Here’s a simple, creamy Dalgona (whipped) coffee recipe that went viral on TikTok. With just a few pantry ingredients you can make a frothy, café-style drink at home — perfect over iced or warm milk.
I joined the whipped coffee trend and found it delightful precisely because it’s so easy. This Dalgona coffee is a quick pick-me-up that’s fun to make and tastes great, whether you serve it over ice or with warm milk on a chilly morning.
Because the whipped topping is made from instant coffee, the final flavor depends a lot on the instant coffee you choose. If you can, pick a brand you like — but any instant coffee will work in a pinch. The whipped mixture delivers a concentrated, caramel-colored foam that balances nicely with milk.
About Dalgona Coffee / Whipped Coffee
Dalgona coffee is an inverted latte-style drink featuring a thick whipped coffee layer over milk. It became especially popular on social platforms for its dramatic two-layer appearance and easy preparation. The whipped topping is light, airy and intensely flavored, so a little goes a long way.
The texture and flavor of the foam depend on how long you beat the mixture. For a mousse-like consistency that blends smoothly into milk, aim for soft to medium peaks. If you prefer a thick, shaving-foam texture, continue whipping until stiffer peaks form.
You don’t need specialty ingredients — instant coffee, sugar and hot water create the whipped layer. The milk base can be dairy or any plant-based alternative: almond, oat, soy, coconut — or even a splash of liqueur for an adult twist.
What is Dalgona whipped coffee?
Dalgona whipped coffee is a layered beverage made with a whipped instant coffee topping and milk. The trend rose to global popularity after videos showed how quick and visually appealing the drink is to prepare. The whipped foam is sweet and caffeinated, while the milk provides a smooth, mellow balance.
Is this whipped coffee like a cappuccino?
Although sometimes compared to an upside-down cappuccino, Dalgona coffee is unique because the foam is made from instant coffee, sugar, and hot water — not steamed milk. The result is a denser, more intensely flavored coffee foam that sits atop the milk until mixed.
Is whipped coffee delicious?
Yes — if you enjoy sweet, strong coffee flavors. The whipped layer combines concentrated coffee and sugar, so it’s quite bold. Enjoy it occasionally as a treat, or adjust sweetness and portion size to suit your taste.
What’s in Dalgona coffee and what makes it foam?
The classic whipped topping is made from equal parts instant coffee granules, granulated sugar, and boiling water. The whipping process traps air and creates a stable foam. The milk beneath can be hot or cold, dairy or plant-based, and the drink can be served over ice or warm.
Can I make this without sugar?
Sugar helps stabilize the foam, similar to meringue. Reducing sugar slightly may still produce foam but can yield a less billowy texture. If you need a sugar-free or keto option, use a granulated erythritol-based sweetener or a monk fruit blend designed for whipping.
Healthier, vegan or keto variations
To make it vegan, simply use plant-based milk. For a lower-sugar or keto-friendly foam, substitute a granulated sugar alternative formulated for baking and whipping. Granulated coconut sugar or maple sugar can be used for a less-refined option, though texture may vary slightly.
How do you make Dalgona coffee?
Combine equal parts instant coffee, granulated sugar, and hot water in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously by hand for several minutes or use an electric mixer until the mixture becomes thick and mousse-like. Spoon the whipped coffee over a glass of milk and stir before drinking.
Can I use regular brewed coffee or grounds?
No — brewed coffee or fresh grounds won’t whip into a foam. Instant coffee works because it’s a dried coffee extract that rehydrates and traps air when whipped, creating the characteristic mousse.
How should I drink Dalgona coffee?
The drink looks beautiful layered, but it’s best enjoyed after stirring the whipped coffee into the milk. Mixing blends the concentrated foam with the milk for a smoother, balanced flavor — similar to a rich iced coffee.
Other Delicious Recipes You Will Enjoy
- New York-Style Bagels
- Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
- Perfect Chocolate Cupcakes
- The Best Raspberry and Cream Scones
- Incredible Profiteroles
- Strawberry Pavlova
Dalgona Coffee Recipe
Whip the coffee mixture to the texture you prefer — soft peaks mix more easily into milk, while stiffer peaks give a dramatic, shave-foam look. This recipe yields one serving but can be scaled as needed.
Serve over ice-cold milk or warm milk. To make an adult version, stir a shot of Baileys into the milk before topping with the whipped coffee.
5 minutes
5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1 tablespoon boiling hot water
- Whole milk, for serving (or any milk alternative)
- Ice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar, instant coffee granules, and boiling hot water. Whisk by hand for several minutes or use an electric mixer until the mixture becomes thick and mousse-like (about 3–5 minutes). Stop at soft or medium peaks depending on your preference.
- Fill a glass with milk and ice if desired. Spoon the whipped coffee on top, then stir to combine before drinking.
Notes
For a keto version: use a granulated erythritol-based sweetener or monk fruit sweetener designed for whipping. For vegan variations, use plant-based milk.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1 Dalgona Coffee
Serving Size:
1 Dalgona Coffee
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 49
Total Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 1mg
Carbohydrates: 13g
Sugar: 13g