A deliciously decadent coffee is taking social media by storm with a sweet nutty flavor and fluffy caramel whipped top. This Whipped Coffee Recipe also is known as Dalgona Coffee is a tasty alternative to your morning coffee and can be made at home easily.
Homemade Whipped Coffee
Coffee or some form of espresso has been part of my morning routine since I was in high school. I’ve easily lured many of my friends to the caffeinated clutches of this popular beverage. While in college cheap gas station coffee was a mainstay, and then in my early 20’s working in New York City I upgraded to the greek deli version of joe.
It was in New York City though that I really learned the art of coffee. I’ll never forget the first time a friend made my homemade Turkish coffee and read my horoscope in the cup after. While living there I got to try many variations of the beverage and even met my husband while purchasing a soy latte at Starbucks.
Last night while scrolling through Instagram I came across a pic of “whipped coffee” and became instantly intrigued. I started to research this newfound coffee drink and began craving it instantly. Had it not been 11 o’clock I’d likely have tried to make it then and there.
I waited until this morning to test out this new fluffy and sweet cup of caffeine and just as when I saw my future husband after ordering that soy latte, it was love at first sip. Whipped coffee is definitely something to try and is surprisingly easy to prepare.
This new coffee craze, which recently took South Korea by storm over social media is one you can make at home. There are a few options for how you whip this whipped coffee, but personally, I prefer the simplest one, which is detailed here.
What is Whipped Coffee
Whipped coffee is quite literally coffee that has been whipped, however, it requires you to use instant coffee powder. By whisking instant coffee powder, sugar, and water together you end up with a frothy and delicious whipped mixture. The coffee mixture is then poured over milk creating a reverse latte.
It has also been a social media craze lately where Instagramers or those on Tick Tock will film themselves literally whisking the coffee into a fluff. It is said to take about 400 strokes, but in reality, you’ll likely be whipping it good for a good 20 or so minutes if you use this method.
I prefer to use an electric mixer, which also allows you to double, triple, etc, the recipe and not get carpal tunnel in the process.
Ingredients in Whipped Coffee
- Instant Coffee Powder
- Sugar
- Hot Water
- Milk
How to Make Whipped Coffee
Making this drink only takes minutes, which might even be faster than your standard percolating coffee machine.
- Mix: Place 1 tablespoon of instant coffee powder, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of hot water into a large bowl.
- Whip: Using an electric mixer set to a low setting whip the mixture continuously for 3 to 5 minutes (If opting for the popular social media preparation then use a whisk to whip the ingredients for about 20 to 25 minutes. Good luck!).
- Continue to Whip: The mixture will begin to turn a lighter color and thicken as you keep whipping it. If doubling the recipe it will likely take a couple of minutes longer to achieve the fluffy whipped cream texture.
- More Whipping: Once the mixture has reached a thick and frothy consistency and is a golden brown color it’s ready.
- Assemble: Pour 1 cup of milk into a tall glass over ice. Using a spatula gently scoop the whipped topping of coffee on top of the milk. Sprinkle with cinnamon if you like.
Place all the ingredients into a large bowl. Begin to beat with a mixer. Keep beating. Continue to beat until a whipped texture forms.
PRO TIP: Use a large bowl to prepare this recipe. Initially, the ingredients will spatter everywhere. A spatula will help you get all the fluff out and into your drink.
Can I use a Milk Alternative?
Yes. The dalgona coffee is somewhat of a reversed latte. Any milk, whether it’s dairy or non-dairy, oat, or coconut will work for this drink.
Can a Whipped Coffee be Made Hot?
Yes. Omit the ice in the glass and steam your milk before pouring it into your glass. Then spoon the whipped mixture on top of the steamed milk.
Can You Use Starbucks Via to Make Whipped Coffee?
UPDATE: I have heard from many of you who have tried this recipe using a plain Starbucks Via that it works. I used the flavored latte version and couldn’t get the right consistency. If you have some Via’s then definitely try it!
Unfortunately no. I tried using a flavored Starbucks Via and tried to get the mixture to whip for over 30 minutes and it never turned the correct consistency. I have not tried a plain coffee Via though, which could possibly work.
Can You Double this Recipe?
Yes. The ratio of this recipe is 1:1:1. That is there are equal parts of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. By simply doubling or tripling the recipe you’ll get either more fluff or make extra cups.
Can Dalgona Coffee be Made Caffeine-Free?
Yes. You can use a decaf instant coffee or even hot chocolate powder for a creamy chocolate version. Below I’ve even detailed out some other non-coffee versions of the beverage to try.
Can I use Different Sweeteners Other than Sugar?
Yes! I have also heard from some of you that other sweeteners will work for this recipe and it doesn’t have to be powdered. Just make sure to keep the measurements the same.
Whipped Coffee Variations
Updated: The instant coffee, sugar, and water Dalgona Coffee whip up the best, with that being said there are some ways to achieve a similar whip using other recipes. I’ve tested the below recipes but would LOVE to hear from you on what has worked as well.
