Easy Dalgona Coffee

Name: Easy Dalgona Coffee
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp instant coffee; 2 tbsp coconut sugar; 2 tbsp water; 1 cup dairy-free milk (warmed)

2 glasses of dalgona coffee next to a fake plant.

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Experience the latest coffee trend with a plant-based twist: Dalgona Coffee. Whip up this “unity coffee” in less than 10 minutes and be buzzing for hours. My Dalgona coffee recipe is a plant-based version for those that want to join the trend yet are staying away from dairy, like me!

2 cups of whipped coffee next to a spoon and a fake plant.

Recipe Ingredients

labeled ingredients for dalgona coffee recipe including coconut sugar, plant-based milk, instant coffee and water.

Dalgona is a Korean candy akin to a honeycomb. It’s made with sugar and baking soda which produces a light, airy, crunchy texture. The traditional Dalgona coffee recipe doesn’t actually contain Dalgona, yet resembles it in appearance (which explains the name).

Whipped coffee is a popular Korean beverage that’s become global since COVID. This recipe is whipped sweetened instant coffee served over milk.

It’s the most beautiful display of caffeine as you can see from the thousands of artistic Instagram posts. It seems to be just one more way coffee can provide a sense of unity or comfort during a challenging time. Here’s what I’m putting in mine:

Instant coffee: I know it sounds odd but it’s what the people use! We’re going to use it, too. Look for coarse ground, nothing too fine or it won’t work correctly.
Coconut sugar: Instead of refined sugar I’m using coconut sugar. It has a rich, nutty flavor that is a bit more like brown sugar, yet not as sweet or refined.
Water: You only need two tablespoons in this recipe to help the other ingredients dissolve.
Plant-based milk: I use my homemade oat milk in this recipe since it is super creamy, yet you can also use almond milk, hemp milk, coconut milk or really any dairy-free milk you want. If using a store-bought version, have fun with it! Look for the barista blend of your favorite version because that will produce the foamiest result.

How to Make Dalgona Coffee

Get those arms ready for a quick workout because you’re going to be whisking for a bit! Seriously, you don’t need an electric mixer, just those arm muscles and a whisk. You can totally use an electric mixer if you prefer.

glass bowl of instant coffee and coconut sugar.

Step 1: Get a large bowl and whisk together the instant coffee, coconut sugar and water until the coffee and sugar are completely dissolved.

brown whipped mixture in a glass bowl next to a whisk.

Step 2: Once dissolved, start to whisk vigorously until the mixture holds peaks like whipped cream. You can also use a hand mixer or hand-held blender to whip the mixture together.

glass of topped whipped coffee and glass of warm plant-based milk ready for topping.

Step 3: To serve, pour 1/2 of the plant-based milk into each glass then divide the whipped coffee between the glasses. Serve immediately.

I know this Dalgona coffee recipe sounds like an odd departure from your regular caffeine routine yet it is truly a fun endeavor and a great way to share a cup with a friend!

Instant Coffee Options

Before we go any further, I must disclose that I’m a coffee snob. The thought of instant coffee threw me here, but trust me— it works and tastes good! When it comes to coffee, it’s all about the quality and region.

Depending on your preference, there are a few options for instant coffee:

Don’t be tempted to use finely ground coffee beans (no Via). Sadly, that will not work. It has to be instant coffee crystals.

Decaf Coffee Alternatives

Now, if you don’t drink coffee or don’t want the hit of caffeine, there are some alternatives you can use in whipped coffee. Decaf instant coffee crystals, Dandy Blend, Pero or other grain-based coffee alternatives, matcha powder, or cacao powder all will work.

With a decaf version of this recipe, the process is the same because we’re only adjusting the caffeine content (not the actual ingredients). Whisk to dissolve, then keep on whisking until peaks form. Then add to hot or cold plant milk and serve immediately.

FAQs

How do you make easy Dalgona coffee?

To make this unique recipe, whisk together instant coffee, sugar and water. The ingredients will first dissolve, then begin to get fluffy until they form stiff peaks. Add this whipped coffee mixture to a cup with warmed milk and you’ve got Dalgona coffee!

What makes Dalgona coffee fluffy?

Whisking the coffee mixture creates air bubbles that increase the coffee’s volume making it stiffer and look fluffy, like whipped cream. It’s just like what happens to egg whites, yet there are none in this recipe!

Does Dalgona coffee only work with instant coffee?

It works best with instant coffee as the grounds need to be more coarse (unlike the coffee you use in the coffee maker). I also tested my recipe with some freshly ground coffee and that didn’t work great either! Stick to instant coffee for this Dalgona coffee recipe.

2 plant-based beverages topped with a brown whipped topping.

More Plant-Based Beverages for Energy

While I enjoy coffee daily, I also love getting my energy from other delicious beverages. Whether you want hot or cold, thick and creamy or thin and smooth, these delightful drinks have got you covered:

Don’t forget to rate + review this recipe once you make it. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

4.50 from 6 votes