Japanese Coffee Jelly (Kōhī Zerē) Recipe

Introduction

Japanese Coffee Jelly is a refreshing dessert that combines the rich flavor of coffee with a delicate jelly texture. It’s a simple yet elegant treat that’s perfect for warm days or as a delightful finish to any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• ½ stick kanten powder
• 2 tbsp instant coffee
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ¼ cup whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour the water into a small pot over medium-high heat and sprinkle the kanten powder on top.
2. Step 2: Stir to dissolve the kanten powder. When the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 minutes to ensure the kanten is fully dissolved.
3. Step 3: Add the sugar and instant coffee to the pot, then stir well with a spoon or whisk until completely dissolved.
4. Step 4: Pour the coffee mixture into your desired cups or molds.
5. Step 5: Chill in the refrigerator until the jelly is fully set, about 2-3 hours.
6. Step 6: Once set, remove the jelly from the molds and cut into cubes, or serve it directly in the cups as is.
7. Step 7: Optionally, top with whipped cream before serving for a creamy contrast.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly brewed strong coffee instead of instant for a richer flavor.
• Adjust sugar amount to suit your taste or try adding a dash of vanilla extract for extra aroma.
• Replace whipped cream with sweetened condensed milk for a different creamy texture.
• For a vegan version, ensure the whipped cream substitute is plant-based.

Storage

Store coffee jelly in an airtight container or covered cups in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled. Before serving, you can add fresh whipped cream or a splash of milk to enhance the flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is kanten powder?

Kanten powder is a gelatinous substance made from red algae, commonly used in Japanese desserts as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin. It sets firmly and has a clean, neutral taste.

Can I use gelatin instead of kanten?

Yes, you can substitute gelatin for kanten. Use about 1 teaspoon of powdered gelatin, dissolved according to package instructions. Keep in mind that gelatin sets softer than kanten.

Japanese Coffee Jelly (Kōhī Zerē) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 57 reviews

Japanese Coffee Jelly is a delightful and refreshing dessert made from kanten powder and instant coffee, sweetened lightly with sugar and optionally topped with whipped cream. This easy-to-make jelly is a popular treat in Japan, perfect for coffee lovers seeking a unique and chilled dessert experience.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Jelly Mixture

• 2 cups water
• ½ stick kanten powder
• 2 tbsp instant coffee
• 1 tbsp sugar

Topping (Optional)

• ¼ cups whipped cream

Instructions

1. Boil water and kanten powder: Pour 2 cups of water into a small pot and sprinkle the kanten powder evenly over it. Place the pot over medium-high heat.
2. Dissolve the kanten powder: Stir gently as the water heats up. When it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 minutes to ensure the kanten powder completely dissolves.
3. Add sugar and coffee to the mixture: Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 2 tablespoons of instant coffee to the pot. Use a spoon or whisk to thoroughly dissolve the ingredients into the liquid.
4. Pour into mold and chill: Transfer the mixture into your desired cups or molds. Place them in the refrigerator to chill until the jelly is fully set; this usually takes a few hours.
5. Cut jelly into cubes: Once the jelly is firm, remove it from the mold if needed and cut it into small cubes or serve it directly in the cups.
6. Serve: Optionally add whipped cream on top before serving for a creamy finish. Enjoy your refreshing Japanese Coffee Jelly dessert!

Notes

• Kanten powder is a vegetarian gelatin substitute derived from seaweed. If unavailable, agar-agar can be used as an alternative.
• Adjust sugar quantity based on your preferred level of sweetness.
• Whipped cream is optional but adds a creamy richness to balance the bitterness of coffee jelly.
• Ensure the kanten powder is fully dissolved; otherwise, the jelly texture will be uneven.
• For a stronger coffee flavor, increase instant coffee slightly, but avoid over-concentrating as it may affect gelling.

Keywords: Japanese Coffee Jelly, Coffee Jelly, Kanten Jelly, Japanese Dessert, Coffee Dessert