So I did it, yes. I did it! I decided to jump on the bandwagon and learn how to make Dalgona Coffee. My version has a light coffee flavor but it is high on caffeine. Here's my version of it and give it a try. With some basic mixing skills, you get a cafe-quality coffee!
Filipinos don't love Tsokolate, Mango Sago and Buko Pandan for nothing. Turning popular drinks to homemade just makes it more accessible!
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What is Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona Coffee is a popular TikTok trend that has exploded all over the internet. It's sweet with a nutty flavor, topped with fluffy whipped cream, and uses only four ingredients.
History of Dalgona Coffee
This Dalgona coffee was first discovered in Macau when the famous Korean actor Jung Il-woo tasted a whipped coffee at a small restaurant. He described the coffee's taste as similar to Dalgona which is a kind of Korean honeycomb toffee. Thus, the said coffee was then named Dalgona coffee.
Substitutions
- Instant Coffee (or Instant Espresso) – Use finely ground espresso + hot water (1:1 ratio) or brewed strong coffee (reduce water to prevent thinning the foam).
- Sugar – Swap with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, coconut sugar for a hint of caramel, or a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol for a low-calorie option.
- Water – Replace with milk for a creamier foam or flavored syrups for an extra twist.
- Milk (or Plant-Based Alternative) – Use oat milk for creaminess, almond milk for a light option, or coconut milk for a tropical touch.
- Ice Cubes – Try frozen milk cubes for a richer taste, coffee ice cubes to avoid dilution, or crushed ice for a slushier texture.
Recipe Variations
- Mocha Dalgona – Add 1 teaspoon cocoa powder to the whipped coffee for a chocolatey twist.
- Matcha Dalgona – Replace coffee with 2 teaspoons matcha powder and whip with egg whites or aquafaba for a caffeine boost without coffee.
- Spiced Dalgona – Stir in ½ teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a warm, cozy twist.
Storage
Whipped Coffee Foam: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Re-whisk if needed before serving.
Pre-Made Dalgona Coffee Drink: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for 4-6 hours. Stir well before drinking.
Freezing the Foam: Scoop portions onto a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed container for up to 1 month. Let it thaw for a few minutes before using.
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- Instant coffee (or instant espresso)
- Sugar
- Water
- Milk (or plant-based alternative)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
In a large bowl, add the coffee, water, and sugar.
Mix on high until the mixture thickens.
Mix until it has a consistency similar to whipped cream.
Fill a glass ⅔ full with milk and ice. Spoon the whipped coffee topping over the milk to fill the glass.
Stir the whipped coffee into the milk and enjoy it!
Hint: This can served hot by using hot milk and no ice.
⭐ Top Tip
When adding water, keep it to no more than two tablespoons to avoid altering the texture. For flavor variations, try mixing flavored creamers with the milk.
A stand mixer makes whipped coffee in about 2 minutes, while a hand mixer takes 4-5 minutes. Use a whisk attachment for a stand mixer and either a whisk or beater for a hand mixer.
You can also swap brown sugar for white sugar and use nut milk for a vegan option.
FAQ
More Recipes
Want to try a different beverage? Try the following:
How to Make Dalgona Coffee
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee (or instant espresso)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine instant coffee, sugar, and water.
- Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat on high speed until the mixture turns thick, fluffy, and light brown—similar to whipped cream. (This takes about 3-4 minutes by hand and less with an electric mixer.)
- Fill a glass ⅔ full with milk and ice.
- Spoon the whipped coffee over the milk to fill the glass.
- Stir well before drinking and enjoy!
Sweet says
Oooh! I've always wanted to try this! Now that there's a homemade version for it, I don't have to go to the store!
Lizzy says
This was soooo good! I was trying to get rid of my extra espresso powder, so thank you!
Che says
This easy Dalgona coffee looks so creamy and fun to make. Thanks for sharing the recipe! 🙂
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
You’re so welcome! ☕✨ It really is super creamy and so fun to whip up. I hope you enjoy making it—and sipping it—even more! 😊💛