Whipped coffee, also known as Dalgona coffee, became a viral sensation during the early days of the pandemic. This frothy, velvety coffee drink is easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. Whether you want to enjoy it hot or cold, this guide will walk you through every step of making the perfect whipped coffee, along with variations, tips, and troubleshooting advice.
What Is Whipped Coffee?
Whipped coffee, commonly referred to as Dalgona coffee, originates from South Korea and gained widespread popularity after it was featured on a Korean TV show. The name “Dalgona” comes from a traditional Korean honeycomb toffee that has a similar caramel-like appearance and flavor.
The recipe is simple: whip together instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it becomes light, airy, and frothy, then serve it over milk. The result is a beautifully layered coffee drink that looks like something out of a café.
Ingredients Needed for Whipped Coffee
Before you start, make sure you have the following ingredients:
- Instant coffee (2 tablespoons) – The key ingredient that creates the frothy texture. Regular ground coffee or espresso powder will not work as well.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons) – Granulated sugar works best, but you can also use brown sugar, coconut sugar, or sugar substitutes.
- Hot water (2 tablespoons) – Helps dissolve the coffee and sugar quickly, making it easier to whip.
- Milk (1 cup) – You can use any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, oat, or soy milk).
- Ice cubes (optional) – If making an iced version.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Whipped Coffee
Step 1: Whip the Coffee Mixture
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of hot water.
- Use a hand mixer, stand mixer, or a whisk to whip the mixture until it becomes thick and frothy. This can take:
- Hand whisking: 8-12 minutes of continuous whipping
- Hand mixer: 2-5 minutes on high speed
- Stand mixer: 2-3 minutes on high speed
- The mixture should form stiff peaks and have a light caramel color when it’s ready.
Step 2: Prepare the Milk
- If making an iced whipped coffee, fill a glass with ice cubes and pour in 1 cup of cold milk.
- For a hot whipped coffee, heat 1 cup of milk on the stove or microwave until warm, then pour it into a mug.
Step 3: Assemble the Drink
- Spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of the milk.
- Gently stir before drinking to mix the layers together, or enjoy as-is with the whipped topping sitting on top.
Tips for the Perfect Whipped Coffee
- Use instant coffee – Ground coffee or freshly brewed coffee will not produce the same frothy texture.
- Adjust sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar. However, sugar helps stabilize the foam.
- Use a whisk for a workout – While using a hand or stand mixer is faster, whisking manually is a great arm workout!
- Chill your bowl – Using a chilled mixing bowl can help the mixture whip up faster.
- Try different milks – Oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk all work well.
Variations of Whipped Coffee
Once you’ve mastered the basic whipped coffee recipe, try these fun variations:
1. Mocha Whipped Coffee
- Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the instant coffee mixture before whipping. This gives it a rich, chocolatey flavor.
2. Vanilla Whipped Coffee
- Stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract into the whipped coffee mixture for a smooth and aromatic taste.
3. Caramel Whipped Coffee
- Drizzle caramel syrup over the whipped coffee before serving for a sweet, dessert-like treat.
4. Spiced Whipped Coffee
- Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to the mixture before whipping for a seasonal twist.
5. Matcha Whipped Coffee
- Instead of instant coffee, use 2 tablespoons of matcha powder and whip with heavy cream instead of water for a matcha version.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. My Coffee Isn’t Whipping Properly
- Make sure you’re using instant coffee, not ground coffee.
- Ensure the ratio of coffee, sugar, and hot water is correct (2:2:2).
- Use a high-speed hand or stand mixer if whisking by hand is taking too long.
2. My Whipped Coffee Is Too Bitter
- Reduce the coffee to 1 tablespoon if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Add more milk or sugar to balance the bitterness.
3. My Coffee Foam Deflated Quickly
- Make sure to whip until stiff peaks form.
- Avoid overmixing; once it’s frothy, stop whipping.
- Use white granulated sugar instead of sugar substitutes, as sugar helps stabilize the foam.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information
Whipped coffee, when consumed in moderation, has several benefits:
- Caffeine Boost – Provides an energy boost and helps with alertness.
- Rich in Antioxidants – Coffee contains antioxidants that support overall health.
- Customizable for Different Diets – Can be made vegan, keto, or sugar-free by adjusting ingredients.
Estimated Nutrition per Serving (without milk):
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 8g
- Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
To reduce calories, use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit and pair it with unsweetened almond milk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Brewed Coffee Instead of Instant Coffee?
No, brewed coffee lacks the necessary structure to create a thick and stable foam.
2. Can I Make Whipped Coffee Without Sugar?
Yes, but the foam may not hold as long. If using a sugar substitute, monk fruit or erythritol works best.
3. Can I Store Whipped Coffee?
Yes! You can make extra whipped coffee and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just re-whip before using if needed.
4. Can I Make Whipped Coffee Without a Mixer?
Yes, but it will take longer. Use a balloon whisk and a lot of patience, or shake vigorously in a closed jar.
5. Can I Make a Large Batch for a Party?
Absolutely! Simply double or triple the ingredients, whip it up, and serve fresh over milk.
Final Thoughts
Whipped coffee is a delicious, Instagram-worthy drink that you can easily make at home with just a few ingredients. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, experimenting with different flavors and toppings makes it a fun and customizable treat.
Now that you know how to make the perfect whipped coffee, go ahead and try it out! Share your creations with friends and family, and don’t forget to take a picture before you stir it all together.
Happy whisking! ☕✨
