Coffee Jelly Drink Recipe

This Coffee Jelly Drink recipe gives you a cool, creamy caffeine fix with bouncy coffee jelly, high protein milk, and a splash of vanilla, all in about 5 minutes plus chilling time! Meanwhile, you can sweeten it sugar free, add ice, and sip it easily with a wide straw.

Coffee Jelly Drink Recipe

If you want a café style treat at home, this Coffee Jelly Drink recipe hits the spot. First, you set strong coffee into a jiggly layer, then you pour sweet vanilla milk on top. Next, you crack the jelly into little shards so every sip feels like iced coffee meets dessert.

It takes about 5 minutes of cooking time. However, you do need about 3 hours total because the jelly has to chill and set. In the end, you get one tall serving with roughly 14 grams of protein and that classic Japanese coffee jelly vibe.

Also, if you love playful coffee drinks, you might like this creamy whipped honey coffee recipe on AllSorts later for another sweet coffee moment.

What Is a Coffee Jelly Drink?

A coffee jelly drink mixes set coffee jelly with cold milk, so you sip and spoon it at the same time. First you chill sweetened coffee until it turns bouncy, then you pour vanilla milk over it. Next you break the jelly into little pieces, and suddenly the drink feels creamy, cool, and lightly chewy.

In Japan, coffee jelly often shows up as a simple café treat. However, this version leans more drinkable because you scatter the jelly through the milk instead of serving it as one firm block. As a result, every sip tastes like iced coffee, but you still get that fun jelly bite.

Coffee Jelly Drink vs Coffee Jelly Dessert

Coffee jelly dessert usually sits on a plate or in a cup as a neat layer, then you top it with cream or syrup. In contrast, a coffee jelly drink turns that same jelly into mix ins, so it becomes more like a textured iced latte. Also, the milk matters more here because it balances the bold coffee and carries the jelly pieces.

Does Coffee Jelly Have Caffeine?

Yes, coffee jelly has caffeine because it comes from brewed coffee. However, the amount depends on how strong you brew it and how much jelly you actually eat in the glass. If you want the flavor without the buzz, then use decaf coffee and you still get the same jiggle and creamy finish.

Why You’ll Love This Coffee Jelly Drink

You get the best of both worlds with this Coffee Jelly Drink recipe. First, you sip creamy vanilla milk like an iced latte. Then, you catch little coffee jelly bites that taste bold, slightly sweet, and super refreshing.

Also, the texture makes it feel special without extra effort. Meanwhile, the ingredients stay simple and easy to find. As a result, it feels like a coffee shop order, but you make it right in your own kitchen.

Fast, Fun, and Café-Style at Home

This drink feels fancy, yet the steps stay beginner friendly. First you brew strong coffee, then you set it into jelly, and next you pour milk on top. Finally, you break it up and watch it swirl like marbled iced coffee.

Even better, you can prep the jelly ahead and build the drink in minutes. So, it works for busy mornings, afternoon slumps, or a cute after dinner treat. Meanwhile, a wide straw turns it into pure fun.

Easy to Customize for Your Diet

You can sweeten the coffee jelly with monk fruit, Splenda, or sugar, so you control the vibe. Also, you can use dairy milk or a high protein non dairy option, depending on what you keep in the fridge. Then, you can add more vanilla or keep it light for a cleaner coffee taste.

If you like little kitchen hacks, you can also borrow ideas from this gelatin setting trick guide for a smoother dissolve and a nicer set. As a result, you get a consistent coffee jelly layer every time.

Ingredients You Need for a Coffee Jelly Drink

You only need a few basics for this Coffee Jelly Drink recipe. First, you make a strong coffee base and set it into jelly. Then, you mix a sweet vanilla milk to pour over the top. Finally, you add ice or extras if you feel like playing barista at home.

Ingredients for the Coffee Jelly Layer

Start with strong brewed coffee, since the flavor has to punch through the milk. Then, add an optional sweetener while the coffee stays hot, because it dissolves faster. Next, choose one setting agent, either unflavored gelatin or agar agar powder.

You will use about 1 cup hot strong coffee. Also, you will use about 1 packet of gelatin, or a small amount of agar agar based on the brand. Meanwhile, keep a little cold water on hand, since gelatin needs it to bloom, and agar often needs it to disperse before heating.

Ingredients for the Creamy Milk Layer

Pick 1 cup cold high protein milk, dairy or non dairy both work. Then add sweetener to taste, because the milk should taste lightly like vanilla ice cream. Next, stir in a splash of vanilla extract for that cozy café finish.

