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Coffee Jelly: Viral Japanese coffee dessert with beef gelatin

Coffee as cubes might sound unusual at first—and yes, it is as good as it looks. Strong espresso is turned into soft coffee cubes and then served in a glass with milk, a bit of condensed milk, and vanilla ice cream. Creamy, slightly bitter, sweet, and truly special.

That is exactly what makes this recipe so exciting: beef gelatin ensures the espresso sets and develops the signature coffee jelly texture. The result is a viral, Japanese-inspired coffee dessert drink that is easy to recreate at home.

Recipe video: Making your own coffee jelly

In the video, you can see how espresso and beef gelatin turn into firm coffee cubes and how the finished glass is layered.

Coffee jelly recipe at a glance

Recipe details

  • Recipe typeCoffee dessert drink with gelatin
  • Prep timeapprox. 10 minutes
  • Cooling timeapprox. 2-3 hours, until the jelly cubes are firm
  • Quantity1 large glass
  • DifficultyEasy
  • Suitable forCoffee lovers, dessert, viral snack

Ingredients for coffee jelly

You only need a few ingredients for this recipe. Strong espresso and beef gelatin form the base for the firm coffee cubes, while milk, condensed milk, and vanilla ice cream make the drink creamy.

  • 3 espresso shots
  • 5 g beef gelatin
  • 200 ml milk (1.5%)
  • 30 g sweetened condensed milk
  • 50 g vanilla ice cream
Tip: Dissolve the beef gelatin completely in the still-warm espresso before placing it in the fridge to cool—this ensures no lumps form in the coffee cubes.

Preparation: Making your own coffee jelly

  1. Dissolve gelatin in espresso

    Dissolve the gelatin in the warm espresso, refrigerate, and let it set.

  2. Cut into cubes

    Then cut into cubes, pour the milk and condensed milk mixture over them, and top with vanilla ice cream.

Approximate nutritional values per glass

Since the amounts for milk, condensed milk, and vanilla ice cream can vary depending on taste, we have calculated a realistic example portion for 1 large glass.

Nutritional value approx. per serving
Calories 300-320 kcal
Protein 14-16 g
Carbohydrates 37-40 g
of which sugar 34-37 g
Fat 10-11 g
Fiber 0 g

Figures are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the products used.

Why beef gelatin in coffee jelly?

Beef gelatin ensures the espresso sets and develops the signature coffee jelly texture. It consists mainly of collagen protein and provides natural protein building blocks such as glycine and proline—unlike pure collagen powder, which does not gel.

Animal Based beef gelatin is Halal-certified and neutral in taste, making it ideal for coffee jelly, gummy candies, desserts, and creams without altering the coffee flavor.

  • Ensures a firm consistency The espresso turns into sliceable coffee cubes
  • Neutral in taste Does not alter the coffee flavor
  • Halal-certified Pure bovine collagen protein, clearly declared
Animal Based Beef Gelatin Powder - Halal gelatin for coffee jelly

Product used in the recipe

Beef Gelatin by Animal Based - Halal Gelatin Powder

For this recipe, we use our Animal Based beef gelatin. This gelatin powder is Halal-certified, neutral in taste, and ideal for coffee jelly, gummy candies, desserts, and creams—anywhere reliable gelling is required.

Beef gelatin Halal-certified Gelatin powder Neutral in taste

Variations for coffee jelly

The basic recipe can easily be adapted. Here are four popular variations:

🥥 Plant-based

Replace milk with oat milk or almond milk for a plant-based version.

🍫 Mocha twist

Stir some cocoa powder into the milk and condensed milk mixture for a chocolatey note.

🍯 Less sweet

Reduce the amount of condensed milk or replace it with a bit of maple syrup for a milder sweetness.

🌰 Caramel note

Add a splash of caramel syrup to the milk and condensed milk mixture for a caramel flavor.

Storing the coffee cubes

The finished coffee cubes (before adding the milk) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. The fully layered glass with milk and ice is best enjoyed immediately after preparation.

Note: The coffee cubes are easy to prepare in advance—this way, you have a finished coffee jelly ready in minutes.

Frequently asked questions about coffee jelly

What is coffee jelly?

Coffee jelly is a dessert originating from Japan, where coffee is set with gelatin into firm cubes and then served with milk and ice.

Why beef gelatin instead of agar-agar?

Beef gelatin provides a softer, smoother jelly consistency than agar-agar, which tends to set quite firm and brittle. Additionally, beef gelatin provides natural collagen protein.

Is beef gelatin Halal?

Animal Based beef gelatin is Halal-certified and obtained according to Islamic slaughter regulations.

Can I use regular filter coffee instead of espresso?

Yes, the most important thing is a strong, concentrated coffee so that the flavor of the coffee cubes is intense enough.

Why is my gelatin not setting?

Usually, this is due to insufficient cooling time. Let the espresso-gelatin mixture set in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours.

How long do the coffee cubes last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the coffee cubes last for 2-3 days.

Ready for your own coffee jelly?

With beef gelatin from Animal Based, you can make viral recipes like coffee jelly, gummy candies, or desserts right at home—Halal-certified, neutral in taste, and with full control over the ingredients.

Discover beef gelatin
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