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This Homemade Dalgona Latte is the ultimate frothy coffee – a whipped coffee using an instant coffee powder that can be served warm or iced over dairy-free milk!
From beauty products to TV shows, to bands – South Korea has brought us a lot of pretty amazing things. Now, this Dalgona Latte (i.e. whipped coffee) has become a new obsession of mine (and the world over).
Named Dalgona coffee after a traditional Korean spongy sugar candy – the color and taste of the whipped coffee foam are apparently fairly similar to the street treat. Using just three ingredients and a super simple process, you can make this instant coffee drink like a pro.
By whipping the coffee, you get a fantastic fluffy coffee ‘mousse’-like mixture that you can then scoop over your milk for a deliciously frothy coffee product. If you want to serve it as a warm latte, then go ahead. However, it also shines as an iced coffee – served over your choice of milk (plant-based and dairy both work!) and some ice cubes.
Sometimes, I feel like it’s important to treat ourselves to some new ‘luxuries’. And, yes, I fully just hear that I called instant coffee powder a luxury, but when it’s whipped and layered like this, it honestly feels a bit like you’re a professional barista. Which I am fully endorsing since none of us can get to a lock coffee shop any time soon.
Plus, when I first heard about this drink I had instant visions of Chandler and Joey in Friends during the episode where they were avoiding the coffee shop and trying (and failing) to get a frothy coffee at home using instant coffee. But, that certainly isn’t the case here – get ready for the foamiest coffee of your life with no milk frother needed!
A Few Tips and FAQs
The sugar content: I know that many people try to reduce the sugar content. I haven’t personally tried this as less sugar usually would mean softer peaks for the foam. However, I have heard of people replacing the sugar with honey and reporting great results.
Milk Usage: For this beaten coffee recipe, you can use dairy or dairy-free milk. If going dairy-free, then I suggest using oat milk as it’s nice and creamy. Other options include soy, coconut, or almond milk. You can check out all my Dairy-free milk options here.
Temperature: As mentioned above, this method can be used to make a warm latte or iced latte.
Storage: If you find that you’ve made too much coffee foam, then you can store this for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
Ways to Jazz up your Dalgona Latte
There are probably 101 different ways to jazz up this drink – but I’m still experimenting, so here are a couple of options you may like.
Adding Spices: One of the easiest ways to customize this drink is probably through the use of spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla, etc. Simply add some into the bowl with the coffee before whipping and voila.
Mocha Option: It’s possible to add some cocoa powder into the bowl before whipping for a delicious mocha version of this drink. I’ve even heard that some non-coffee lovers have replaced their coffee altogether with cocoa powder for a chocolatey version of this frothy, whipped drink.
How to Make a Dalgona Latte
What’s needed
- Instant coffee
- Brown sugar (plain granulated sugar will work if that’s all you have)
- A bit of hot water
- Hot or cold plant-based milk – oat milk works great
Steps
Begin by mixing the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a large bowl.
Whisk this mixture until foam forms, and you get hard peaks. Ideally, you can use an electric whisker to save time. However, a normal one works too – it just takes longer to froth (around 2.5-3 minutes).
Note: It’s important to get the mixture as frothy and foamy as possible.
Get your milk ready. You’ll want to fill about 2/3 of your cup with milk – warm it up if you want a warm latte. Or add a few ice cubes for an iced latte.
Pour or spoon the frothy Dalgona coffee mix over the milk and optionally sprinkle with some cacao, cinnamon, or other spice, and voila – enjoy!
If you give this whipped coffee recipe a go, then please let me know in the comments below. Also, I love it when you tag me in your recreations @AlphaFoodie.
Homemade Frothy Dalgona Latte
Ingredients
- 2 tBsp instant coffee
- 2 tBsp brown sugar
- 2 tBsp hot water
- 1.5 cup oat milk or dairy-free milk of your choice
Instructions
- Begin by mixing the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a large bowl.
- Whisk this mixture until foam forms and you get hard peaks. Ideally, you can use an electric whisker to save time. However, a normal one works too- it just takes longer to froth (around 2.5-3 minutes).*
- Get your milk ready. You'll want to fill about 2/3 of each cup with milk - warm it up if you want a warm latte. Or add a few ice cubes for an iced latte.
- Pour or spoon the frothy dalgona coffee mix over the milk and optionally sprinkle with some cacao, cinnamon, or other spice, and voila - enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
can I use espresso instead of instant?
Hi Ana,
Yes, you could but you might want to adjust the sugar amount as brewed espresso is stronger than instant coffee. I recommend using 2 Tbsp of freshly brewed espresso (cooled down a bit), 2 Tbsp of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of warm water. Mix and whisk like the instant coffee version, then add milk. Let me know if you give it a try.
Terima kasih Alpha Foodie, resepnya sangat bagus & sangat membantu, saya sangat suka, semoga Alpha Foodie makin sukses
Thank you so much for your comment, Dinda!
This is actually Greek frappe coffee.
Hi Jessica,
The two types of drinks are indeed quite similar (same ingredients) but the method with which they are prepared is different 🙂
Italians do the same!
Thanks, Ann. I hear there’s a similar version in Greece too! 🙂
Where did you find that measuring device? I have searched high and low for one.
It’s actually something used for cocktails – a bar jigger I think they’re called. If you search Google for ‘Cocktail measure with handles’, they should show up.
Have you tried this with decaf coffee?? I have used decaf coffee to make this as I have seen Other recipes where ppl have used decaf coffee, but it didn’t work for me..
Also would it work with coconut sugar or xylitol?
I haven’t tried it with decaf, but instant decaf coffee should also work. Maybe it needs to be whipped a little longer.
Regarding using other sweeteners – you might have to adjust the amount you add. Coconut sugar can be used with a 1:1 ratio but you might need a smaller amount of xylitol. Also, it’s possible the coffee doesn’t whip as nicely when using xylitol.
I hope this helps.
I use instant decaf, Seet ‘n Low, and water. I use the whip on my immersion blender set and it always turns out perfectly. This morning I have a tall glass with one carton of latte protein drink, half a cup of almond milk, and topped it off with my frothy dalgona. Delicious.
Thank you for your comment and tips, Kathy. Glad you are enjoying the recipe!
This is very yummy! I made it and everyone at home loved it!
Thank you!
happy to hear that the recipe is being enjoyed 🙂 I’ve made it twice this week already!
This was so good!!! Thanks for sharing ❤️
Thank you so much Laura, glad you liked it 🙂 xx
Wow….amazing recipe!!!
Where i can found the measure spoon?…..so cute!!
Hi Diana,
Thank you so much for your comment – I’m glad you like the recipe.
I got the measuring spoon online but can’t seem to find the link, I am sorry 🙂