If you want extra foam, then shake the milk in a jar for 10 seconds. Also, if you already make flavored coffee add ins, this pairs nicely with the technique from how to make whipped honey at home later on, since both rely on quick mixing and good timing.

Optional Add-Ins for Serving

Ice makes it extra cold and extra refreshing, so add a handful if you like a true iced drink. Also, a wide straw helps a lot, because it pulls up the jelly pieces without clogging. If you skip the straw, then keep a spoon nearby and treat it like a drinkable dessert.

You can also add a tiny pinch of salt to the milk for a rounder flavor. Meanwhile, if you want a more “coffee forward” sip, then replace a small splash of milk with cold brew at the end.

Gelatin vs Agar-Agar for Coffee Jelly

Both gelatin and agar agar work great in this Coffee Jelly Drink recipe, but they behave differently. So, your best pick depends on the texture you want and what you keep in your pantry. Meanwhile, the method changes a bit, because agar needs heat to activate and gelatin does not.

Which Setting Agent Works Best for Drinks?

Gelatin usually wins for drinks because it sets soft and bouncy. Then, when you crack it with a spoon, it breaks into smooth little cubes that slide right up a wide straw. Also, gelatin melts slightly as it sits in milk, so the drink turns even silkier over time.

Agar agar works well if you want a clean cut jelly that holds its shape longer. However, it can set firm fast, so you need to measure carefully and whisk well. As a result, you get sharper pieces that feel more like tiny coffee gems in the glass.

Texture Differences Between Gelatin and Agar-Agar

Gelatin gives you a tender, jiggly set, kind of like soft panna cotta. Then, it shatters into bouncy bits that feel easy to chew. Meanwhile, it stays pleasantly springy in the fridge, especially within the first 48 hours.

Agar agar sets firmer and more brittle. Next, when you stir it, it can break into flakes and shards instead of bouncy cubes. Also, it does not melt the same way gelatin does, so the texture stays more “jelly like” as you drink.

How to Adjust Agar-Agar if the Jelly Sets Too Firm

If your agar jelly feels too firm, then reduce the agar slightly next time. Also, simmer it only long enough to dissolve, because overcooking can tighten the set. Meanwhile, whisk it into the coffee smoothly so you do not get little grainy bits.

If it already set too firm, then break it up smaller and add more milk for balance. Next, let the drink sit for a minute so the edges soften in the cold liquid. As a result, it becomes easier to sip, even if the jelly started out extra sturdy.

How to Make Coffee Jelly Step by Step

This Coffee Jelly Drink recipe starts with bold coffee and a clean set. First, you brew strong coffee, then you dissolve your setting agent, and next you chill it until it turns into jelly. After that, you are basically one pour away from the fun part.

Brew Strong Coffee and Sweeten While Hot

Brew 1 cup of strong coffee, because the milk will soften the flavor later. Then, while it is still hot, stir in your jelly sweetener to taste. Also, taste it now, since it should feel slightly sweeter than you normally drink it.

Meanwhile, set out your glass or small container, because you will pour the mixture in right after it dissolves. Next, decide if you will use gelatin or agar agar, since the next step changes.

How to Make Coffee Jelly with Gelatin

First, sprinkle about 1 packet of unflavored gelatin over a few tablespoons of cold water, then let it sit for about 5 minutes. Next, stir that bloomed gelatin into the hot sweetened coffee until it fully dissolves.

Also, keep stirring until you see no granules, because leftover bits can cause a weird texture. Then, pour the coffee mixture into your serving glass and let it cool for a few minutes on the counter. Finally, move it to the fridge to set.

How to Make Coffee Jelly with Agar-Agar

First, mix your agar agar powder with a small splash of water, then whisk it smooth. Next, whisk it into your sweetened coffee, then bring it to a gentle simmer for a short minute so it activates.

Also, keep whisking as it heats, because agar can clump if you rush. Then, pour it into your serving glass right away, since it starts setting quickly. Finally, cool it briefly, then refrigerate.

Pour into Glasses and Chill Until Set

Pour the coffee mixture into one wide glass for a tall drink, or split it into two smaller cups if you prefer. Then, refrigerate until fully set, which usually takes a couple of hours. Meanwhile, you can prep your milk layer and chill it too, so the final drink stays extra cold.

Once the jelly feels firm and jiggles when you tap the glass, you are ready for assembly. Next, grab a spoon, because breaking the jelly is where the magic happens.

How to Assemble the Coffee Jelly Drink

Now you turn that set coffee layer into a real Coffee Jelly Drink recipe moment. First you mix a sweet vanilla milk, then you pour it over the jelly, and next you crack the jelly into little pieces so it floats and swirls.

