Oh, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite treats: Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly! If you’ve ever visited a Vietnamese café, you know just how rich and delicious Vietnamese coffee is. Now, imagine taking that deliciousness and turning it into a creamy, wobbly delight that you can enjoy as a splendid dessert. That’s what this jelly is all about — it’s rich, smooth, and has just the right coffee kick!
I first stumbled upon this recipe during one of my trips to Vietnam, where my amazing guide introduced me to this unique dessert. I was a little skeptical at first, thinking that jelly and coffee wouldn’t play nicely together. But the moment I took my first bite, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia for that bustling street-side café filled with chatter and laughter. Now, every time my friends come over, I whip up this coffee jelly, and it’s always a showstopper! So, let’s get to it!
What’s in Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly?
Coffee: The star of the show! Use a good quality robusta coffee for that authentic Vietnamese taste. If you can, try using Trung Nguyên or any bold coffee blend you enjoy.
Gelatin: This is what gives the jelly its lovely, wobbly texture. I usually go for powdered gelatin, but you can also use agar-agar if you prefer a vegetarian option.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Ah, the creamy goodness! This adds sweetness along with a rich, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with coffee. It’s a staple in Vietnamese desserts for a reason!
Sugar: Just a little to balance the bitterness of the coffee. You can adjust it based on your sweetness preference.
Water: Essential for brewing the coffee and mixing the gelatin.
Is Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly Good for You?
Now, while this dessert is absolutely delightful, moderation is key! On one hand, you have the benefits of caffeine from the strong coffee, which can improve focus and less fatigue. The sweetened condensed milk provides some calories and calcium, thanks to its dairy content. However, it’s also high in sugar and can contribute to a spike in blood sugar levels if consumed too often.
So, if you’re watching your sugar intake, maybe save this for special occasions. After all, everything is better in moderation — and isn’t that a beautiful way to enjoy life?
Ingredients
– 1 cup strong brewed Vietnamese coffee
– 2 tablespoons powdered gelatin (or agar-agar for a vegetarian option)
– 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 2-3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
– 2 cups water
*This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people, depending on how generous you are with those portions!*
How to Make Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly?
1. **Brew Your Coffee:** Start by brewing about 1 cup of strong Vietnamese coffee. If you have a traditional phin filter, this will give you the richest flavor, but any strong coffee will do.
2. **Prepare the Gelatin:** In a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
3. **Heat the Gelatin:** After the gelatin has bloomed, heat it gently (you can use the microwave or a double boiler) until it’s fully dissolved. Be careful not to boil it — we just want it melted!
4. **Combine Ingredients:** In a mixing bowl, combine the warm coffee, dissolved gelatin, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar. Stir until everything is well blended and the sugar dissolves.
5. **Pour Into Molds:** Pour the mixture into molds or a rectangular dish. If you’re feeling fancy, use silicone molds for cute jiggly shapes!
6. **Chill:** Place the molds in the fridge and let them chill for at least 4 hours, or until completely set.
7. **Serve:** Once the jelly is set, gently remove it from the molds. You can top it with whipped cream or even drizzle some extra condensed milk on top if you’re feeling indulgent.
Jelly Variations and Fun Serving Suggestions
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can add a splash of coconut milk for an extra layer of flavor, or even some crushed nuts on top for a delightful crunch. If you want to take it up a notch, add a layer of traditional jelly underneath, or even mix in some matcha for a fun twist on flavors.
Serving it with a side of fresh fruit, like mangoes or berries, can add a refreshing touch to balance out the sweetness!
I really hope you give this Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly a try! Each bite is like a little trip back to the vibrant streets of Vietnam, and I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Feel free to share your experiences or any tweaks you made to the recipe — let’s keep the deliciousness going!
