Vietnamese Coffee Gelatin Dessert
A refreshing gelatin dessert made with strong Vietnamese coffee and sweetened condensed milk, offering a unique blend of bold and creamy flavors. This vietnamese-inspired desserts ready in about 10 minutes layers strong brewed Vietnamese coffee, gelatin powder, hot water 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 160 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strong brewed Vietnamese coffee
- 2 tbsp gelatin powder
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup cold water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, sprinkle 2 tablespoons gelatin powder over 1/2 cup hot water and let bloom for 5 minutes until gelatin granules are fully absorbed and the mixture is thick.
- Step 2: Brew 2 cups strong Vietnamese coffee using dark roast grounds or instant coffee dissolved in hot water, then let it cool slightly.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the bloomed gelatin with the warm coffee, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup cold water and 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Step 5: Pour the mixture into a shallow dish or individual molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until fully set.
- Step 6: To serve, cut into cubes or unmold onto plates and enjoy chilled.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vietnamese Coffee Gelatin Dessert take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 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 Vietnamese Coffee Gelatin Dessert?
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 Vietnamese Coffee Gelatin Dessert?
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 Vietnamese Coffee Gelatin Dessert for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Vietnamese Coffee Gelatin Dessert?
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.
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