Dalgona coffee is the latest trend in iced coffee – this 3-ingredient whipped coffee is creamy, frothy & delicious, just like you'd get at a coffee shop!
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What is dalgona coffee?
Since a TikTok video of this drink went viral in early March, everyone has been making their own versions of this simple whipped coffee recipe.
There are different variations of toppings and flavor combinations, but the basic version is always the same: beat instant coffee, water, and sugar together as fast as you can until it’s super fluffy, then serve over milk and ice.
Now you can create a beautiful drink at home that will feel just as indulgent as any you can order at a coffee shop!
What’s great is that the whipped coffee foam will keep its form for a while. This means you can spend the effort making it the first time and have enough to enjoy a cup each morning for a few days.
Dalgona coffee is a popular whipped coffee drink from South Korea. The flavor is similar to a Korean honeycomb toffee with the same name.
Dalgona coffee starts with the milk on the bottom to create a layered drink that makes for an Instagram-worthy photo.
Ingredients in dalgona coffee
Here's what you need to make this whipped coffee recipe – super simple right?!
- Instant coffee
- Water
- Sugar
- Milk
- Ice
How to make whipped coffee
Here's how to make your own Dalgona coffee at home – it looks complicated, but I promise it's super easy!
- Whisk together the instant coffee, water, and sugar until dissolved and cooled a bit. Make sure to use a large bowl so there’s room for the air to get mixed in.
- Continue whisking as fast as possible to thicken the mixture – alternatively you can use beaters that you use for baking.
- The coffee mixture is done when stiff peaks form, similar to a meringue. It can take anywhere from 3-5 minutes, depending on how fast you can whisk. If you're using beaters, it whips up in a little under a minute!
- Add the ice and milk to a tall glass.
- Spoon the coffee mixture over the top and enjoy!
What type of coffee to use
You’ll need to use instant coffee for this whipped coffee recipe to work correctly. Decaf is fine, but make sure to use a full-flavor variety.
Apparently, Instagram comments mention that people are having trouble using 3-in-1 instant coffee blends.
It does appear that you can use regular coffee to make Dalgona coffee, but you'll need to put it through a special process first.
Tools to make it easier
- Round whisk – If you’re going to make this by hand, you absolutely need to use a good round whisk. Metal is also going to work better than silicone to get that perfect whipped coffee texture.
- Electric mixer – You can use a hand or stand mixer to save the effort (and prevent hand cramps!). Start on the lowest speed to get everything combined, then switch to high speed until you get those stiff peaks. Doing this will also significantly reduce mixing time – it should only take about a minute or two.
Ingredient substitutions
- Ground coffee – If you don’t have instant coffee on hand, you can make an extra-strong brew to use instead. Mix 3 1/2 tablespoon of drip coffee grounds with 5 tablespoons of hot water. Let steep for 2-3 minutes, then pour through a coffee filter.This should make about 2 tablespoons of coffee, which replaces the instant coffee and the water. So, you’ll just need to add sugar and continue the recipe from there.
- Non-dairy milk – You can make dalgona coffee with whatever milk you normally use for your iced coffee. Almond, soy, cashew, and oat milks would all pair especially well with the coffee flavor and add to the creamy texture.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar seems to work best, but you should be able to substitute brown sugar, coconut sugar or other cane sugar varieties if needed. You can also cut the sugar in half if you don't like it as sweet.
- Sugar substitutes – You can replace the sugar altogether by using honey instead. Or you can use Stevia or Splenda, but you should only need half the amount.
Ideas to customize iced coffee
There are lots of ways to give this whipped coffee recipe a little extra flair.
Toppings:
- Cocoa powder
- Crumbled cookie pieces
- Homemade Dalgona
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate chips
Mix-ins:
- Vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder
- Cinnamon
- Ground ginger
- Boba (add to the bottom of the glass)
How long will it store for?
Meal prep tools for this recipe
- Try some different Starbucks instant coffees
- Order a basic instant coffee here
- These iced coffee syrups are an awesome way to jazz up your coffee
More iced coffee recipes
Dalgona Coffee {Whipped Coffee Recipe}
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp instant coffee
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 handful ice cubes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together coffee, water and sugar, whisking as fast as possible until a stiff foam forms.
- Add ice to a tall glass and pour milk overtop, then spoon whipped coffee mixture overtop. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Jess says
I tried using Starbucks Via instant coffee and it didnt work at all. Do you know why that is the case? Thanks!
Taylor Stinson says
So sorry you had trouble Jess! I have heard of it working for some and not others. It may depend on the exact type you used?