Make the Sweet Vanilla Milk

Pour 1 cup cold high protein milk into a glass or shaker jar. Then add sweetener to taste and a small splash of vanilla extract. Next, stir well or shake for 10 seconds until everything dissolves.

Also, taste it now and adjust, because the milk should taste lightly sweet on its own. Meanwhile, keep it cold so the jelly stays firm when you assemble.

Pour Milk Over the Set Coffee Jelly

Take the coffee jelly from the fridge and check the set with a gentle tap. Then pour the sweet vanilla milk right over the top. Next, pause for a second, because the layers look pretty and you earned the view.

If you want a stronger coffee hit, then hold back a few tablespoons of milk and replace that amount with cold brew. Also, keep the liquid cold, since warmth softens the jelly faster.

Break the Jelly into Pieces and Add Ice

Use a spoon to cut straight down through the jelly, then stir gently to break it into small pieces. Next, keep going until the jelly spreads throughout the milk, so every sip gets a mix of coffee and cream.

Then add ice if you want it extra cold. Finally, serve with a wide straw or a spoon, and sip right away while the texture stays perfect.

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Tips for the Best Coffee Jelly Drink

Small tweaks make this Coffee Jelly Drink recipe taste sharper, creamier, and way more fun to sip. First, balance the sweetness between the jelly and milk. Then, focus on jelly size, because it changes the whole drink. Next, choose a bold coffee so the flavor stays strong after you add milk.

How Sweet to Make the Jelly vs the Milk

Sweeten the hot coffee a little more than you think you need, because the milk will mellow it out. However, keep the milk slightly sweeter than the jelly, since it acts like the “cream” in an iced latte. As a result, every sip tastes balanced instead of flat.

If you use sugar free sweetener, then start small and add more after tasting. Also, vanilla can boost perceived sweetness, so add it before you keep pouring in sweetener.

How to Get Smaller Jelly Pieces

Cut straight down with a spoon first, then stir in short circles to break the coffee jelly into tiny pieces. Next, keep stirring gently for 10 to 15 seconds, because overmixing can turn it slushy. Meanwhile, a wider glass gives you more room to chop and swirl.

If you want extra small pieces, then chill the jelly until it feels fully firm, not just set. Also, use gelatin if you can, because it breaks into bouncy cubes more easily.

Best Coffee Options for Bold Flavor

Use strong brewed coffee, espresso, or a dark roast, since milk softens everything. Then, if you love a punchier sip, replace a small splash of milk with cold brew right before serving. Also, add a tiny pinch of salt to the coffee, because it can make the flavor feel deeper.

If you like coffee drinks with a functional twist, you might also enjoy this creamy coffee loophole drink for weight loss for another high impact coffee routine. Meanwhile, keep your coffee fresh, because stale brews taste dull once they set into jelly.

Coffee Jelly Drink Variations

This Coffee Jelly Drink recipe plays well with whatever you have in the fridge. So, you can go richer, lighter, sugar free, or extra high protein. Meanwhile, keep the coffee jelly method the same, then switch the creamy layer and add ins.

Coffee Jelly Drink Recipe with Condensed Milk

Swap your milk sweetener for 1 to 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, then stir it into cold milk until smooth. Next, pour it over the set coffee jelly and break the jelly into pieces. As a result, you get a thick, caramel like sweetness that tastes very café style.

Also, start small, because condensed milk sweetens fast. Then add more if you want it dessert level.

Coffee Jelly Recipe with Evaporated Milk

Use evaporated milk for a toasted, slightly nutty flavor. First, mix evaporated milk with a splash of water or regular milk, since it can taste intense on its own. Then sweeten to taste and add vanilla.

Next, pour it over the coffee jelly and stir to crack the jelly. Meanwhile, this version feels old fashioned in the best way.

Creamy Coffee Jelly Drink

For the creamiest sip, mix half milk and half protein shake, then add vanilla. Next, pour it over the jelly and stir gently. Also, a pinch of salt makes the creamy notes pop.

If you want it extra plush, then add 1 tablespoon heavy cream to the milk. However, keep the coffee strong, so it still tastes like coffee first.

Sugar-Free Coffee Jelly Drink

Use monk fruit or Splenda in the hot coffee, then use the same sweetener in the milk. Next, taste both layers before you chill the jelly, because sugar free sweeteners vary a lot. As a result, you control the sweetness without changing the texture.

Also, gelatin works especially well here, since it gives a softer bite even without sugar.

Coffee Jelly Recipe with a Twist

Add 1 teaspoon cocoa powder or a little chocolate syrup to the milk for a mocha vibe. Then, sprinkle a tiny bit of instant espresso into the coffee before setting for extra depth. Next, finish with a dusting of cinnamon on top if you like cozy flavors.

