Cherry Dalgona Coffee Sauce
Cherry Dalgona Coffee Sauce is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 90 calories per serving. Recipe by The Sauce and Gravy Channel on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 6 min | Total: 16 min
Cost: $1.83 total, $0.46 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Instant Coffee (about 8 g, any brand)
- 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (about 15 g)
- 1.5 tablespoons Water (about 23 ml)
- 1 tablespoon Grenadine (about 15 ml, provides cherry flavor)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients and Bowl
Place a high‑sided mixing bowl on the counter and measure out the instant coffee, granulated sugar, water, and grenadine.
Time: PT2M
Combine Coffee and Sugar
Add the instant coffee and granulated sugar to the mixing bowl and give it a quick stir to break up any clumps.
Time: PT1M
Heat Water and Grenadine
Pour the water and grenadine into a saucepan and heat over medium‑high heat until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
Time: PT4M
Dissolve Coffee‑Sugar Mixture
Immediately pour the boiling liquid over the coffee‑sugar mixture and stir with a spoon until fully dissolved (about 30‑60 seconds).
Time: PT1M
Whisk to Thicken
Using a handheld mixer (or a whisk), whip the sauce on high speed for about two minutes, stopping briefly to check for thick, ribbon‑like trails.
Time: PT2M
Serve or Store
Drizzle the cherry Dalgona coffee sauce over ice cream, fruit, pound cake, or coffee cake. If not using immediately, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 90
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 22 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar, Honey (use less)
- Instead of Grenadine: Maraschino cherry juice
Equipment Needed
- High‑sided Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
- Handheld Mixer
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Bring water and grenadine to a rolling boil.
- Pour boiling liquid into coffee‑sugar mixture and dissolve completely.
- Whisk the sauce until thick ribbons form.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality instant coffee for the best flavor and foam.
- For a deeper cherry flavor, substitute grenadine with a splash of maraschino cherry juice.
- A handheld mixer speeds up the thickening process dramatically compared to a manual whisk.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too runny and does not form ribbons.
Continue whisking for another minute or two. If still thin, add a pinch more instant coffee or sugar to help stabilize the foam.
Sauce becomes grainy after mixing.
Make sure the coffee and sugar are fully dissolved before whisking. If graininess persists, gently reheat the sauce over low heat while stirring, then whisk again.
Sauce separates after refrigeration.
Allow the sauce to come to room temperature, then give it a quick whisk or blend to recombine.
Storage
Refrigerator: Airtight container, up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; sauce may separate.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for a few hours, but best kept chilled.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the sauce up to step 5, then store in the refrigerator. Whisk briefly before serving to restore texture.
- If the sauce thickens too much after chilling, stir in a splash of warm water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Cherry Dalgona Coffee Sauce in modern dessert trends?
Cherry Dalgona Coffee Sauce stems from the viral Dalgona coffee craze that swept social media in 2020. Adding grenadine creates a bright cherry twist that fits the current trend of colorful, Instagram‑ready dessert toppings.
How did the Dalgona coffee trend influence the creation of Cherry Dalgona Coffee Sauce in Western cuisine?
The whipped, frothy texture of Dalgona coffee inspired home cooks to adapt the technique for sauces. By incorporating a fruit syrup like grenadine, the sauce became a versatile dessert topping popular in Western cafés and home kitchens.
What traditional ingredients are used in authentic Dalgona coffee, and how does the addition of grenadine create a cherry variation?
Traditional Dalgona coffee uses instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, whisked until airy. Adding grenadine introduces natural cherry flavor and a subtle pink hue, turning the classic foam into a dessert sauce with a fruity note.
In which occasions or celebrations is Cherry Dalgona Coffee Sauce commonly served in the United States?
The sauce is popular at casual gatherings, brunches, and summer barbecues where ice cream sundaes or fruit platters are served. It also appears on coffee‑themed dessert tables for birthdays and holiday celebrations.
What other desserts pair well with Cherry Dalgona Coffee Sauce in American dessert culture?
It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, chocolate pound cake, coffee cake, and even pancakes or waffles for a coffee‑cherry breakfast treat.
How has the Cherry Dalgona Coffee Sauce evolved since its introduction on The Sauce and Gravy Channel?
Since the video debut, viewers have experimented with different fruit syrups, added a splash of vanilla extract, and used the sauce as a base for layered parfaits. The core technique of whipping the hot mixture remains unchanged.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cherry Dalgona Coffee Sauce?
Common errors include not bringing the water‑grenadine mixture to a full boil, under‑whipping the sauce, and adding the hot liquid too slowly, which can cause clumping. Follow the timing cues and whisk continuously for best results.
Why does this Cherry Dalgona Coffee Sauce recipe use a handheld mixer instead of a traditional whisk?
A handheld mixer incorporates air much faster, achieving the thick, ribbon‑like texture in about two minutes. A whisk can work but requires significantly more effort and time to reach the same consistency.
How do I know when the Cherry Dalgona Coffee Sauce has reached the proper thickness?
When you lift the beaters, the sauce should form defined ribbons that hold their shape for a few seconds before slowly folding back. If it streams like a thin syrup, keep whisking for another minute.
What does the YouTube channel The Sauce and Gravy Channel specialize in?
The Sauce and Gravy Channel focuses on simple, flavor‑forward sauces, gravies, and quick‑prep condiments that home cooks can whip up with everyday ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel The Sauce and Gravy Channel’s approach to dessert sauces differ from other cooking channels?
The Sauce and Gravy Channel emphasizes minimal equipment, fast preparation, and versatile sauces that can be used across sweet and savory dishes, whereas many channels focus on elaborate, multi‑step desserts.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
