Last Updated on February 20, 2024 by Karen
Get your caffeine fix in with Japanese coffee jelly, a refreshing dessert inspired by the anime show “The Disastrous Life of Saiki K” which combines rich coffee flavor with a silky smooth jelly texture.
What exactly is coffee jelly, you ask? Also known as kohii zerii or Saiki K coffee jelly, this popular Japanese dessert has gained popularity on Tiktok and is now known worldwide. Impress your friends and family with this fascinating treat that will take your coffee breaks to the next level. It’s perfect for coffee lovers and adventurous eaters alike!
Who is Saiki K?
Saiki Kusuo is the main protagonist of the anime and manga series “The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.” He has various psychic powers, including telepathy and telekinesis, but keeps them hidden to avoid attention. Kusuo is a kind and responsible individual who values his friendships and goes to great lengths to protect his loved ones. Despite his powers, he faces challenges and obstacles in his daily life, often resulting in comedic and chaotic situations. The anime show often showcases Saiki’s love for coffee jelly.
Why does Saiki K eat coffee jelly?
Saiki eats coffee jelly because it’s his favorite dessert. He loves the taste and texture, and it’s a treat he enjoys indulging in. Saiki’s favorite coffee jelly has definitely become a significant element in Japanese pop culture.
What is the history of Japanese coffee jelly?
Coffee jelly originated in Japan during the Taisho era (1912-1926) and gained popularity in the 1960s. It’s a testament to Japan’s love for both coffee and jelly desserts. Over time, coffee jelly has evolved with creative twists, but its core flavors remain a delightful blend of coffee and sweetness. Traditional Japanese recipe for this fancy jelly is made with agar agar or kanten powder (vegan gelatin substitute made from red algae), but a lot of modern recipes use gelatin for the ease and convenience.
Ingredients for making Saiki K coffee jelly:
Instant coffee powder: I like to use packet of instant coffee – Starbucks VIA instant dark roast coffee or Starbucks VIA instant decaf Italian roast coffee are my top choices. Instead of using instant coffee, you can also substitute with black coffee, cold brew (check out my Easy Overnight Cold Brew Coffee Recipe here), French press, or strong coffee made in a Moka pot. The type of coffee you choose will affect the taste of the coffee jelly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar to sweeten the jelly. Feel free to add more sugar to taste if you have a sweet tooth.
Hot water: Used to dissolve the coffee powder, sugar, and gelatin. Note that the gelatin
Unflavored gelatin powder: Often sold in boxes with 0.25oz packets. You can also substitute with agar agar for a vegan alternative (see more below). Gelatin is activated by heat, so make sure your coffee is hot enough.
Here are the steps to make Saiki K coffee jelly:
Dissolve instant coffee powder and sugar in hot water. I like to use a measuring cup for easy pouring later.
Add gelatin and stir. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Give it another stir to make sure it is completely dissolved.
At this point, you can pour into individual molds (which is how it is served in the anime show) or a large rectangular pan (so you can cut into jelly cubes once set).
Here’s a tip: scoop away and discard the bubbles on top of the coffee mixture so the jelly turns out nice and bubble-free.
Refrigerate until set, about 4-5 hours. If you use individual molds (best way in my opinion), soak the bottom in hot water and turn over on a plate. If you use a rectangular pan, you can cut it into cube dessert coffee jelly and serve it as cups of coffee jelly instead of on a plate.
Serve with fresh cream whipped from heavy whipping cream or coconut cream, then garnish and serve!
Can you use agar agar instead of gelatin?
Yes, for a vegan-friendly dish, you can substitute the 2 packets of unflavored gelatin with 1.5 tsp agar agar powder.
Note that the texture of coffee jelly made with gelatin is typically softer, more jelly-like, and slightly more firm than the version made with agar agar. This is because gelatin provides a more flexible and stretchy texture, whereas agar agar produces a slightly more rigid and brittle texture.
Additionally, gelatin-based coffee jelly might have a slightly more “jiggly” or “wobbly” consistency, whereas agar agar-based coffee jelly tends to be more firm and less prone to jiggling. Overall, both textures are great, and the choice between gelatin and agar agar often comes down to personal preference.
How to store coffee jelly?
You can store the jelly cubes in an airtight container, or individual coffee jelly cups covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What are some way to serve coffee jelly?
Coffee jelly is a versatile dessert that can be served in various ways.
– Top coffee jelly with whipped cream or coconut whipped cream for a creamy and sweet treat.
– Serve coffee jelly with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream.
– Layer coffee jelly, whipped cream, and fruit in a glass to create a coffee jelly parfait.
– Use coffee jelly as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
– Add coffee jelly to iced coffee or bubble tea for extra texture <— my FAVORITE way to serve it!
Tips and variations to take your Saiki K coffee jelly to the next level
Now that we’ve shared the steps for the basic Saiki K coffee jelly recipe, let’s get creative! Here are some different ways to make Saiki K’s coffee jelly with your own spin:
• Add a splash of liqueur like Kahlúa, Baileys, or Grand Marnier for a grown-up twist.
• Serve with sweetened condensed milk, coconut cream, or evaporated milk for milky goodness.
• Use different types of coffee, espresso, homemade or storebought cold brew, or French press, for varied intensity.
• Add a hint of sweetness with honey, agave, or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
• Experiment with alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie option.
Is coffee jelly gluten free?
Yes, coffee jelly is typically gluten-free. Gelatin is the gelling agent, and coffee jelly doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients.
Japanese Coffee Jelly (Saiki K inspired recipe)
Ingredients
- 3 tsps instant coffee powder
- 3 tbsps granulated sugar
- 1.5 cups hot water
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin 0.25 oz each
- Heavy cream or evaporated milk for serving
Instructions
- In a heat-safe bowl or measuring cup, dissolve instant coffee powder and sugar in hot water.
- Add gelatin to the coffee mixture and stir until the gelatin dissolves. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Cool to room temperature and pour into individual molds or a large rectangular pan.
- Refrigerate until set, about 4-5 hours. Unmold onto individual plates or cut into cubes and serve in bowls.
- Garnish with a dollop of whipped heavy cream or a drizzle of evaporated milk and enjoy!
Japanese coffee jelly is the really best thing on a hot summer day. It’s a refreshing and easy-to-make dessert that takes a boring cup of coffee to a whole new level – guaranteed to impress anyone. With its rich flavor and smooth texture, these caffeine-infused cubes make a perfect treat for coffee lovers and adventurous eaters. Try it at home and experiment with variations to make it your own! #coffeejellyxsaiki #animefood
I’ve always wanted to try this after watching the anime and it’s super yummy and easy to make too!