Dalgona Coffee
If you’ve ever scrolled through social media and been captivated by that gorgeous, creamy cup topped with fluffy, golden foam, you’ve encountered the magic of Dalgona Coffee. This viral whipped coffee treat is more than just a pretty face; it’s an indulgent blend of strong coffee flavor and sweet, airy texture that you can easily make at home. Learn how to make creamy, frothy Dalgona Coffee at home with simple ingredients and easy steps for the perfect caffeinated treat that feels like a mini celebration in every sip.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Instant Upgrade: Turns ordinary coffee into a café-style delight with just minutes of whisking.
- Simplest Ingredients: Uses pantry staples that you probably already have, no fancy equipment needed.
- Customizable Sweetness: You control how sweet or strong your coffee feels with easy adjustments.
- Photo-Worthy Presentation: Makes a stunning visual impact perfect for impressing guests or brightening your day.
- Perfect Anytime Drink: Great for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat to beat boredom.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of making Dalgona Coffee lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that luxurious, velvety foam and balanced flavor that makes this drink so irresistible.
- Instant Coffee: The key to quick whipping; instant coffee granules dissolve easily and provide bold caffeine kick.
- Granulated Sugar: Helps the foam stabilize and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- Hot Water: Activates the coffee and sugar for whipping while lending warmth to dissolve everything smoothly.
- Milk (cold or warm): Your base layer, which can be dairy or a plant-based alternative to complement the creamy coffee foam.
Variations for Dalgona Coffee
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your Dalgona Coffee! This basic formula is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to match your taste or dietary preferences with just a quick tweak.
- Decaf Delight: Swap regular instant coffee for decaf to enjoy the flavor without the caffeine buzz.
- Flavored Twists: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cocoa, or vanilla extract to the whipped mixture for a unique aroma and taste.
- Vegan Version: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of dairy for a plant-based treat.
- Less Sweet Option: Reduce sugar or replace with a natural sweetener like stevia or maple syrup.
- Espresso Powder Upgrade: Try instant espresso powder for a deeper, richer coffee flavor.
How to Make Dalgona Coffee
Step 1: Combine the Coffee, Sugar, and Hot Water
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add equal parts of instant coffee, granulated sugar, and hot water—typically 2 tablespoons of each is perfect for one serving. The hot water helps dissolve the sugar and coffee granules, setting the stage for that amazing whipped texture.
Step 2: Whip until Fluffy and Light
Using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the coffee mixture vigorously. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes with an electric mixer or up to 10 minutes by hand. You’ll see the coffee transform into a thick, glossy foam that holds stiff peaks and looks like a cloud of deliciousness.
Step 3: Prepare Your Glass with Milk
Fill a glass about halfway with cold or warm milk, according to your preference. The milk serves as a smooth, cool canvas beneath the fluffy coffee topping.
Step 4: Spoon the Whipped Coffee on Top
Gently scoop the whipped coffee foam over the milk. Spread it evenly, allowing the frothy blanket to sit beautifully atop the glass. Avoid mixing immediately to enjoy the textured layers.
Step 5: Stir and Enjoy
When you’re ready for that perfect sip, stir the whipped coffee into the milk to blend creamy coffee richness with a smooth, silky mouthfeel.
Pro Tips for Making Dalgona Coffee
- Use Fine Instant Coffee: Coarser varieties won’t whip as well, so choose a smooth, instant option.
- Whisk in a Cold Bowl: Using a chilled bowl can help stabilize foam formation faster.
- Don’t Skip Equal Ratios: Keeping coffee, sugar, and water equal ensures ideal whipping consistency.
- Mix Sugar Variations Carefully: Powdered sugar may result in a looser foam, so stick to granulated sugar for best results.
- Whisking by Hand? Take breaks to avoid overworking your wrist and maintain energy for smooth, fluffy peaks.
