Fluffy Dalgona Coffee (Whipped Coffee)

What Is Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona coffee has so many names and ways people call it. Whipped coffee, cloud coffee, frothed coffee, and magic coffee are some names it refers to.
Although this drink became popular with South Korean people sharing it through TikTok, allegedly, this caffeinated drink originates from Macau with a translated name as hand-beaten coffee. It went viral when a South Korean actor introduced the drink and called it Dalgona because it reminded him of the texture of Korean sugar candy, called Dalgona.
Similar drinks with a similar whipping method also exist in other countries, such as India and Pakistan with Phenti Hui coffee (Phitti Hui coffee) or Italy with Frappe. All use the beating method to make the beverage fluffy.
Dalgona coffee is different because the coffee mixture is whipped separately from the milk until it is light, smooth, silky, and foamy. Essentially, it is an upside-down whipped coffee or frappe. So, instead of frothing up the milk portion of the drink, you whip up the coffee and then spoon it on top of the milk of choice.
The best thing is it’s so simple to make, doesn’t take long, and tastes delicious. In five minutes, this fluffy, creamy coffee drink is ready. You can also enjoy it as a hot or cold drink.
You’ll know why this Dalgona coffee has become popular when you try it. Because from its making process to its taste, everything about it is interesting. Try making your morning coffee a Dalgona, I promise you won’t regret it.
Why You’ll Enjoy Making This Whipped Coffee
- Perfect for social occasions: This whipped instant coffee recipe is excellent for sipping with friends and works nicely as a sweet treat. It’s tastier than anything you will find in your local coffee shop.
- Your drink, your way: You can enjoy this hot or cold. The method is the same both ways.
- Affordable: You will get more for your money when you make your favorite drink at home.
- Flexible: You can adjust the sweetness or the coffee strength to your liking.
- Free additions: No need to pay extra for a squirt of cream or added syrup. Make this gorgeous coffee drink just the way you like it.
- Available any time: Can’t wait for your coffee shop to open? Or are you feeling like a late-night decaf version? You don’t have to go out to enjoy this drink in minutes. You can sip on this unique whipped coffee in your living room if you have the ingredients.
Simple Ingredients for Dalgona Coffee
- Instant coffee: This works best for the texture we are after.
- Water: You can use hot boiling water for a hot Dalgona or cold water for the cold version.
- Milk of choice: Cold or hot. Whole milk works well, but you can also use semi-skimmed or skimmed milk. If you prefer, you can use plant-based milk such as oat.
- Sugar: Demerara gives the best consistency when whipping. However, you can also use granulated, brown, or coconut sugar.
- Optional ice cubes: When making a cold drink, blend the milk with the ice or pour it over the cubes before topping it with whipped coffee.
- Optional whipped cream/ toppings of choice: You won’t need these as this beaten coffee is creamy and sweet. But feel free to sprinkle some cocoa, grated chocolate, cookies, or even a squeeze of whipping cream if you like.
Equipment Needed
Most people have these items already in their kitchen. Don’t worry if you don’t have any electric gadgets. You can still make it by hand with a handheld whisk, though it may take longer.
- Mixing bowl: To whisk the coffee, sugar, and water mixture.
- Milk pan: Works great on the stovetop to gently heat the milk if making hot Dalgona. Or, you can use a frother/ velvetizer to warm your milk.
- Electric hand mixer or handheld whisk: The latter will take longer to whip the coffee.
How to Make Dalgona Coffee
The basic rule to make this delicious coffee is to use a 1:1 ratio for each ingredient. So, if you want to use one tablespoon of instant espresso, add the same amount of sugar and boiled water.
Place the water, instant coffee, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Whisk the mixture until you get stiff peaks, just like whipped cream. This can take a few minutes. If you are doing it by hand, it can take anywhere between 5 and 15 minutes. Don’t give up! You will notice the color will change from dark to light. This is a good indication that it is ready.
Pour the milk into a glass or mug. If you want a hot drink, warm the milk in a saucepan over the stove or use a velvetizer like this one. This small electric gadget will make the milk slightly frothy and creamier. Use cold milk and ice cubes if you prefer a cold coffee beverage.
Spoon over the whipped coffee mixture into the milk. Your Dalgona coffee is now ready! You can add some whipped cream, though it may be a balancing act!
Substitutions and Variations
The best thing about making your coffee drink at home is that everything, even the coffee brand, is interchangeable. You can even create a decaf version if you don’t want the caffeine kick.
Experiment with different types of milk; if you don’t like dairy, there are many other plant-based options. You can even try a sweetener instead of granulated sugar or do half and half.
The possibilities are endless.
Dalgona Coffee Made Easy
There you have it, your very own Dalgona coffee that looks as cool as it tastes. This isn’t just a drink; it’s a creamy masterpiece of an indulgent beverage. With this easy-peasy recipe, you can enjoy your homemade coffee treat anytime, every sip!
Dalgona Coffee Recipe
Equipment
- Handheld mixer, handheld whisk, or stand mixer.
- Saucepan or electric frother if you’re making hot Dalgona coffee.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso/ instant coffee
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 8-12 fluid ounces milk
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk using a handheld mixer, handheld whisk, or stand mixer.
- As you keep mixing, the mixture will turn light in color and thick in texture.
- It takes approximately 5 minutes to get a stiff peak meringue-like coffee mixture. If you beat it using a handheld whisk, it can take as long as 15 minutes, depending on how you do it.
- If you’re making a hot coffee drink, warm the milk in a saucepan over the stove or use an electric frother if you have one. Pour the milk into a glass or cup, then spoon the fluffy coffee mixture onto the milk.
Notes
- Use hot boiling water when making hot Dalgona coffee or cold water if making the cold version.
- If you like your drink to be creamier and fluffier, froth the milk before adding the whipped coffee to it.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Nutritional info in this recipe is only estimate using online calculator. You should refer to it as a guide only. Please verify with your own data if you seek an accurate info.