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Dalgona Whipped Coffee: Make The Perfect 3-Ingredient Recipe
Dreaming of that viral, impossibly frothy coffee but intimidated by complicated recipes? Many struggle to achieve that perfect, creamy whip, ending up with a watery mess instead of a luxurious topping. You’re not alone in wanting a simple, foolproof method.
Dalgona whipped coffee is a popular Korean drink made by vigorously whipping equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it becomes thick and frothy, then serving this creamy foam over milk. This easy 3-ingredient recipe creates a delicious, visually appealing beverage perfect for coffee lovers at home. Leveraging tested frameworks and data-driven insights, this guide will demystify the dalgona whipped coffee recipe, revealing the proven dalgona technique to effortlessly create a café-quality homemade dalgona coffee that will impress every time.
Master the Art of Dalgona Whipped Coffee: Your Guide to the Perfect 3-Ingredient Recipe
Achieving the perfect dalgona coffee is simpler than you might think, especially when you master the coffee whipping method that transforms basic ingredients into a creamy frothy mixture. This guide will walk you through the precise steps, from selecting your ingredients to the final delightful pour, ensuring you can make whipped coffee that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. We’ll focus on the essential 3 ingredients recipe and dalgona coffee formula to help you create a stable, fluffy dalgona coffee foam every time, turning your kitchen into your favorite DIY cafe drinks spot.
1. Measure Your 3 Key Ingredients for the Dalgona Whip

Pin this simple ingredient prep to your “Coffee Creations” board!
The foundation of any successful dalgona whipped coffee recipe lies in accurately measuring the right ingredients in precise proportions. To create the thick dalgona mixture that becomes your frothy topping, you need just three key components: instant coffee, granulated sugar, and boiling hot water. Understanding the specific role each plays and adhering to the optimal dalgona ratios ensures a stable, aerated coffee foam that can hold its shape. Getting this initial step right is crucial for a delicious whipped coffee experience.
What You Need
- High-Quality Instant Coffee Powder: (2 tablespoons) Not regular ground coffee. Look for freeze-dried options for faster dissolution and better foam.
- Granulated Sugar: (2 tablespoons) Standard white sugar provides the necessary structure and sweetness. Avoid powdered sugar as it contains cornstarch.
- Boiling Hot Water: (2 tablespoons) Freshly boiled water is crucial for dissolving the coffee and sugar quickly, aiding the whipping process.
What To Do
- Gather Ingredients: Collect your chosen instant coffee, granulated sugar, and ensure you have access to freshly boiled water.
- Measure Precisely: Use clean measuring spoons to accurately measure 2 tablespoons of instant coffee powder, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of boiling hot water. The 1:1:1 ratio is key.
- Combine in Bowl: Carefully transfer the measured coffee, sugar, and hot water into a clean, medium-sized mixing bowl. Ensure the bowl is large enough to contain the mixture once it begins to whip and expand.
Pro-Tip: For the most stable and “perfect dalgona,” always use a strong, dark roast instant coffee. Its higher concentration of coffee solids contributes to a more robust and visually appealing foam, reflecting “advanced coffee chemistry” in action.
2. Whip the Coffee Mixture to Light, Fluffy Peaks

Save this step to your “DIY Coffee Drinks” board for your next Dalgona!
Whipping the instant coffee sugar and hot water mixture is the most critical step to creating fluffy dalgona coffee. This process involves aerating the liquids until they transform into a creamy whipped coffee foam that holds its shape. Whether you opt for the energetic hand whisk method or the efficiency of an electric mixer dalgona, the goal is to achieve stable dalgona whip with distinct, golden brown coffee foam peaks. Patience and technique are key to mastering this aeration technique for a truly delightful whipped coffee.
Tools Required
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl, preferably glass or metal, for easy whipping.
- Whisk: Either a sturdy balloon whisk (for manual whipping) or an electric hand mixer for faster, more consistent results.
Instructions
- Start Whisking: Begin whisking the coffee, sugar, and hot water mixture in your bowl. If using a hand whisk, use vigorous, circular motions. If using an electric hand mixer, start on low speed and gradually increase to medium-high.
- Observe Transformation: Continue to “beat coffee mixture” for 3-5 minutes (manual) or 1-2 minutes (electric). The mixture will first become light brown and runny, then gradually thicken, lighten in color, and expand in volume.
- Achieve Stiff Peaks: Keep “whipping” until the mixture transforms into a “creamy whipped coffee” foam that is “light and fluffy coffee” and can hold stiff peaks when you lift the whisk. The color should be a uniform golden brown.
- Test Foam Stability: Gently tilt the bowl; the foam should remain largely in place without sliding or collapsing, indicating good “foam stability in beverages.”
Pro-Tip: The “sugar’s role in foam structure” is critical; it stabilizes the air bubbles created during whipping. If your mixture isn’t thickening, ensure your water was hot enough and continue whisking. Sometimes, patience and a powerful whisk are the keys to successful “coffee emulsification.”
3. Combine and Serve Your Frothy Dalgona Coffee

