How to make whipped coffee: dalgona recipe

What is whipped coffee?

Popularized in South Korea, whipped coffee (or dalgona, a name derived from a Korean sugar candy of the same name) is a creamy drink made by mixing instant coffee, granulated sugar and water. Using a hand or stand mixer to whip the ingredients together will produce a thick and sweet result that resembles whipped cream.

While many whipped coffee recipes call for instant coffee, you can also make dalgona using freshly brewed espresso. A dalgona made with freshly brewed espresso may not be as rich and creamy, because it results in a slightly less thick foam, but it can still boast bold flavors and aromas. It’s recommended to use a 1:1 espresso to sugar ratio when creating a dalgona and use it as a topping for cold drinks, because heat can affect the delicate foam.

How is whipped coffee different from other coffee drinks?

Whipped coffee differs from other coffee drinks in its texture and method of preparation. Similar to drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos, whipped coffee has a creamy consistency.

This version of whipped coffee is prepared by first brewing coffee or espresso and then whipping it together with sugar.

Can I make whipped coffee without instant coffee?

Yes, you can use freshly brewed espresso instead of instant coffee for your dalgona. The bold flavors and aromas of espresso have the power to elevate your whipped coffee recipe as you explore different ways to use dalgona. Familiarize yourself with this popular drink trend to begin experimenting with different textures and techniques to improve your favorite coffee-based recipes.

To make whipped coffee without instant coffee, simply prepare an espresso and whip with sugar.

Whipped coffee (dalgona) recipe

Making whipped coffee at home is simple, especially with the right tools. Use a KitchenAid^® hand or stand mixer to make whipping up this delicious dalgona recipe quick and easy.

Yields

1 serving

What you'll need

• 1 shot espresso

• 3 tbsp. granulated sugar

• An electric mixer

• A coffee grinder (optional)

Total time

5 minutes

Step 1: Prepare coffee beans and brew espresso

If you are using whole coffee beans, begin by processing the beans using a fine setting on your coffee grinder. Then, measure enough ground beans to create one shot of espresso and brew.

Step 2: Add sugar to espresso

Pour 1 shot of espresso into a bowl, then add the sugar on top.

Step 3: Combine the ingredients

Using a mixing device, whip the ingredients together for approximately five to eight minutes until soft, creamy peaks form. Once thickened, your whipped coffee is ready to enjoy over cold milk or on top of your favorite coffee dessert.

Use a KitchenAid^® hand mixer, stand mixer or immersion blender with a whisk attachment to cut down on time spent whipping ingredients by hand.

What should I do if my coffee is not whipping properly?

If your coffee isn’t whipping properly, ensure that you’ve measured all ingredients accurately, as adding too much or too little of a certain ingredient can alter the texture of your dalgona. Remember that it’s important to use a 1:1 ratio of espresso and sugar.

If you’re using the correct amount of each ingredient, your blender may be to blame. Be sure to use a high-quality hand or stand mixer to ensure your whipped coffee doesn’t become too thick or thin.

Can I add flavoring to my whipped coffee?

Yes, there are several ways to add flavoring to your whipped coffee before using it with your favorite drink or dessert recipes. Depending on your desired flavor, add a few drops of liquid flavoring, like vanilla extract or chocolate syrup, to the coffee before mixing. Remember, less is more: adding too many drops of liquid flavoring can cause your dalgona to lose its creamy texture.

You can also infuse the milk with flavors to avoid throwing off your dalgona ratios. Other ideas for making the dalgona uniquely yours are using different kinds of milks like coconut or almond and adding a few drops of caramel or hazelnut syrup. You can even add chilled espresso to the milk for even more coffee flavor.

What recipes go well with dalgona?

Recipes that go well with dalgona include any dish or drink to which you’d like to add a bit of sweetness and texture. Whipped coffee is best when served with cold dishes and pairs especially well with recipes like ice cream sundaes, tiramisu and brownies.

The creamy, decadent texture of dalgona is delicious on baked goods such as cakes and muffins. Experiment with whipped coffee as a topping for deliciously sweet recipes like cinnamon roll bread, gingerbread cookies and coffee cake, just make sure to let them cool down before whipping up your coffee topping.