Have you ever tried Japanese Coffee Jelly? This is just one of the many intriguing and unique desserts one can find in Japan. Usually served cubed with dairy, I prepared mine in cups for a more elegant presentation. Skip the whipped cream for a vegan option.
When my host offers a cup of coffee at the end of the meal I am usually responsible enough to decline as I am afraid it will impede my sleep. But if my host were to place a portion of this Japanese Coffee Jelly in front of me, well who cares if I do not sleep a wink that night. I would not want to appear rude and since it is an exotic treat I would have to eat it in the name of research 😉
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In Japan, coffee jelly can be found on most menus. It is particularly popular on a hot summer day. You can even get it prepackaged at the grocery store like a pudding cup or buy an instant mix, but I am not sure why as it is so easy to make. And it may not be as Japanese as one thinks either as it was apparently popular a long time ago in British and American cuisine. But nowadays it will definitely be spotted in every trendy Tokyo eatery.
My version is the simplest way to serve the coffee jelly. But did you know in Japan the jelly is cut into cubes and served in a glass with a nice shot of cold milk, or sometimes topped with a scoop of ice cream or added to a cold milkshake? That is one unusual way to add milk to your coffee!
Japanese Coffee Jelly Recipe
I got this recipe from the wonderful Nami from Just One Cookbook. Now the usual way to make this coffee is with water to which one adds instant coffee. I hate instant coffee. I could have brewed a pot of coffee but I felt the extra oomph of an espresso would be in order. Instead, I pulled a few lungo shots out of my Nespresso machine with my Gourmesso coffee capsules. The coffee flavor was spot on with what I was hoping to achieve.
We just don’t have enough fun with simple gelatin or agar-agar recipes. They can make stunning desserts, like these colorful panna cotta verrines I made some time back, and they are usually a lot healthier and lower in calories.
Did you know gelatin is not vegan? I was shocked the first time I heard that too but gelatin is made from animal bones. It makes sense. Remember the last time you made chicken stop from scratch? Once cooled you get that wonderful jelly. That comes from the collagen found in bones. But vegans fear not. Agar-agar is totally vegan and does the same job, use it quantity for quantity.
Just barely sweetened and with a bold but not too intense coffee flavor, I truly enjoyed every spoonful of my Japanese coffee jelly. Thank you to Gourmesso for giving me the opportunity to test out their coffee on one of my recipes.
I had fun using all kinds of cups and glasses for presentation. Which one is your favorite?
On a hot summer day, if you could pick between an iced coffee or a Japanese coffee jelly, which would you pick?
Japanese Coffee Jelly
Ingredients
- 600 ml strong coffee
- 1 1/2 teaspoon agar agar vegan or gelatin
- 5 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Add the coffee and agar agar to a small saucepan and whisk together well.
- Bring the mixture boil and lower heat to simmer. Stir in the sugar and cook stirring occasionally for 2 minutes.
- Remove from the stove and leave it rest for 5 minutes.
- Pour into 4 serving cups or glasses and refrigerate for 4 hours.
- Garnish with whip cream and t with a whole coffee bean.
- Check out more Japanese recipes here:
Looking for more fun and unusual coffees?
How long would it last on fridge?
How did I miss this post? LOVE coffee (drinking some right now, actually) and anything made with it. This looks like such a neat recipe. No instant around here! Although I must admit we do keep some espresso powder in the freezer for baking purposes. Good stuff — thanks.
Glad you did find it John and enjoying a late myself now 🙂 I will forgive you for the espresso powder excuse lol. Hope you try this unique dessert!
This jelly has come out such a great colour, love how intense it is! It sounds like a great dessert.
Thanks Caroline, the stronger the coffee the more color 🙂
I like this as I am a black coffee lover but the first time I tried it I was quite surprised, I did not expected it to be as black as it should
Oh you will be thrilled here, it’s all black coffee lol.
No I have never had this, but it won’t be long before I can say I have. What a great way to have your coffee!
It is a definitely a unique way to enjoy a cup o joe lol.
I remember one of the first times I used this package of seaweed and it had agar agar in it… I mixed it with broccoli and cabbage and OMG – I was grossed out at first but then I ate some and was like, I LIKE IT… But then I GOT SUPER FULL! It’s so friggin’ filling, which is insane because I AM NEVER full! haha!
Seaweed with agar agar, that sounds weird even for me lol. What does feeling full mean? (except over the holidays)
Oh Yumm! This sounds delicious! I love coffee and I love jelly too! 🙂
It is a pretty perfect combo Su 😀
Wow Evelyne! You always come up with the most extraordinary, adventures recipes! Beautiful presentation. I have no idea, how they taste! Trying to imagine it, but I think it is something you have to try out before knowing! I am sure I might be able to find them at certain London restaurants – otherwise I will send my boyfriend to the kitchen. He is a much better chef than me! 😀
X Louise
Thank you Lousie I love to surprise with unusual recipes. Well, it tastes like coffee jello 🙂 but not as jiggly lol. It is so easy to make as well. Let me know if you do see it on a menu xo
I bet you could add milk or non-dairy milk to make it like a latte version.
Yes you could, as long as you keep the same amount of liquid in the recipe 🙂
How have I never heard of this?!?!?!?!?!? Like, no, I need this NOW!
Indeed you of all people should know of this 😉 I used like 5 drops of stevia instead of sugar too.
What an interesting way to enjoy coffee! I would definitely risk not being able to sleep to try this, too. The things we do in the name of “research,” right?
Research is very important Erin 😉 But I did have one the other night and I was OK to sleep. More research!
That looks amazing! I have never heard of it, but hey, I love coffee icecream!
Well then you would love it, and it is very easy to make even for non-cooks 😉
Yes, I have and always loved it. Thanks for showing me how to do it!
It is so easy Carol, hope you enjoy 🙂
Makes me think I would top mine with vanilla gelato for a chilly affogato! Cool post !
Oh I like that idea Debra 😀
I’ve heard about it before but never actually made it. An adult dessert at its best :).
Yes definitely no for kids unless you really want them to stay up all night lol.
These are so elegant and stunning! I’ve heard of them but never got to taste them. I’m really tempted to make your recipe.
Be tempted, you will not regret it 🙂 Elegant and grown up. or you could switch the liquid for any other really.
I’ve never heard of Japanese Coffee Jelly but being a coffee lover – can’t wait to try it! I think I’d rather try a coffee jelly than an iced coffee!
Oh then you would love this recipe and it is a breeze to make. I think I would opt for the ice coffee AND the jelly but may regret it after.
This sounds delicious, I’ve never tried any type of Japanese coffee before! Beautiful photos and presentation 🙂
Thank you Carmen. It is so easy to make and tasty, hope you try it 🙂
Was here earlier, but couldn’t comment because I was to required to entire some kind of password. The coffee jelly sounds and looks fabulous! Love the colour contrast of dark coffee and whipped cream. I mean i was required to ENTER password.
That was my fault, did not realize it would still be in the feed. But all is back to order now 🙂 It is such an easy dessert and yes the contrast is so pretty 🙂
Although I’m not a coffee gal the presentation us really lovely!
Thanks Cindy and you could easily substitute any other liquid 🙂