This perfectly frothy Dalgona is ready for your “Drink Recipes” board!
The final step in creating your homemade dalgona coffee is the artful combination of the sweet coffee foam with your preferred milk. Whether you desire a cold dalgona coffee with ice or a comforting hot version, the assembly process creates the signature layered effect that makes this drink so visually appealing. Learning how to serve whipped coffee correctly ensures you experience the full gourmet dalgona experience, blending the rich dalgona foam with the creamy base. This easy homemade recipe is all about personal preference and presentation.
What You Need
- Milk of Choice: (1 cup per serving) Cold or hot, dairy (whole milk, 2%) or non-dairy (almond milk, oat milk, soy milk).
- Ice Cubes: (Optional) For an iced dalgona coffee.
- Serving Glass: A clear glass highlights the beautiful layers.
- Garnish: (Optional) Cocoa powder, cinnamon, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Steps
- Prepare Your Glass: Fill a tall, clear glass with ice cubes if making an iced Dalgona. Alternatively, if you prefer it hot, gently warm your milk in a mug.
- Pour Milk: Pour about 1 cup of your preferred milk into the glass, leaving enough room at the top for the whipped coffee.
- Spoon Dalgona Foam: Using a spoon, carefully “spoon coffee mixture” on top of the milk. The density of the foam should allow it to float beautifully on the milk.
- Garnish and Serve: For an extra touch, sprinkle with cocoa powder or a dash of cinnamon. “Serve whipped coffee” immediately to enjoy its distinct layers. Stir gently before drinking to combine the creamy foam with the milk.
Pro-Tip: While it’s tempting to just gulp it down, the “gourmet dalgona experience” is about appreciating the layers. Stirring ensures an “impressive dalgona coffee” flavor blend. For “cold dalgona coffee,” ensure your milk is very chilled for optimal contrast with the airy foam.
FAQs About Dalgona Whipped Coffee
What is dalgona coffee?
Dalgona coffee is a visually appealing Korean beverage made from a whipped coffee foam topping served over cold or hot milk. It gained massive popularity during early 2025 social distancing due to its simple 3-ingredient recipe (instant coffee, sugar, hot water) and stunning layered appearance. The viral TikTok coffee is known for its creamy frothy mixture and sweet coffee foam.
What are the main ingredients for dalgona coffee?
The primary ingredients for the Dalgona coffee whip are instant coffee powder, granulated sugar, and boiling hot water, typically in a 1:1:1 ratio (e.g., 2 tablespoons of each). The milk (dairy or non-dairy, hot or cold) is considered the base over which the fluffy dalgona coffee foam is served, completing the homemade cafe style coffee.
Can you make dalgona coffee with regular coffee?
No, traditional Dalgona coffee cannot be made with regular brewed coffee or coffee grounds because they lack the properties necessary to create a stable foam. Instant coffee contains solids that, when combined with sugar and hot water, can be aerated and emulsified to form the thick dalgona mixture. Dalgona coffee without instant coffee requires different techniques.
How long does it take to whip dalgona coffee by hand?
Whipping dalgona coffee by hand typically takes 5 to 8 minutes of continuous, vigorous whisking to achieve light, frothy, and stiff peaks. The time can vary based on your arm strength, the type of whisk for coffee, and the specific instant coffee used. An electric mixer dalgona significantly reduces this time to 1-2 minutes.
Why is my dalgona coffee not whipping or frothing?
Common reasons why dalgona coffee doesn't foam include insufficient whisking time, using incorrect ingredients (e.g., regular coffee instead of instant), or incorrect ratios of coffee, sugar, and water. Ensure your water is boiling hot to aid dissolution and continue beating coffee mixture until creamy whipped coffee forms. Patiently troubleshooting dalgona coffee is key.
Can I use brown sugar or other sweeteners for dalgona coffee?
While granulated white sugar provides the best structure for stable foam, you can experiment with brown sugar, though it may result in a slightly less stiff or darker foam. Dalgona coffee with alternative sweeteners like erythritol or stevia is possible but might require longer whipping times and yield a less stable whip due to differences in sucrose crystallization.
What kind of milk is best for dalgona coffee?
Any type of milk works well with Dalgona coffee, whether cold or hot, dairy or non-dairy, depending on your preference. Whole milk or oat milk tends to provide a richer, creamier base, but almond milk, soy milk, or skim milk are also excellent choices for alternative milk for dalgona. The choice of milk for dalgona is entirely personal.
How do I store leftover dalgona coffee whip?
You can store leftover Dalgona coffee whip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, though its texture may soften slightly over time. It’s best used fresh, but gentle re-whipping for 30 seconds can often fix collapsed dalgona whip and restore some aerated coffee foam stable dalgona whip.
Is dalgona coffee healthy?
Dalgona coffee, primarily made with instant coffee, sugar, and milk, can be considered a treat rather than a health drink due to its sugar content. To make healthy dalgona whipped coffee alternatives, consider sugar substitutes for dalgona or reducing the sugar quantity. The caffeine content in coffee remains, so enjoy in moderation.
What are some common dalgona coffee mistakes to avoid?
Common dalgona coffee mistakes include using cold water (prevents dissolution), using regular coffee (won’t whip), incorrect 1:1:1 ratios, and not whipping long enough. Prevent flat whipped coffee by ensuring all ingredients are correct and that you persist in whisking together until the golden brown coffee foam forms stiff peaks, avoiding watery dalgona coffee fix.
Final Thoughts on Dalgona Whipped Coffee
Dalgona whipped coffee has proven to be more than just a passing trend; it’s a delightful, accessible way to elevate your coffee experience at home. Our easy dalgona recipe, relying on just three humble ingredients, empowers anyone to make the perfect dalgona coffee with minimal fuss. From mastering the fluffy dalgona coffee foam to assemble dalgona drink with your favorite milk, each step is designed for success.
The satisfaction of creating this homemade cafe style coffee is immense, transforming simple pantry staples into a visually stunning and delicious whipped coffee. Remember, the key lies in the 1:1:1 ratio, vigorous whipping, and a little patience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different milks or garnishes to personalize your sweet coffee foam creation.
So go ahead, give it a try! You now have all the tools and knowledge to mastering dalgona coffee and impressing your taste buds (and perhaps your social media followers!). What’s your favorite way to enjoy Dalgona whipped coffee?
Last update on 2025-12-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

