As I sipped my morning brew, I was transported to the bustling streets of Vietnam, where the rich aroma of coffee wafts through the air. Inspired by those vibrant café moments, I decided to create a delightful treat: Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly (Thạch Cà Phê). This no-cook dessert offers a unique experience, featuring layers of robust coffee and velvety coconut cream that dance together in perfect harmony. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for those warm days when you’re looking to impress without the fuss—but it’s also a show-stopping conversation starter that captures the essence of those dreamy afternoons. Curious about how to elevate your dessert game while keeping it effortlessly simple? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why is Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly special?

Layered Delight: Each spoonful provides a perfect blend of bittersweet coffee and creamy coconut, making it an extraordinary treat that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

No-Cook Simplicity: No need for complex techniques or lengthy prep—this delightful dessert comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for both novice cooks and busy chefs.

Versatile Variations: Feel free to experiment! You can easily swap instant coffee for freshly brewed espresso or add a hint of spice like cinnamon to create a unique flavor twist.

Elegantly Beautiful: With its stunning layers, it’s not just dessert; it’s a gorgeous centerpiece for any occasion that’s sure to impress your guests.

Perfect for Any Season: Whether served chilled on a sunny day or as a light finish to a winter meal, this jelly keeps your dessert game strong year-round.

Ready to explore more delicious recipes like our Funfetti Dip Dessert or Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes? Let’s keep cooking!

Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly Ingredients

For the Coffee Layer
• Water – Base for the jelly; ensures a balanced flavor without distractions.
• Instant Coffee (2 tbsp) – Delivers a rich, aromatic flavor; for a stronger taste, use brewed espresso.
• Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Sweetens the coffee layer; adjust to taste based on your sweetness preference.
• Salt (⅛ tsp) – Enhances the overall flavor profile of the coffee, making it more vibrant.
• Agar Agar Powder (1 tbsp) – A plant-based gelling agent essential for achieving that perfect jelly texture.
For the Coconut Layer
• Water – Complements the coconut and coffee layers, helping them set beautifully.
• Coconut Milk (200 ml full-fat) – Infuses the jelly with tropical creaminess; substitute with any plant-based milk if desired.
• Evaporated Milk (200 ml) – Adds depth and a subtle caramel note; can be swapped with almond or oat milk for a plant-based version.
• Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Sweetness for the coconut layer; tweak to match your taste preference.
• Agar Agar Powder (1 tbsp) – Ensures the coconut layer sets properly, giving it that delightful firmness.

Enjoy your delightful Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly creation—a luscious dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients for the Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly, ensuring you have instant coffee, agar agar, sugar, coconut milk, and evaporated milk. Set up a saucepan, a mixing bowl, and a mold for pouring the jelly. Having everything ready will streamline your process and make it enjoyable.

Step 2: Dissolve Agar Agar for Coffee Layer
In a saucepan, bring 600 ml of water to a gentle simmer. Add 1 tablespoon of agar agar and stir constantly until it dissolves completely, about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture becomes clear. This step is crucial for the jelly’s texture and integrity.

Step 3: Mix Coffee Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Pour in 200 ml of the hot water from the saucepan and mix vigorously until the coffee and sugar are fully dissolved, creating a rich, aromatic mix that defines the coffee layer.

Step 4: Set the Coffee Layer
Carefully pour the coffee mixture into your prepared mold, ensuring an even layer. Allow it to set at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes until it firms up slightly, then transfer it to the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until completely chilled and firm.

Step 5: Prepare Coconut Layer
In a separate pot, combine another 400 ml of water with 200 ml of full-fat coconut milk, 200 ml of evaporated milk, ½ cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of agar agar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the agar agar dissolves completely, approximately 3-4 minutes, allowing the sweet, tropical aroma to fill your kitchen.

Step 6: Layer the Coconut Mixture
Once the coconut layer mixture is ready, gently pour it over the set coffee layer in the mold. Do this slowly to prevent mixing the layers. Return the mold to the refrigerator and allow it to set completely for at least 2-3 hours, ensuring the jelly layers hold their beautiful separation.

Step 7: Serve Your Delight
After the jelly has fully set, remove it from the mold and slice it into individual servings. To enhance your Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly, consider topping it with fresh fruit or crushed cookies for added texture and flavor. Serve it chilled and enjoy the delightful layers!

Expert Tips for Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly

Set Time Matters: Allow each layer to set fully before adding the next. Rushing can cause layers to blend, ruining the visual appeal of your Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly.
Gentle Pouring: When layering the coconut mixture, pour it slowly over the back of a spoon to prevent it from disrupting the coffee layer below, ensuring a clean separation.
Agar Agar Advice: If you’re unfamiliar with agar agar, remember it requires boiling to activate its gelling properties. Make sure it’s completely dissolved for the best texture.
Flavor Customization: Feel free to experiment with spices like cardamom or add a dash of vanilla to your coconut layer for an unexpected twist that enhances the flavors beautifully.
Serving Tip: For the best flavor experience, let the jelly sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This enhances the taste and allows the textures to shine.

