This refreshing Coffee Jelly recipe is a beloved dessert in the Philippines that brings together the bold flavor of coffee and the creamy sweetness of condensed and evaporated milk. It’s a delightful way to cool down while still getting your caffeine fix in a fun, jiggly form. Typically served chilled, this dessert is a popular choice during gatherings and festive occasions. With its simple preparation and rich flavor profile, coffee jelly is a treat that coffee lovers won’t want to miss.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon instant coffee (or strong brewed coffee)

• 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 pack unflavored gelatin powder (7g or according to package instructions)

• 2 cups water

• 1 can condensed milk (approximately 300ml)

• 1 can evaporated milk (approximately 370ml)

• Optional: whipped cream or ice cubes for serving

Directions

• In a saucepan, dissolve the gelatin powder in 2 cups of water.

• Add instant coffee and sugar to the mixture and stir well.

• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly.

• Once it starts boiling, remove it from the heat and pour into a shallow container.

• Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate until firm (about 1-2 hours).

• Once set, cut the coffee jelly into small cubes.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed milk and evaporated milk.

• Add the coffee jelly cubes to the milk mixture and stir gently to combine.

• Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Serve cold with optional ice cubes or a dollop of whipped cream.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~180-220 per serving

• Protein: ~4g

• Carbohydrates: ~30g

• Fat: ~4g

• Sugar: ~25g

• Calcium: ~15% DV

• Caffeine: moderate (depends on coffee used)

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Coffee Jelly is a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of Filipino creativity in the kitchen. It’s both visually appealing and satisfyingly flavorful, offering a jiggly, coffee-infused treat that’s unlike most traditional sweets. What makes it stand out is the fusion of bold and mellow elements—robust coffee is mellowed by the creaminess of evaporated and condensed milk, resulting in a balance of bitterness and sweetness that caters to both dessert lovers and caffeine enthusiasts. The dessert also has a nostalgic quality for many Filipinos, as it’s often served at family gatherings, birthdays, and potlucks. Its presentation in translucent jelly cubes adds a playful and elegant touch that sets it apart from other creamy desserts. What’s more, the recipe is easily adaptable to personal preferences, making it a standout for both beginners and experienced cooks. Whether served in glass parfaits, mason jars, or simply scooped into bowls, Coffee Jelly always manages to make an impression. Its cultural roots, visual charm, and unique taste create a dessert that’s both meaningful and irresistible.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

The components of this coffee jelly recipe are not only easy to find but also offer a variety of culinary and nutritional benefits. Coffee, the star ingredient, contains natural antioxidants and provides a small caffeine boost, making it a more energizing dessert choice compared to standard sweets. In moderation, coffee is linked to improved mental alertness and can even support heart health. Gelatin, which forms the jelly base, is a good source of collagen, which supports joint, skin, and bone health. It also aids in digestion by promoting healthy gastric juices and enzymes.

Evaporated milk adds a rich and velvety texture while providing calcium, vitamin D, and essential fats that support bone strength. Condensed milk delivers sweetness without the need for additional sugar and contributes to the dessert’s luscious mouthfeel. It also contains modest levels of protein and calories, offering an energy boost that makes it suitable as a light afternoon indulgence. Water, though often overlooked, plays a crucial role in dissolving the gelatin and balancing the strength of the coffee, ensuring a smooth consistency. Optional toppings like whipped cream enhance the presentation and add luxuriousness without compromising the simplicity of the dessert.

Together, these ingredients form a harmonious blend of flavor, texture, and nutrition, making this recipe both enjoyable and beneficial when consumed in moderation. While it’s definitely a treat, it doesn’t come loaded with the heaviness or guilt of many store-bought desserts, giving it a wholesome edge.

Cooking Tips

To get the most out of your coffee jelly experience, there are several tips and tricks you can follow. First, if you’re a fan of stronger coffee flavors, consider replacing instant coffee with brewed espresso or dark roast drip coffee. Just make sure to reduce the water slightly if using brewed coffee to prevent the jelly from being too runny. On the flip side, if you prefer a milder flavor, use less coffee or add a splash of vanilla extract to mellow out the bitterness.

Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved in the water before bringing the mixture to a boil—undissolved gelatin can result in uneven texture or clumps in your final product. After boiling, pouring the hot mixture into a shallow dish helps it cool and set more quickly. For clean and neat jelly cubes, allow the mixture to cool completely in the refrigerator for at least two hours, and use a sharp knife to cut them. If you want a firmer texture, increase the gelatin slightly; if you want a softer texture, reduce it a bit.

For the milk mixture, whisking the condensed and evaporated milk together before adding the jelly helps blend the flavors smoothly. You can also infuse this mixture with flavor variations like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of flavored liqueur for adult versions. Serve the dessert well-chilled for maximum refreshment—this enhances the textural contrast between the cool cream and the bouncy jelly cubes.

Serving Suggestions

Coffee Jelly is incredibly versatile in terms of presentation. For casual servings, simply spoon the jelly and milk mixture into a dessert bowl or cup, optionally garnished with whipped cream or ice. For a more elevated experience, layer the jelly cubes and milk mixture in tall glasses, parfait-style, and top with a dusting of cocoa or grated chocolate. This makes the dessert not only taste indulgent but look stunning as well.

If you’re serving at an event or buffet, consider portioning it into mini dessert cups or shot glasses for a mess-free experience. This also adds a chic touch to your food spread. You can also serve it alongside pastries or buttery cookies to complement the dessert with a bit of crunch. For a twist on the classic, freeze the jelly cubes and serve them slightly thawed for a cooler texture—almost like a hybrid between jelly and ice cream.

Coffee Jelly also pairs beautifully with breakfast or brunch spreads when served in small portions. It provides a subtle caffeine kick that makes it suitable as a brunch dessert. For those who love experimenting, you can blend some of the jelly cubes into milkshakes or frappes for a fun twist on iced coffee. No matter how you serve it, Coffee Jelly adds a delightful surprise to any meal and fits a variety of settings, from relaxed home dinners to sophisticated parties.

Conclusion

Coffee Jelly is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a sensory experience that blends flavor, texture, and nostalgia into one bowl. This easy-to-make dessert is loved for its visual appeal, its perfect balance of bold and creamy notes, and its cooling, refreshing qualities. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, serve something memorable at a family gathering, or simply satisfy your craving for something sweet and unique, Coffee Jelly is a reliable choice. Its minimal ingredients and flexible preparation make it suitable for cooks of all skill levels, while its stunning presentation and versatile flavors ensure it remains a favorite across all age groups.

From its collagen-rich gelatin to its antioxidant-packed coffee, this dessert even brings small health perks when enjoyed responsibly. Plus, its ability to adapt to different flavor profiles, toppings, and settings makes it a recipe you’ll come back to time and again. With the growing popularity of coffee-based desserts, Coffee Jelly offers a cultural and culinary gem worth savoring. Bring this treat into your kitchen, and you’ll soon understand why it’s a cherished classic in Filipino households.