Below are some variations of dalgona coffee or tea you can also whip up. I’ve included links (which are affiliate links) to some of the versions I like to use. Not all the recipes listed below have the same process as the actual dalgona coffee recipe. For example, the matcha powder doesn’t whip well so additional ingredients need to be added.
- Whipped Hot Chocolate: Add 1 tablespoon of hot cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon of Dream Whip, and 1 tablespoon milk to a large bowl and beat until the same fluffy consistency is reached. You made need to add an additional tablespoon of milk.
- Dirty Chai Latte Whip: This requires a chai latte powder. Place 1 tablespoon of chai latte powder, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon Instant Coffee, and 1 tablespoon of hot water into a large bowl and beat until fluffy.
- Whipped Vanilla Cream: Whip up 1/4 cup of heavy cream using a hand mixer. Then using powdered vanilla, add 1 tablespoon of the powdered vanilla and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Layer on top of the milk
- Matcha Whipped Latte: In a small bowl using a hand mixer beat 1 tablespoon of matcha powder, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon Dream Whip, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of Milk. Spoon the mixture on top of chilled milk.
More Delicious Drink Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Instant Coffee Powder
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Hot Water
- 1 cup Milk or milk alternative
- 1/8 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Place the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer on a low speed, beat the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes, until it begins to turn a gold brown and becomes a thick and fluffy consistency.
- Pour the milk over ice in a tall glass and scoop the mixture on top using a spatula.
Easy to make but a little strong for me. I added French vanilla creamer to the milk and it was perfect for me! Soooo creamy! Thank you!
It is very strong! I agree. I like to stir the whipped topping into the milk to even out the flavor but the addition of the creamer sounds perfect.
I’ve been making this every day since coming across the recipe! I use Maxwell house instant coffee, pyure sweetener (tried using a little less than 1 tbsp, still whipped up beautifully), ice and almond milk. Tastes so rich, yet low fat & low carb! I use a tall, straight sided pint jar, whip it up with my immersion blender whisk, and add the ice and almond on top. Ready in less than 5 mins!
Do you know if this will work with real coffee?
Unfortunately, it won’t work with real coffee. It has to be instant coffee because there’s an emulsifier that allows it to react in such a way when beaten.
Super easy I doubled it, and used my immersion blender with the whisk attachment, took maybe 1 minute to get soft peeks 🤗 Delish
Yay, that’s so awesome! Glad you like it.
I also didn’t get the whip to work! I used 100% instant coffee (it was from Dollar Tree) and even ratios. Water was heated to 190 degrees, so it was definitely hot. I first used a hand mixer, then tried a bullet mixer and neither worked. I did mix the liquid substance in with milk and it tasted good; it tasted even better when we threw some ice cream and peanut butter in the bullet to make a shake lol.
Hmmm, this is the first I’ve heard where the actual instant coffee didn’t whip correctly. I wonder if it has something to do with the brand? I used Maxwell House and know several of the other big brands work too. I’m so sorry to hear yours didn’t turn out. I hate to suggest getting another brand and trying again, but that’s the only reason I can think it didn’t work? I’m glad you enjoyed the flavor though!
Mine never peaked either. I’ve done it several times, And love it anyway. My mixture still kinda floats on top of the milk but never gets those peaks I see on everyone else’s no matter how long I mix. I’m going to see if using a larger bowl will work. 🤞
Hmmm, I’m happy to help you troubleshoot! Often it’s one simple little change that will help get those peaks you see.
Love this. Had the same reaction reading this recipe last night, woke up early to make this. Used Medaglio D’Oro instant espresso and it was delicious over almond milk with a splash of half and half. Also reminds me of Thai iced coffee.
Oh, I love Thai iced coffee! This has been a fun new morning beverage. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
I made the original recipe, and it turned out perfectly! I’ve been trying your variations (chocolate and chai), and I’ve gotten nothing. What makes the original recipe fluffy? Is it the freeze-dried instant coffee (and whatever the science behind that)? I’ve tried substituting chai tea mix for the sugar or unsweetened cocoa for the instant coffee, and neither work. I’m welcoming any tips! Thanks!
Hey Mary, I have had to do a TON of trial and error, but I believe I’ve found a much better recipe that works better than the initial ones I suggested. I will be updated my post soon but in the meantime, you will need 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (or matcha etc), 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon Dream Whip, and 1 to 1 tablespoon of milk or water. If you don’t have Dream Whip, I’ll be posting an alternative version of that as well. I just made a matcha version and it turned out really well! I hope this helps and sorry my first versions didn’t work as well.
Thanks for the reply! And sounds great! I wonder if that same recipe could work for chai tea mix as well? Might be too much sugar though. I’m trying to make a whipped dirty chai (coffee + chai tea mix). I’ll work on it too and I’ll be looking for your updates! Thanks again!
