Looking for a fun and tasty twist on your regular coffee routine? Try my homemade coffee jelly with milk recipe!
Popular in Japan and Taiwan, this unique coffee drink combines milk with the rich flavors of coffee and the delightful texture of jelly, creating a refreshing treat that’s perfect for both coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts.
With just three simple ingredients, you can easily make this coffee jelly drink at home in a few straightforward steps – so let me show you how.
Why You’ll Love My Coffee Jelly Recipe
Coffee jelly has been around for centuries, but it is in Asia – predominately Japan and Taiwan – where it has been incorporated into coffee drinks, and Japanese coffee jelly continues to be a popular drink on menus to the present day.
Popularized by Starbucks Japan in 2016, coffee jelly is often added to milk tea, iced coffees, and Frappuccinos in Japan, or enjoyed as a simple dessert topped with whipped cream or sweetened condensed milk.
My version is a simple coffee jelly recipe that is a little healthier too, as it contains no added sugar, condensed milk, or cream. Why not give it a try and discover a whole new way to enjoy your coffee!
If you love Asian coffee drinks, try my Vietnamese iced coffee, and this fun Dalgona Boba coffee.
Coffee Jelly Ingredients
You’ll need just 3 ingredients to make Japanese coffee jelly – and it couldn’t be easier to prepare. You will need:
- Strong coffee: I like to use cold brew coffee, but you can use other types.
- Gelatin: The firming agent used to create the jelly.
- Milk: I use whole milk, but use your preferred dairy or plant based milk for this recipe. You can even use half and half or evaporated milk for a sweeter, creamier coffee jelly drink recipe!
Type Of Coffee
I like to use cold brew coffee in this recipe for coffee jelly simply because I usually have it on hand and it is already at room temperature.
But you can also use brewed coffee that has been brought to room temperature. Drip coffee, French press, moka or espresso work well. You just need to brew 2 cups of coffee.
You can even use instant coffee – simply mix two cups of hot water with 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules for a strong instant coffee brew. And yes, you can also use decaf coffee if you prefer.
See my step by step recipe for easy cold brew coffee here.
Gelatin
Powdered gelatin comes in individual packets, or in a larger container.
If you’re using packets, this recipe needs 2 envelopes / packages of gelatin. Alternatively, use 2 tablespoons of gelatin powder.
To make the recipe vegetarian, simply use agar-agar powder instead of gelatin.
How To Make Coffee Jelly
Here’s a quick overview of how to make coffee jelly with milk. For the full recipe and ingredient list, scroll down to the printable recipe card.
Note: You can prepare the jelly in an ice cube tray, on a parchment lined baking tray or in a bowl. The shape doesn’t really matter as you will cut it up once firm.
Step 1: Prepare the coffee. If cold brewing from scratch, you will need 12-18 hours to immerse and brew. Otherwise prepare 2 cups of coffee in your preferred coffee maker and leave to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the coffee gelatin mix. In a small saucepan combine your room temperature coffee and gelatine over a medium heat. Whisk the mixture as you gradually heat it to hot. Do not boil.
Tip: If you want to make a sweet jelly, add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the mixture now.
Once hot and the gelatin (and sugar, if using) has fully dissolved, pour the coffee jelly mix into your ice cube tray or a parchment paper lined tray.
Leave to cool for a few minutes before placing in the refrigerator to set overnight.
The texture of the jelly when set should be firm but slightly softer than traditional Jell-o.
Step 3: Prepare your coffee jelly drink. When you are ready to serve, remove the gelatin coffee from the fridge. Cut the jelly into small cubes and add 1/4 cup of jelly to the base of your glass.
Reserve the remaining jelly for next time (or another dessert or drink!). Top the jelly with cold milk and serve with a spoon and a straw.
Coffee Jelly Recipe Tips For Success
- A good quality, strong brewed coffee will give you the best flavored coffee jelly.
- Don’t boil the jelly mixture – you want it hot enough to dissolve the gelatin, but not boiling.
- If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the coffee jelly mixture, or add liquid sweetener (like coffee syrup or simple syrup) to your milk.
How To Store Coffee Jello
Store left over jelly in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Unfortunately it cannot be frozen.
Coffee Jelly With Milk Recipe Variations
There are so many different ways you can modify this coffee jello recipe! Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
- Flavored coffee jelly with milk – top the drink with whipped cream and your favorite syrup. Caramel, butterscotch or chocolate syrup all pair well with the jelly.
- Creamy sweet coffee jelly recipe – combine cooled brewed coffee with sweetened condensed milk and pour over the jelly for a simple, sweet coffee dessert.
- Iced coffee jelly – add ice and cooled black coffee to your coffee jelly cubes. Top with a dash of creamer or milk.
- Easy coffee dessert idea – pour the coffee jelly mix into 4 single serve dessert glasses, refrigerate until firm and top with whipped cream.
- Coffee jelly frappuccino – top your coffee jelly with milk, coffee syrup, whipped cream and your favourite flavored syrup for a homemade coffee jelly frappuccino.
- Taiwanese milk tea – pour strong cooled tea combined with cream over the coffee jelly.
More Coffee Recipes You’ll Love
Find more cold brew recipes here or browse all our coffee recipes.
Loved this recipe? Leave a review, and join me on Facebook and Pinterest for more tasty coffee recipe ideas.
Homemade Coffee Jelly Drink
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold brew coffee note 1
- 2 tablespoons plain gelatin
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Add the cold brew coffee and gelatin to a small saucepan and heat until hot. Whisk as you heat to ensure there are no clumps. If you want to sweeten the jelly, add sugar now and mix until dissolved.
- Pour the coffee mixture into a small tray lined with parchment paper or into a silicone ice cube mold, cool for a few minutes then place in the fridge overnight or until firm.
- When you are ready to serve, remove the coffee jellies from the ice cube tray. If using a tray, tip out onto a chopping board and cut the jelly into small cubes.
- Place about ¼ cup of the jello cubes into a glass. Store the remainder in the fridge until needed.
- Fill the glass with milk and serve with a spoon and straw.
Notes
- Ensure the coffee is at room temperature. You can also use brewed coffee or instant coffee instead of cold brew coffee.
- The jelly will not dissolve in cold milk, but it will gradually release some of the coffee flavor into the milk.
- For an extra sweet coffee jelly drink, top with whipped cream and your favourite syrup. Caramel, butterscotch and chocolate syrups are popular choices.
- To serve the coffee jelly as a simple coffee dessert, place jelly cubes in a small dessert glass and top with whipped cream.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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