How to Make Whipped Dalgona Coffee at Home

Remember when the internet went wild over that fluffy, cloud-like coffee in 2020?

That was Dalgona coffee—part drink, part showstopper. It’s just instant coffee, sugar, and milk, but somehow it feels like magic in a glass.

The best part? You don’t need a fancy café or a barista’s touch. With a whisk, a few minutes, and some patience, you can whip it up at home.

Let’s break down how to make your own Dalgona coffee that is simple, fun, and every bit as Instagram-worthy as the trend promised.

What is Dalgona Coffee?

Dalgona coffee gets its name from a Korean honeycomb toffee candy called “dalgona,” a nostalgic street treat known for its sweet, caramel-like crunch and golden color.

When this whipped drink first hit the scene, people noticed how its frothy top looked just like that candy, and the name stuck.

It went from local inspiration to worldwide sensation almost overnight, thanks to TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube—where millions of homebound coffee lovers filmed themselves whisking away during the global lockdowns.

What made it spread like wildfire wasn’t just the novelty, but the fact that anyone could make it with pantry basics and no special tools.

People fell in love with its creamy, mousse-like texture, the way the thick golden whip floated over milk like a coffee cloud, and, of course, the satisfying moment you stir it all together.

It’s part science experiment, part dessert, and part comfort ritual and proof that even in uncertain times, simple things can bring a little joy and a whole lot of froth!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Instant coffee – 2 tablespoons (must be instant; brewed or ground coffee won’t whip).
• Sugar – 2 tablespoons (white sugar gives the fluffiest whip, but brown sugar works too).
• Hot water – 2 tablespoons (helps dissolve coffee and sugar quickly).
• Milk of choice – 1 cup (dairy, almond, oat, soy, or whatever you like).
• Optional toppings – a sprinkle of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or even crushed biscuits for extra flair.

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing Bowl

A medium-sized mixing bowl is your starting point. Go for something deep enough to prevent splatters, especially if you’re whisking by hand.

A metal or glass bowl works best because they’re sturdy and easy to clean. If you chill the bowl before whipping, the foam comes together a little faster.

Whisk, Mixer, or Frother

Here’s where your patience, or gadgets, come in. A hand whisk will get the job done, but expect an arm workout that takes 8–12 minutes of steady whipping.

An electric hand mixer or stand mixer speeds things up to about 3–5 minutes and gives fluffier results with less effort.

If you’ve got a milk frother, that’s the cheat code because its fast, efficient, and perfect for small batches.

No matter what you use, the goal is the same: thick, glossy peaks that can sit proudly on top of your milk.

Tall Glass

Presentation matters. A tall glass not only makes your drink look café-worthy, but it also gives you enough room to layer the milk and coffee whip beautifully.

The contrast between the white milk and golden foam is half the fun, and a clear glass lets you show it off.

Spoon

A sturdy spoon is your final tool. You’ll need it to scoop the whipped coffee out of the bowl and gently layer it over the milk.

A wide spoon works best for spreading, while a smaller one can help swirl and stir before you sip. Think of it as your brush for painting that signature Dalgona “coffee cloud.”

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients

Start by adding 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of hot water into your mixing bowl. These equal parts are the magic formula that makes the whip possible.

Instant coffee is key here because it dissolves quickly and has the right texture to froth—regular brewed coffee just won’t cut it.

Step 2: Whip to Perfection

Now, grab your whisk, mixer, or frother and get to work. If you’re using an electric mixer, you’ll see the mixture turn fluffy in about 3–5 minutes.

With a hand whisk, you’ll need closer to 8–12 minutes, so settle in because it’s an arm workout, but worth it. The goal is to whip until you’ve got a thick, golden-brown foam that can hold stiff peaks, almost like whipped cream. Stop too early, and it’ll be runny; keep going until it looks rich and glossy.

Step 3: Prep the Milk Base

Fill a tall glass with about 1 cup of milk. You can use it warm for a cozy treat or cold with ice cubes for a refreshing version.

The milk acts as the smooth base that balances the strong, sweet whip on top. Choose dairy or non-dairy—it’s completely flexible.

Step 4: Add the Coffee Cloud

Scoop the whipped coffee mixture with your spoon and gently layer it over the milk. Don’t rush this part; half the fun is watching the foam sit on top like a golden crown.

The contrast of creamy white milk and caramel-colored whip makes it look straight out of a café.

Step 5: Time to Sip

You’ve got two options now. Stir it all together to create a creamy, coffee-flavored drink, or leave it layered for that picture-perfect aesthetic and sip through the foam.

Either way, you’ve just made Dalgona coffee at home that is frothy, fun, and surprisingly fancy for something built on pantry staples.

Tips for Perfect Whip

Stick to Instant Coffee

Instant coffee isn’t just a suggestion but it’s non-negotiable. Ground or brewed coffee won’t whip because it doesn’t have the same concentration or structure.

The freeze-dried nature of instant coffee is what allows it to foam up into that thick, cloud-like texture. If you try to swap it out, you’ll end up with a sad puddle instead of a silky whip.

