How To Easily Make a Delicious Dalgona Coffee (DIY Guide)
Have you ever been scrolling through TikTok and suddenly stopped, fascinated by something unexpected? That’s exactly what happened to me one afternoon.
I was mindlessly flipping through videos when I stumbled upon someone whipping coffee into this beautiful and fluffy cloud. It looked almost too good to be true—creamy, smooth, and ridiculously easy to make.
Of course, my curiosity got the best of me, and before I knew it, I was in my kitchen, attempting to whip up my own Dalgona coffee. It wasn’t as simple as it seemed at first, but after a couple of tries (and a lot of arm work), I finally nailed it.
Now, I’m here to show you how you can make your own delicious, Instagram-worthy Dalgona coffee at home.
In this guide, I’ll break down what Dalgona coffee is, why it became so popular, and share my step-by-step tips for making the perfect cup. So let’s start brewing!
What Is Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona Coffee, also known as “whipped coffee,” is a frothy coffee drink that originated in South Korea. It was inspired by a nostalgic Korean street snack called Dalgona candy, a honeycomb-like treat made from sugar.
The coffee version gained massive popularity during the global pandemic, not just because of its rich and creamy taste.
But because of how visually appealing it is—let’s be honest, it looks great on Instagram! Plus, it’s super simple to make, using ingredients most of us already have in our kitchen: instant coffee, sugar, and water.
During the lockdowns of 2020, Dalgona coffee became a comforting ritual for many—a fun, creative way to enjoy a homemade coffee.
How To Make a Dalgona Coffee At Home (Step-By-Step)
Equipment
- A bowl to mix the coffee, sugar, and water.
- A whisk or an electric hand mixer – Whisking by hand is possible, but let me tell you, after trying both methods, I highly recommend using an electric hand mixer to save time (and your arm).
- A glass or mug for serving.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of instant coffee – My go-to brand is Mount Hagen. It's organic, fair-trade, and has a rich, smooth flavor that really shines in whipped coffee.
- 2 tablespoons of sugar – You can use regular granulated sugar, but I've also tried it with coconut sugar for a slightly caramelized taste.
- 2 tablespoons of hot water – Just hot enough to dissolve the coffee and sugar mixture easily.
- Milk of your choice – I usually go for almond milk for a dairy-free version, but any milk works.
- Ice cubes (optional) – If you prefer your Dalgona coffee cold, grab a few ice cubes.
Instructions
- Combine the Instant Coffee, Sugar, and Water: In a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. The trick is to use equal parts of all three to get the right consistency.
- Whip Until Fluffy: Use a whisk, but if you're like me and prefer saving time, grab that electric hand mixer. Whip the mixture until it forms stiff peaks—this can take about 2-5 minutes depending on the tool. You'll know it's ready when the mixture is thick and creamy, almost like whipped cream.
- Prepare Your Milk: While your coffee mixture is whipping up, pour your milk (cold or warm) into your serving glass. I usually fill it about Âľ full to leave room for the coffee fluff on top.
- Spoon the Whipped Coffee on Top: Take a spoon and gently dollop the whipped coffee on top of your milk. Spread it out evenly to create that Instagram-worthy look.
- Stir and Enjoy: You can either stir the whipped coffee into the milk for a smoother experience or drink it as a layered treat. I personally like to stir it just a little, so I get a mix of the strong whipped coffee with the smooth milk underneath.
Video
Notes
My Unique Tip:
For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle a little cocoa powder or cinnamon on top of the whipped coffee. It looks fancy and adds an extra layer of flavor that makes your Dalgona coffee even more delicious!Tips For Perfecting Your Dalgona Coffee
Making the perfect Dalgona coffee is all about the little tweaks and adjustments you make along the way. So here are a few tips I’ve picked up after a few attempts (and mistakes!).
1 – Use Instant Coffee for Best Results
Instant coffee is the secret ingredient that makes the magic happen. The fact is freshly ground or brewed coffee just won’t give you that frothy and whipped texture that you need. I tried it once with regular coffee, and it was a complete flop.
2 – Experiment with Different Sweeteners
I’ve switched things up with honey and coconut sugar for a more unique flavor. However, be warned: using alternatives like these can affect the fluffiness of the coffee. I once tried sugar-free sweeteners, and while the taste was there, the foam just didn’t hold up as well.
3 – Adjust the Milk Base
Plant-based milk options, like almond, oat, and coconut milk, add an entirely new layer to the drink.
I enjoy almond milk for a slightly nutty flavor. But oat milk gives more creaminess and a richer experience. Plus, it’s great if you’re looking to make it dairy-free.
4 – Add Ice for a Refreshing Twist
If you’re like me and enjoy iced coffee, Dalgona over ice is amazing for hot days. Just whip the coffee, pour over cold milk with ice, and you’ve got a refreshing, smooth, and strong drink.
Variations of Dalgona Coffee to Try
If you’re a fan of experimenting with flavors (like I am), there are some fun variations of Dalgona coffee to explore that take the classic recipe in new directions.
Matcha Dalgona
If you’re a matcha lover, this one’s a must-try. Instead of using instant coffee, swap it out for matcha powder. To get that fluffy texture, you can whip it with egg whites or heavy cream, as matcha alone won’t whip up like coffee does.
I gave this a go with almond milk, and the result was light, earthy, and refreshingly different from the traditional coffee version. Plus, it’s caffeine-packed but without the bitterness of coffee.
Chocolate Dalgona
Try replacing the instant coffee with cocoa powder or hot chocolate mix. I found that this version turns into more of a dessert drink—it’s like drinking a cup of whipped chocolate.
The trick here is to balance the sweetness, so you might want to adjust the sugar levels based on the chocolate mix you’re using.
Mocha Dalgona
Just combo instant coffee and cocoa powder in your whipped mixture. The result? A rich and creamy drink that balances the strong flavor of coffee with the sweetness of chocolate.
This one quickly became my favorite because it’s simple but feels like you’re sipping on something from a cafĂ©. Perfect for when you want a little extra kick in your Dalgona coffee.
Last Thoughts
Dalgona coffee, with its fun, frothy texture and endless flavor possibilities, is one of those simple pleasures that anyone can master.
Whether you’re sticking with the classic version or experimenting with variations like matcha or mocha, it’s a drink that’s easy to customize and enjoy. Plus, it’s hard to resist that Instagram-worthy presentation!
If you’ve tried making Dalgona coffee or have your own twist on the recipe, I’d love to hear about it. Feel free to drop your tips, favorite variations, or any questions you have in the comments below. And with that voilà !
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