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Dalgona coffee.

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Whipped Dalgona Coffee Recipe, The viral 4-ingredient coffee drink made with instant coffee, sugar, hot water, and milk. Learn how to make the perfect fluffy and creamy whipped coffee at home in just 5 minutes!

Brad Laurent
By Brad Laurent
Pin itDalgona Coffee in Glass with Whipped FoamDalgona Coffee in Glass with Whipped Foam | recipesbybrad.comA glass of creamy dalgona coffee topped with whipped coffee foam on a wooden table

The Ultimate Guide to Making Dalgona Coffee

Quick Overview

Dalgona coffee has taken the world by storm with its creamy texture and eye-catching layers. This trendy whipped coffee is made by whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until fluffy and then topping it over cold or hot milk. The result is a rich, frothy beverage that looks as delightful as it tastes. Whether you want a quick morning pick-me-up or a fun drink to impress guests, dalgona coffee offers a unique twist on your daily cup.

Ingredient Breakdown

Instant Coffee Powder

Instant coffee powder is essential for creating the signature fluffy foam of dalgona coffee. It dissolves quickly when mixed with hot water and whips into stiff peaks easily. Use a strong-tasting instant coffee for best flavor results.

Granulated Sugar

Sugar not only sweetens the dalgona mixture but also helps stabilize the foam when whipped. Granulated white sugar works best because it dissolves evenly in hot water and contributes to the creamy texture.

Hot Water

Hot water activates the instant coffee and sugar mixture to create thick bubbles during whipping. Use boiling or near-boiling water to ensure the ingredients dissolve properly for maximum froth.

Milk (Cold or Hot)

Milk serves as the base for your dalgona coffee drink. You can use cold milk to make an iced version or warm milk for a cozy hot drink. Whole milk gives creamier results but any milk type or plant-based alternative works well.

Recipe preparation image

Recipe preparation step

Step By Step Recipe: Dalgona Coffee

Step 1: Combine Instant Coffee, Sugar, and Hot Water

Measure 2 tablespoons each of instant coffee powder and granulated sugar into a medium mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of hot water to the bowl. This equal ratio ensures optimal whipping consistency and sweetness balance.

Step 2: Whip Until Fluffy Peaks Form

Using an electric mixer or hand whisk, vigorously whip the mixture for about 3 to 5 minutes. Continue until it becomes thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks that hold their shape when lifted.

Step 3: Prepare Your Milk Base

Pour about 1 cup (240 ml) of cold or warm milk into a glass or mug based on your preference. If desired, add ice cubes for an iced version before pouring milk.

Step 4: Spoon the Whipped Coffee Foam Over Milk

Gently spoon the whipped dalgona mixture over the surface of your prepared milk. Use a spatula to spread evenly if needed without mixing it in immediately.

Step 5: Serve With a Stirrer and Enjoy

Serve your dalgona coffee with a long spoon or straw so you can stir the fluffy layer into the milk before sipping. This creates a rich blend of creamy foam and smooth milk in every mouthful.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Tip: Customize Sweetness and Milk Type

Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar in step one if you prefer less sweet drinks. Try using oat or almond milk as alternatives for different flavors and dietary needs while maintaining creamy texture.

Serving Tip: Add Toppings for Extra Flair

Sprinkle cocoa powder, cinnamon powder, or chocolate shavings on top of your dalgona foam just before serving to add aroma and visual appeal that complements the rich taste perfectly.

Storing Tip: Consume Immediately for Best Texture

Dalgona foam tends to deflate over time so it’s best served right after preparation for optimal fluffiness. If storing overnight in the fridge, expect some loss of volume but flavor will remain good.

Storing Tip: Keep Ingredients Ready Separately

If making ahead is necessary, keep your whipped dalgona mixture refrigerated in an airtight container separately from cold milk base. Shake lightly before serving to regain slight fluffiness if needed.

This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about making delicious dalgona coffee at home with easy steps and helpful tips that guarantee great results every time!## Mistakes to avoid

One common mistake when making dalgona coffee is using instant coffee that isn’t strong enough. The key to achieving the signature fluffy texture lies in using a good quality, robust instant coffee. Weak or low-grade coffee powder won’t whip up properly and the foam will fail to form. Also, avoid substituting instant coffee with ground coffee or espresso as they don’t dissolve quickly and will ruin the frothy consistency.

Another mistake is overwhipping or underwhipping the mixture. Whipping too little causes the foam to be runny and unstable, while overwhipping can make it grainy and dry. Aim for a creamy, thick texture with soft peaks that hold their shape on top of the milk. Stop whipping as soon as you see stiff peaks forming to get the perfect dalgona coffee.

Using cold milk straight from the fridge without warming can affect the overall experience. If the milk is too cold, it may cause the whipped coffee to deflate faster once poured on top. Slightly warm your milk before adding the dalgona foam to maintain its light, airy texture longer and enhance flavor fusion between layers.