What to Serve with Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly

Indulging in this enchanting dessert is just the beginning of your culinary adventure; let’s create a beautifully balanced meal alongside it.

Fresh Tropical Fruits: Lighten your dessert experience with slices of mango, kiwi, or papaya. Their natural sweetness complements the coffee and coconut beautifully.
Buttery Croissants: Pair this jelly with flaky croissants for a delightful texture contrast. The buttery layers add a luxurious touch to your meal.
Coconut Sticky Rice: Elevate your dessert with a side of subtly sweet coconut sticky rice. This harmonious pairing echoes the coconut cream flavor, reinforcing that tropical vibe.
Espresso Shot: Serve a shot of espresso alongside your jelly for a powerful flavor punch. The rich and intense coffee enhances the overall coffee experience.
Matcha Green Tea: The earthy and slightly bitter notes of matcha offer a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the jelly, making this a refreshing choice.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream adds a creamy richness to balance the textures of the jelly. It’s a classic pairing that everyone will love.

Embrace the vibrant flavors and inviting textures of each dish as they come together on your table, creating warm memories with every bite!

Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly—there are so many delicious ways to customize this treat!

Espresso Boost: Substitute instant coffee with freshly brewed espresso for a richer flavor profile that espresso lovers will adore.
Condensed Milk Twist: Incorporate sweetened condensed milk into the coffee layer for a touch of heavenly creaminess that will elevate the dessert to new heights.
Spiced Sensation: Spice it up by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a hint of star anise to the coffee layer, introducing a warm, aromatic twist that’s simply delightful.
Fruity Finish: Enhance your presentation by decorating the jelly with lychee, mango, or any tropical fruit before serving. The added freshness beautifully complements the layers.
Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut cream instead of evaporated milk to make the entire dessert dairy-free without sacrificing flavor—it maintains that luscious tropical vibe we’ve come to love.
Nutty Undertones: Introduce a nutty flavor by adding a splash of almond milk in place of evaporated milk. This little twist creates a whole new experience with each bite.
Chocolate Lovers: For a chocolatey kick, drizzle chocolate sauce over the finished jelly just before serving or mix cocoa powder into the coffee layer for a mocha-inspired treat.
Graham Cracker Crunch: Serve the jelly with a side of crushed graham crackers or cookies for added texture, making each spoonful a delightful adventure.

With these variations, your Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also impress your family and friends! And if you’re in the mood for more creative desserts, check out my delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese muffins for a comforting fall treat!

Storage Tips for Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly

Fridge: Store your Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This keeps it fresh and ensures the delightful layers remain intact.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended, as it alters the texture of the jelly, making it less enjoyable once thawed.
Reheating: Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator. Allow about 15 minutes at room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor and texture experience.

Make Ahead Options

These Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly (Thạch Cà Phê) are a fantastic choice for meal prep and can save you valuable time during busy weeks! You can prepare both the coffee and coconut layers up to 24 hours in advance by completing the first steps and refrigerating each layer separately until they are set. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their delightful textures. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the layers, which only requires pouring the coconut mixture over the coffee layer and allowing it to chill for a couple of hours longer. With these prep-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy a delicious, impressive dessert with minimal fuss!

Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly Recipe FAQs

What type of coffee should I use?
Absolutely! For this recipe, you can use instant coffee, which provides a rich flavor and aroma. If you’re seeking something even more robust, substitute instant coffee with freshly brewed espresso for an extraordinary taste experience.

How long can I store Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly?
You can store your Vietnamese Coffee and Cream Jelly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This will help maintain its freshness and delightful layers, ensuring every bite tastes just as good as the first.

Can I freeze this dessert?
No, freezing is not recommended for this jelly. Freezing alters the texture, leading to a less enjoyable mouthfeel once thawed. Instead, it’s best served chilled straight from the refrigerator.

What if my agar agar doesn’t fully dissolve?
In cases where agar agar remains clumpy, simply return the mixture to the heat and stir continuously until fully dissolved, which usually takes an extra 3-4 minutes. If the jelly still doesn’t set after refrigeration, it may be that the agar conversion wasn’t successful, primarily due to low heat; ensure a proper boil next time to activate its gelling properties.

Are there any allergy considerations?
Yes! If you’re preparing this dessert for guests, be aware of common allergens. The recipe contains coconut milk and evaporated milk. Ensure to check for any dairy allergies or dietary restrictions for those with lactose intolerance or nut allergies if you decide to substitute with alternative milks like almond or oat.

Can I customize the flavors?
Very much so! You can create a unique twist by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the coffee layer. Moreover, using sweetened condensed milk in place of granulated sugar can add a rich creaminess to the coffee layer. I often enjoy experimenting with different fruit toppings like mango or lychee for a refreshing finish!