How to Serve Dalgona Coffee
Garnishes
A dusting of cocoa powder, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or chocolate shavings on top adds visual appeal and extra flavor dimension to your Dalgona Coffee.
Side Dishes
Pair your coffee with light snacks like buttery croissants, almond biscotti, or fresh fruit to create an inviting little café experience at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering in clear glasses or mason jars to showcase the contrast between the fluffy foam and milk beneath. Adding colorful straws or cute latte art can also enhance presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Dalgona Coffee is best enjoyed fresh since the foam loses its volume and texture over time. If you must store it, keep the whipped coffee mixture separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Freezing
Freezing Dalgona Coffee isn’t recommended as the delicate foam breaks down and separates upon thawing, ruining that light, airy texture.
Reheating
Reheating milk for the base is fine, but avoid heating the whipped coffee foam, which should be freshly made and served cold or room temperature for the best fluffiness.
FAQs
Can I use regular brewed coffee to make Dalgona Coffee?
No, regular brewed coffee won’t whip properly. The recipe requires instant coffee granules to achieve that thick, fluffy foam texture.
Is Dalgona Coffee very sweet?
The sweetness level depends on the amount of sugar you use — it can be adjusted to suit your taste, from lightly sweet to dessert-like.
Can I make Dalgona Coffee without sugar?
Skipping sugar changes the foam’s stability, so it’s not recommended unless you use a suitable sweetener substitute designed for whipping.
How long does the whipped coffee last once made?
The foam holds up best for about 10 to 15 minutes after whipping, after which it starts to lose volume and texture.
Is Dalgona Coffee suitable for vegans?
Yes, the whipped coffee itself contains no animal products. Just use plant-based milk to make a fully vegan version.
Final Thoughts
Making Dalgona Coffee at home is a delightful way to treat yourself with a creamy, whipped coffee experience that feels both indulgent and simple. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy this trendy, frothy caffeinated treat anytime you want. So grab your whisk and get ready to impress your taste buds — your perfect cup of Dalgona Coffee is waiting!
Related Posts
PrintDalgona Coffee
Dalgona Coffee is a viral whipped coffee treat featuring a creamy, frothy coffee foam made by whipping equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, served over cold or warm milk. This easy, customizable recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a luscious café-style beverage with a rich coffee flavor and an airy texture, perfect for any time of day.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For Whipped Coffee Foam
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
For the Base
- Milk (cold or warm) – about 1 cup, dairy or plant-based alternative
Instructions
- Combine the Coffee, Sugar, and Hot Water: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add 2 tablespoons each of instant coffee, granulated sugar, and hot water. The hot water helps dissolve the coffee granules and sugar, setting the base for whipping.
- Whip until Fluffy and Light: Using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the mixture vigorously for about 3 to 5 minutes with an electric mixer or up to 10 minutes by hand, until it transforms into a thick, glossy foam that holds stiff peaks.
- Prepare Your Glass with Milk: Pour about half a cup to one cup of cold or warm milk into a serving glass, depending on your preference. This milk acts as the smooth base for the coffee foam.
- Spoon the Whipped Coffee on Top: Gently scoop and spread the whipped coffee foam evenly over the surface of the milk, creating a layered, visually appealing appearance.
- Stir and Enjoy: When ready, mix the whipped foam into the milk to blend the creamy coffee richness with the smooth base, then savor your delicious Dalgona Coffee.
Notes
- Use fine instant coffee granules for best whipping results; coarser types may not whip properly.
- Whisking in a cold bowl can help stabilize the foam faster and create better volume.
- Maintain equal ratios of coffee, sugar, and water to ensure the perfect consistency for whipping.
- Stick to granulated sugar for the best foam stability; powdered sugar can produce a looser foam.
- If whisking by hand, take breaks to avoid fatigue and keep whipping efficiently for fluffy peaks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Dalgona Coffee, whipped coffee, instant coffee, frothy coffee, café-style drink, easy coffee recipe, viral coffee
