Coffee Jello Parfaits

Easy gelatin parfait cups featuring layers of lightly sweetened coffee and rich cream. A creative way to serve coffee after dinner, during the summer, or just any time you're feeling fancy with your cup of Joe!

📝 Ingredients

• 3 cups (720mL) water (divided)
• 1 ounce (28g) unflavored gelatin1 (divided)
• 3/4 to 1 cup (175-200g) granulated sugar (divided)
• 3/4 cup half-and-half (or any milk you prefer)
• 2 Tablespoons (12g) instant coffee granules2

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Set aside 4 small wine glasses or parfait cups. I like to place mine in a shallow casserole dish for easy transfer to the refrigerator.
2. 2Heat 1 cup of water in the microwave until warm. Stir in instant coffee grounds until dissolved. Set aside.
3. 3Add another 1 cup of water to a small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat. Sprinkle ¾ ounce (21g or 3 packets) of gelatin evenly on top and stand for 1 minute. Stir with a spatula, then add ½ to ¾ cup3 of the sugar. Continue to heat and stir to dissolve completely. Add coffee and stir to combine.
4. 4Transfer the coffee jello to a large container with a spout (like a glass measuring cup), then, pour evenly into prepared parfait glasses (approximately ½ cup in each). Allow to set completely in the refrigerator (about 2 hours).
5. 5When the coffee jello is set, remove cups from the refrigerator and set aside.
6. 6Add the remaining 1 cup of water to a small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat. Sprinkle ¼ ounce (7g or 1 packet) of gelatin evenly on top and stand for 1 minute. Stir with a spatula, then add ¼ cup of sugar. Continue to heat and stir to dissolve completely. Add half-and-half and stir to combine.
7. 7Transfer half-and-half mixture to a large container with a spout (like a glass measuring cup). Pour mixture onto the back of a spoon or spatula and into the coffee jello cups to prevent the half-and-half layer from disturbing the set coffee layer. You'll wind up putting just shy of ½ cup in each. Allow half-and-half layer to set completely, about 2 hours.
8. 8Top coffee jello parfaits with homemade whipped cream, if desired, or enjoy as-is. Coffee jello parfaits stay fresh in the refrigerator, covered, up to 1 week. Top with whipped cream right before serving.