Are you using the instant coffee and the chai tea mix along with the sugar and water to get a whipped version? Or are you using just the chai tea mix, sugar, and water? I ask because I bet it would whip if you included the instant coffee in that mixture.
So I did instant coffee, the chai tea powder mix instead of sugar since it already has sugar in it, and the hot water. Figured I could make a dirty chai, but sadly I got nothing! Just a soupy mixture. And I whipped it with a hand mixer for 15 minutes!
Okay, so I tried it the way you did this morning and ended up with the same soupy mixture. I did find an alternative way to make it using the exact same ingredients. I found if I made the whipped coffee as is and the beat in the chai tea powder at the very end (after the instant coffee had whipped) very quickly it worked. Basically, make the coffee then stir in the powder and you end up with a whipped dirty chai! I might actually make an entirely new post using this version!
Hmm that works! Although I’d like to figure it out using less sugar haha definitely more of a dessert than a drink! Regardless though, taste is on point! Definitely include it in your updates! Thanks so much!
Ok so I reread it wrong. I get what you’re saying! I’m making it right now! Whip the coffee and water first, get the foam, and then add in the chai tea mix at the end! It’s turning out perfectly!! Yay!!
GREAT! I found I was able to add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chai spice powder to get a more intense flavor. I also switched it up and put the whip on the bottom and pour the milk on top. It made for a perfectly smooth taste.
Ooo good idea!! I just put one tbsp of the chai mix (for 1 tbsp coffee and 1 tbsp water) but I definitely think it needs another 1-2 more! And I’ll try the whip on the bottom next time too! Thanks for teaming up with me in this endeavor! It’s fun to experiment!!
I tired this whipped coffee recipe and absolutely loved it!! I enjoyed it so much I wanted to try the chocolate version of it. I saw where it said to use 1 tbsp of hot cocoa mix with the same amount of sugar and water. Does this mean the instant hot chocolate mix or just regular powdered cocoa? Also, should the instant coffee be added as well or just those three ingredients? I tried both the mix and plain but couldn’t get either to fluff, so I was wondering if anyone had any tips? Thanks!!
Hi, Ashlyn! So I was only able to make it work by adding the instant cocoa powder to the instant coffee mixture. I will make this more clear in the directions. I’ve been trying all different kinds of version for see what will work and what won’t. I did a cappuccino version where I put it on top of espresso and it was all delicious. That recipe is called beaten coffee on my site. Hope this helps and I hope to have more recipe versions soon!
Hi I made this and had some leftovers and was wondering how to store it without it solidifying?
You can store it in an air-tight container and keep it in the refrigerator. Thanks!
Used the big blender cup and whip attachment with my immersion blender. Took less than 2 minutes to whip up! I used cafe bustelo instant espresso. The coffee flavor is very strong, but perfect when stirred with the milk. I used pyure sweetener (1 tbsp), mostly almond milk with a bit of half and half. I used plain unsweetened almond milk, so added a dash of vanilla to the milk.
Delicious alternative to plain iced coffee!
Oh, that’s a great idea to use the immersion blender! I’ll have to add that information to the post. I agree the flavor is strong, which I why I recommend stirring it in as you did.
I made this with a sugar substitute and put it over a vanilla protein shake instead of milk with a little drizzle of sugar-free caramel coffee syrup on top and it was amazing.
Umm, that is genius and sounds absolutely delicious! I’m definitely going to try it that way too.
Will this work with any type of sugar substitute?
Hey Karen, I think as long as it’s a powdered sugar substitute and the same equivalent (this recipe uses 2 tablespoons) it should work, however, I have not tried it. I’ll try it out and see and write back.
I tried it with Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener ( not powdered) nd its delicious. But the recipe calls for 1T not 2 as mentioned above.
WONDERFUL! Thank you so much for writing to tell me. I will add this information to the post now and yes you are correct the recipe only calls for 1 tablespoon. I thought I’d doubled the recipe on the recipe card, but did not.
It’s really cool how it whips up but it’s gross. Do you know if espresso and hot water would whip up like that?
I certainly understand the flavor is strong. I don’t actually think it would work with espresso because I’ve only been able to get the right consistency using instant coffee. I do suggest stirring the whipped coffee into the milk though. It helps to cut down the strong taste and even it out. You could also add additional sugar or flavored syrup after you’ve whipped it. Hope these options help!
Hey! If using a hand-mixer, how long should you expect to mix before it is at the right consistency? Also, would it mess up the recipe to double the sugar only to make it a little more sweet. My instant coffee is SO strong and it was a little too bitter for me. Or what other suggestions might you have to make it more sweet? Thanks in advance!
Hey Katie, you’ll get to the right consistency around 5 minutes of mixing on medium-low speed, but you can also add another minute if you’re not completely sure. I haven’t tried doubling the sugar. My suggestion would be to add the additional sugar after you’ve gotten the coffee to the whipped point. Hope this helps!!