This is my plant based take on dalgona coffee, & I think it stacks up perfectly against competition. A fun take on the daily cup of coffee. 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.
Table of Contents
What is Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona is a Korean candy akin to honeycomb. It’s made with sugar and baking soda which produces a light, airy, crunchy texture. The “coffee confection” doesn’t actually contain dalgona, yet resembles it in appearance. (Which explains where it got its name from.)
Dalgona 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.
My plant-based dalgona coffee swaps out dairy and white sugar for your favorite dairy alternative and coconut sugar. And it’s incredible!
How to Make Vegan Dalgona Coffee
Get those arms ready for a quick workout because you’re gonna we whisking for a bit! Seriously, you don’t need an electric mixer, just those arm muscles and a whisk. (But you can totally use an electric mixer if you prefer.)
For this recipe, the ingredients really are as simple as: instant coffee, coconut sugar, water, and plant-based milk.
Instant Coffee Options
Before we go any farther, I must disclose that I’m a coffee snob. The thought of instant coffee threw me here, but trust me— it works and taste 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 a dalgona coffee. Decaf instant coffee crystals, Dandy Blend, Pero or other grain-based coffee alternative, 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.
Check out these other plant-based beverages:
Don’t forget to rate + review this recipe once you make it; I love getting your feedback!
Easy Dalgona Coffee
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp instant coffee
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 cup plant milk warmed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together instant coffee, coconut sugar, and water until coffee and sugar are completely dissolved.
- Vigorously whisk the mixture until thick and creamy looking. (The coffee mixture should hold peaks like whipped cream.) Alternatively, use a hand mixer or stick blender with whipping blade to whip the coffee mixture.
- To serve, pour 1/2 cup plant milk into each glass. Divide the whipped coffee between the glasses. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not use finely ground coffee instead of instant, it will not work.
- The recipe will work with less or no sugar if you prefer your coffee less sweet or unsweetened.
- The whipped coffee mixture will not keep well; it is best made and used right away.
Would this work with cocoa powder?
I’m sure it would… you should give it a try!
Eewwww. Well that was a major fail in my cup. Only good if you like bitterX1000. I used the coconut sugar I have (Nutiva). And no, I re-checked–my instant coffee wasn’t instant espresso. It was TJ’s instant Columbian coffee. Regular coffee.
I’m sorry to report a fail. Your recipes are usually excellent on my plate and in my glass.
Thanks for your honest review and sorry it wasn’t for you!
I’ve seen this on my IG feed and didn’t understand what the heck it was. Thanks for sharing how to make it… and making it a little bit healthier too. The coconut whipped cream is making my mouth water.
Looks delicious, doesn’t it?!
This sounds so delicious! I’ve been wanting to try this for a couple of months and now I’m going to. I’m not a coffee drinker so I have a silly question: how do you drink it? Do stir the topping with the plant milk together and immediately drink or you do you just drink with the whipped portion on top letting it smear your nose?
Good question! I think you can stir is slightly to mix the coffee “foam” with the milk or you can drink it slowly as you let the two layers blend together. 🙂
I’m surprised this is so whipped looking without coconut cream! I’ll grab some instant coffee and try this myself.
Definitely try it!
I really didn’t know a lot about this new coffee trend so this post is really interesting. My husband and I aren’t coffee drinkers so knowing I can make variations using Dandy Blend, matcha powder or cacao powder (three faves in my house) is pretty cool. I didn’t think this drink was for me but now I’m definitely going to give it a try!
Awesome! You’ll have to let us know how it looks & tastes when using one of the coffee alternatives. 🙂
Yes! I’ve been looking for a good plant-based version of this. Coffee is a guilty pleasure of mine, but I feel better when I’m making it at least a little healthier 🙂
I agree! Gotta love a tasty drink that also looks so pretty! 😀