Use Hot Water for the Base

Hot water is your silent helper. It dissolves the sugar and coffee granules quickly, creating a smooth base that’s ready to be whipped.

Cold water can leave tiny bits that make the mixture grainy and stubborn, so keep it hot (but not boiling).

Aim for Creamy, Not Grainy

Don’t stop whisking too soon. The mixture should be glossy, golden brown, and thick enough to hold stiff peaks, much like whipped cream.

If it looks dull or falls flat when you lift your whisk, you’re not there yet.

On the flip side, over-whipping can make it lose volume, so watch closely. You’re aiming for that sweet spot where it looks almost like mousse.

Speed Things Up with Smart Tricks

If you don’t feel like turning this into a workout, use an electric mixer or even a frother to cut your time in half. Another pro tip? Chill your mixing bowl in the fridge for a few minutes before you start.

The cooler surface helps stabilize the foam faster, making the process smoother and less of a marathon. Little tweaks like this make a big difference when you’re chasing that picture-perfect whip.

Flavor Variations

Mocha

If you’re a chocolate lover, turning your Dalgona into a mocha is as easy as adding a spoonful of cocoa powder into the coffee mix before whipping.

The cocoa deepens the flavor and balances out the sweetness, giving you something that tastes like a homemade café mocha—rich, frothy, and indulgent. It’s dessert in a glass without the price tag.

Vanilla

Vanilla works wonders for softening the strong bite of coffee. Simply stir a few drops of vanilla extract into your milk before topping it with the whip.

The subtle sweetness of vanilla rounds out the bold coffee foam and makes the drink smoother. It’s a small tweak, but it changes the whole vibe from bold and punchy to mellow and cozy.

Caramel

For anyone who loves a sweet, sticky touch, drizzle caramel syrup along the inside of your glass before pouring in the milk. Then add your Dalgona foam on top.

As you sip, the caramel swirls into every layer, giving you a café-worthy caramel latte look and flavor. It’s a showstopper for guests and a treat-yourself upgrade when you want more than the basics.

Spiced

Adding a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice on top instantly gives your drink a warm, seasonal kick.

These spices pair perfectly with the sweet, bitter whip and transform the drink into something that feels festive.

It’s basically fall-in-a-glass, but you can enjoy it anytime of year when you want a cozy boost.

Iced Matcha Twist

If coffee isn’t your thing, or you just want a colorful alternative, try making a whipped matcha version.

Instead of coffee, whip matcha powder with sugar and a splash of cream or aquafaba until it turns fluffy. Spoon that green foam over iced milk for a fresh, earthy twist on the Dalgona trend.

It’s a playful way to enjoy the ritual without the caffeine overload.

Health & Nutrition Notes

Watch the Sugar

Classic Dalgona coffee calls for equal parts sugar and coffee, which gives it that signature stiff foam. But let’s be real—it’s a sugar-heavy treat.

If you’re keeping an eye on your intake, you can cut the sugar down slightly or swap it for alternatives like stevia, monk fruit, or coconut sugar.

Just keep in mind that texture might change a bit since sugar helps create the stable whip. Think of sugar as the glue that holds the foam together.

Dairy-Free Friendly

One of the best things about Dalgona coffee is how easy it is to make it vegan or dairy-free. The whip itself doesn’t rely on milk—it’s just coffee, sugar, and water.

That means the milk base is totally up to you. Almond milk, oat milk, soy, or coconut all work beautifully, and each brings its own subtle flavor.

Oat milk, in particular, gives a creamy café-style feel without dairy.

Mind the Caffeine

Dalgona coffee may look like a fluffy dessert, but don’t forget it packs a caffeine punch.

The exact amount depends on the brand of instant coffee you use, but two tablespoons usually equal two strong servings of coffee.

If you’re sensitive to caffeine, stick to decaf instant coffee—you’ll still get the froth without the jitters. It’s the same fun drink, just minus the wide-eyed, 2 a.m. energy.

Final Words

Dalgona coffee proves that simple ingredients can turn into something special. It’s easy, fun, and indulgent without being overcomplicated.

More than a caffeine hit, it’s a small ritual that feels like a treat in your day. So grab your whisk, play with flavors, and whip up your own version.

Snap a photo, share it online, and enjoy every frothy sip because you’ve just brought the café home!

FAQs

Why only instant coffee?

Instant coffee dissolves fast and has the right consistency to whip into foam. Brewed or ground coffee just won’t froth the same way.

Can you store whipped coffee in the fridge?

Yes, but only for a day or two. The foam will deflate over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you must store it, keep it in an airtight container.

Can I make it without sugar?

You can, but the whip won’t hold as well. Sugar acts like scaffolding for the foam. For less sweetness, reduce the sugar or try alternatives like stevia or monk fruit.

Does it work with decaf?

Absolutely. Use decaf instant coffee and you’ll get the same fluffy foam without the late-night jitters.

Do I have to stir it before drinking?

Not at all. Stirring gives you a creamy coffee drink, but leaving it layered lets you sip through the foam for that café-style experience. Both ways taste great but it’s all about your preference.