Coffee Jelly with Condensed Milk

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing dessert combining robust Vietnamese coffee-flavored jelly cubes topped with sweetened condensed milk for a creamy finish. This vietnamese-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers instant Vietnamese coffee powder, boiling water, gelatin powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 180 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a heatproof bowl, dissolve 3 tbsp gelatin powder in 1/2 cup cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Bring 2 cups boiling water to a bowl and stir in 3 tbsp instant Vietnamese coffee powder and 1/3 cup sugar until fully dissolved.
  3. Step 3: Add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the hot coffee mixture and stir until gelatin completely dissolves, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour the coffee gelatin mixture into a shallow container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until fully set.
  5. Step 5: Once set, cut the coffee jelly into 1/2-inch cubes.
  6. Step 6: To serve, place 1 cup ice cubes in a glass, add coffee jelly cubes, then drizzle with 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk per serving for a creamy sweetness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coffee Jelly with Condensed Milk take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Coffee Jelly with Condensed Milk?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coffee Jelly with Condensed Milk?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Coffee Jelly with Condensed Milk for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Coffee Jelly with Condensed Milk?

Vietnamese desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes