon.

RAVING NEW FAN? Subscribe to our newsletter for more low carb keto recipes. Join our keto community on Facebook, Instagram or see all the new stuff on Pinterest.

A man pouring milk into a glass of Japanese Coffee Jelly.

No Sugar Japanese Coffee Jelly

Japanese Coffee Jelly (コーヒーゼリー / Kōhīzerī) is a favourite dessert of this coffee-lover! This jiggly coffee dessert is so fun and quite delicious! Slice it, dice it, eat straight from the cup. Your jelly your way!

4.99 from 62 votes!

Prep Time: 2

Cook Time: 5

Refrigerate: 3

Total Time: 3 7

Course: Snack

Cuisine: Australian Keto

Diet: Diabetic

Recipe Category: Low Carb

Calories: 13kcal

Author: Megan Ellam

Servings: serves

Tap or hover over number to scale ingredients

Print Pin Save Rate

Equipment

Ingredients

▢ 2 cups (2 cups) freshly brewed hot coffee see notes
▢ 1/2 cup (½ cup) water
▢ 2 tablespoons (2 tablespoons) brown sweetener optional, see notes
▢ 2 tablespoons (2 tablespoons) powdered gelatin see notes

Instructions

CONVENTIONAL METHOD

Combine coffee, water, sweetener (if using), and gelatin in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring until the gelatin is dissolved. Pour into 4 cups or silicone mould(s). Refrigerate until set (5-6 hours).
Serve in the mould with whipped cream, double cream, mascarpone, milk or condensed milk. See the blog post above for serving suggestions.

THERMOMIX METHOD

Add coffee, water, and sweetener (if using) to mixer; heat 4 min/90°C/speed 2.
Add gelatin; mix 2 min/speed 2. Check that gelatin has dissolved. Extend time if needed.
Pour into 4 cups or silicone mould(s). Refrigerate until set (5-6 hours).
Serve in the mould with whipped cream, double cream, mascarpone, milk or condensed milk. See the blog post above for serving suggestions.

Video

Notes

All the tips you need to make coffee jelly!

INGREDIENTS

I use hot expresso coffee. If you have a pod machine, use 1 pod per cup measure. Alternatively, use enough instant coffee per cup measure.

Sweetener – I use Lakanto Brown sweetener. Xylitol or allulose is fine if you have it. You can reduce or eliminate the sweetener completely if preferred. I tend to go without as I find when you serve it with cream or condensed milk it is more than sweet enough.

Gelatin – If you’re looking for substitutes for gelatin in a coffee jelly, there are a few options to consider. (I also add a big scoop of Collagen Protein to add a bit of extra protein – this is purely optional). Gelatin is primarily used to set the jelly and create its jiggly texture. Here are some alternatives and how to use them:

1. Agar Agar: Agar agar is a plant-based gelatin substitute derived from seaweed. It sets at a lower temperature than gelatin and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. To use agar agar in place of gelatin, follow these steps:

For 1 tablespoon of gelatin, use 1 teaspoon of powdered agar agar.
In a saucepan, dissolve the agar agar in the liquid (coffee in this case) over medium heat, stirring continuously.
Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for a few minutes until the agar agar is fully dissolved.
Pour the coffee mixture into cups or molds and refrigerate until set.

CONSISTENCY

The coffee jellies are a softer set than a gummy recipe. They more like a jello that can easily be served as is or with some cream or milk. You can add more gelatin or collagen peptides to make the jelly firmer.

STORAGE

Fridge – for up to 5 days.

Freezer – yes, they can be frozen. When frozen it is best to use directly in a cup with some kind of milk. Use condensed milk, regular milk or keto milk .

Your Own Notes

Click here to add your own private recipe notes.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @meganellam or tag #madcreations!

26 responses to “Japanese Coffee Jelly”

Stephanie

August 30, 2023

This is such a clever, fun and delish recipe! I used the coffee jellies with our after dinner drinks – it was nice to surprise my guests with something different from my usual pot of coffee.

Amy Liu Dong

July 24, 2023

Coffee jelly is one of our favorite desserts in our home because it is so easy to make and has a delicious taste. I will try this recipe too. Thank you!

Enri Lemoine

July 24, 2023

This is the first time I heard about jelly coffee, but I’m making this asap. I’m so curious about the texture, and besides, it looks so pretty!

Jamie

July 23, 2023

Wow! This coffee jelly recipe looks incredibly delicious and super yummy! Definitely an instant favorite especially among our kids! A perfect treat for this Summer season too! Loved it!

Maddy

July 23, 2023

This was really simple to make and quite delicious. I added oat milk to the cup and it made a wonderful little after dinner treat.

Kristina

July 23, 2023

I loved this! It’s like an adult version of Jello. It’s so easy and tasted great with some vanilla ice cream on top.

Cathleen

July 21, 2023

I have always wanted to try making my own coffee jellies, and this recipe is the best one I have found! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂

Debra

July 20, 2023

What a big hit this was…I served it at a bridal shower and it was everyone’s first time trying…they all loved it!

Sharon

July 20, 2023

I hadn’t ever heard of coffee jelly before but thought it would be a fun treat, and it sure was! Will be making it again.

Nora

July 20, 2023

This coffee jelly sounds amazing! I can’t wait to give it a try! Thank you!

Mikayla

July 20, 2023

What a great recipe, I love coffee everything! We poured a bit of cinnamon flavored cream over it and enjoyed every bite.

Jacqueline Debono

July 20, 2023

I was so fascinated by this recipe for coffee jelly, I had to try it. Super good and unique. I want to try it in a cake! Do you think it would work?

Stephanie

July 19, 2023

I’ve never seen a recipe like this before so I had to try it. Yes, it was fun to make keto coffee jellies and the kids even helped me. These little goodies are excellent on their own – but I must confess I added some to our ‘adult’ drinks on the patio last night.

Padma

July 19, 2023

Love coffee! And this is such a unique and easy way to enjoy the flavor! Love it!

veenaazmanov

July 19, 2023

This is such a creative idea. I like your suggestion to how the coffee jelly can be served. Your presentation looks so refreshing. Mine turned out delicious too!

Wendy

January 3, 2021

How much instant coffee in place of Nespresso pods?

Marilyn Brack

October 27, 2019

In the picture where you are holding the jelly it looks like you have the jelly sitting on a very thin base of something. What is it? A wafer cracker maybe?

1. Megan Mad Creations Hub
  
  October 27, 2019
  
  Hi Marilyn, it is actually the fat from the butter. It looks kind of weird but tastes great with the jellies
  
Mary Janke

July 9, 2019

You had to mention turkish delight in the write up. Yummo. So I think I could do it with rose water. Any ideas? Love it !

JC

April 7, 2019

silly question, but are you using unsalted or salted butter in yours?

1. Megan
  
  April 8, 2019
  
  I just use salted butter. You get a bit of a fat crust but it is nice on the jellies. Ironically not weird at all
  
Anonymous

January 31, 2019

Hi Megan, can I ask why the nutritional value has Fat 0% when it has coconut oil and butter in it? Ty

1. Megan
  
  February 2, 2019
  
  Due to serving portions. the nutrition calculator does not show measure of less than 1g per portion. Basically like 40g fat / 60 serves so less than 1g per serve.