Another error is neglecting proper proportions for each ingredient. The classic ratio of equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water is essential for balance in taste and texture. Using too much sugar or less water disrupts this harmony, making your dalgona coffee either overly sweet or difficult to whip well.

Finally, stirring the whipped coffee back into the milk defeats its whole purpose. Dalgona coffee should be served as distinct layers: creamy whipped foam on top of cold or warm milk underneath. Mixing dilutes its visual appeal and changes the delightful contrast in flavor and texture that makes this drink special.

Tips and tricks

To make perfect dalgona coffee every time, start by using hot water near boiling point for whipping with instant coffee and sugar. Hot water helps dissolve these ingredients better and activates air bubbles during whipping, resulting in a stable foam that lasts longer on your drink’s surface.

Use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer instead of whisking by hand if you want faster results. Hand-whisking can take up to 10-15 minutes to reach stiff peaks, while an electric mixer can do this in 3-5 minutes effortlessly without tiring your arm or risking inconsistent texture.

Chill your glass before preparing your dalgona coffee drink for a refreshing experience especially during hot weather. A cold glass keeps the milk cooler longer and preserves the integrity of the fluffy whipped topping when served immediately after preparation.

Experiment with milk options like oat, almond, or coconut milk instead of regular dairy for unique flavor profiles that complement dalgona coffee’s rich sweetness well. These plant-based milks add subtle nutty or creamy undertones while keeping your beverage vegan-friendly without sacrificing texture.

Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg on top of the whipped dalgona foam just before serving for extra aroma and taste complexity. This simple finishing touch enhances both presentation and flavor depth without overpowering the delicate balance between bitter-sweet foam and smooth milk.

If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce sugar slightly but keep equal parts with coffee powder and water so whipping ability remains intact. Alternatively, try substituting granulated sugar with powdered sugar for smoother whipping results because it dissolves more quickly under heat and motion.

Suggestions for Dalgona coffee

Try layering dalgona coffee over iced milk with ice cubes for a chilled beverage perfect on warmer days. The ice slows melting of whipped foam allowing you more time to enjoy distinct textures before they blend together into creamy sweetness.

Serve dalgona coffee in clear glasses or mugs to showcase its beautiful layered appearance—golden brown frothy top contrasted against white milk below creates an inviting visual effect ideal for social media sharing or entertaining guests.

Pair your dalgona coffee with light pastries such as buttery croissants or almond biscotti which complement its bittersweet flavor profile nicely without overwhelming your palate.

For a twist on classic dalgona coffee, add flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel into your milk base before topping with whipped foam to add richness while maintaining signature texture contrast between layers.

Make mini versions by preparing smaller portions in shot glasses as fun party treats or dessert accompaniments that let everyone enjoy this trendy drink without committing to a full serving size.

Experiment by folding crushed ice directly into whipped dalgona mixture before spooning onto milk; it creates an interesting slushy effect inside fluffy foam adding playful variation in mouthfeel while maintaining traditional taste.

FAQs

What is dalgona coffee made from?

Dalgona coffee consists mainly of instant coffee powder, sugar, hot water, and milk. The key step involves whipping equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until thick and frothy before spooning it atop cold or warm milk for drinking. This creates a visually appealing layered drink with creamy foam sitting above smooth milk.

Can I use ground coffee instead of instant for making dalgona coffee?

No, ground coffee is not suitable because it doesn’t dissolve quickly enough during whipping like instant powder does. Using ground beans results in gritty texture rather than smooth airy foam needed for authentic dalgona coffee’s fluffy consistency.

How long does dalgona foam last once made?

The whipped foam holds best immediately after preparation but typically maintains structure well up to 30 minutes if kept cool without stirring into milk prematurely. Over time it may start losing volume as air bubbles deflate but still remains enjoyable within reasonable timeframes post-whipping.

Is dalgona coffee caffeinated?

Yes, since it contains instant coffee powder mixed into its whipped topping layer; it naturally has caffeine content similar to other brewed coffees depending on quantity used per serving size.

Can I make dalgona coffee vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute dairy milk with any plant-based alternative like almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk when assembling your drink while keeping original proportions of whipped topping ingredients unchanged.

Why is my dalgona foam not forming stiff peaks?

If your foam stays runny after whipping longer than expected check these factors: ensure you use equal parts instant coffee powder/sugar/hot water; use hot freshly boiled water; try switching mixers if whisking manually; verify quality & strength of instant coffee used; avoid adding cold liquids during whipping phase which hinders peak formation.

Summary

Dalgona coffee relies heavily on proper ingredient ratios, correct technique, and quality instant coffee to achieve its signature fluffy foam atop smooth milk layers. Avoid common mistakes such as weak instant powder use or overwhipping that compromise texture stability. Using hot water helps create firm peaks faster while experimenting with different milks can refresh its flavor profile beautifully. Simple suggestions like chilling glasses or adding spices can elevate presentation without changing fundamental preparation steps. Answered FAQs clarify typical doubts ensuring beginners succeed easily making this trendy beverage at home consistently delicious every time.