Meanwhile, if you enjoy fun coffee add ins, a spoonful of honey foam can taste amazing on top after you assemble. You can learn the method from this guide on making whipped honey coffee at home, then spoon a little on for a sweet cloud finish.

High-Protein Coffee Jelly Drink

Use high protein milk, then sweeten lightly and add vanilla. Next, for an even bigger boost, replace the milk with a ready to drink protein shake. Also, keep the shake cold, because warmer shakes soften the jelly faster.

If the shake tastes very sweet, then skip sweetener in the milk layer entirely. As a result, the drink stays balanced.

Milk Tea Style Coffee Jelly Drink

Brew strong black tea, then chill it, and use it in place of some or all of the milk. Next, sweeten the tea layer and add vanilla or a tiny splash of brown sugar syrup if you want that classic milk tea taste.

Then pour it over the coffee jelly and break the jelly up. Meanwhile, the coffee jelly adds a deep roast note that makes the tea taste richer.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Coffee Jelly Drink recipe gets even easier when you treat the jelly like meal prep. First, you set the coffee jelly once. Then, you build the drink in minutes whenever the craving hits. As a result, you get a fresh café style sip without daily effort.

How Long Coffee Jelly Lasts in the Fridge

Store set coffee jelly covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. However, the best texture shows up in the first 48 hours, because the jelly stays bouncy and breaks cleanly. Meanwhile, keep it away from strong smelling foods, since jelly can pick up fridge odors.

If you already broke the jelly into pieces, then cover it tightly and keep it cold. Next, add milk only when you plan to drink it, because the jelly softens faster once it sits in liquid.

Make-Ahead Instructions for Faster Assembly

Make the coffee jelly at night, then chill it until morning. Next, mix your sweet vanilla milk and store it in a jar so it stays cold. Then, when you want the drink, you just pour, stir, and sip.

Also, you can set the jelly directly in the serving glass, so you skip extra dishes. If you want the cleanest set, then use the same smooth dissolve approach from this simple gelatin trick for better texture before you chill it.

Best Serving Tips for Texture

Serve this drink cold, because warmth makes the jelly soften and blur into the milk. Then, use a spoon to break the jelly into small pieces right before you drink. Also, add ice at the end, so it cools the drink without watering down the coffee jelly layer too quickly.

If you want the jelly pieces to stay distinct longer, then use slightly less stirring. Meanwhile, if you want a more “shake like” feel, stir a bit more so the milk turns lightly coffee tinted.

Troubleshooting Coffee Jelly

Coffee jelly can feel a little fussy at first. However, the fixes stay simple once you know what to look for. So, if your Coffee Jelly Drink recipe turns out runny, too firm, or not coffee forward enough, use these quick tweaks and try again.

Why Didn’t My Coffee Jelly Set?

First, check your measuring, because too little gelatin or agar will stay loose. Then, make sure you fully dissolved the setting agent, since leftover granules never set properly. Also, let it chill long enough, because it often needs a full 2 to 3 hours to firm up.

If you used gelatin, then bloom it in cold water first and stir it into hot coffee until smooth. If you used agar agar, then simmer it briefly, because it needs heat to activate. Next time, chill the glass uncovered for the first 20 minutes, then cover it, since that helps it cool faster without trapping steam.

Why Is My Coffee Jelly Too Firm?

This usually happens with agar agar, since it sets strong fast. So, reduce the agar slightly next time, and whisk it well so it disperses evenly. Also, avoid boiling it hard for long, because extra heat can tighten the gel.

If it already set too firm, then chop it into smaller pieces and add more milk. Next, let the assembled drink sit for a minute in the fridge, because the edges soften and sip easier. Meanwhile, if you want a softer bite going forward, switch to gelatin for a bouncier set.

How to Fix Weak Coffee Flavor

First, brew the coffee stronger, because milk will always mellow it. Then, sweeten the coffee while hot, since sweetness can make coffee taste fuller. Also, use a darker roast or espresso style brew if you want that bold café bite.

If the jelly already tastes mild, then add a splash of cold brew to the milk before you pour. Next, add a tiny pinch of salt, because it can bring out the roast notes. As a result, your Coffee Jelly Drink recipe tastes like coffee first, not just sweet milk.

Coffee Jelly Drink FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Jelly Drink recipe feels like a little treat that still fits a real day. First you make the jelly once, then you pour cold vanilla milk, and next you crack it up and sip until the glass is empty.

Also, keep it playful and adjust as you go. Meanwhile, if you want more coffee drink ideas and serving inspo, you can browse my boards on AllSorts Recipes on Pinterest for fun twists.