Dalgona Whipped Coffee -- TikTok recipe
DALGONA Whipped Coffee -- TikTok recipe is a easy Korean recipe that serves 1. 220 calories per serving. Recipe by emmymade on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 23 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $2.25 total, $2.25 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Instant Coffee Powder (freeze‑dried instant coffee crystals)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (white granulated sugar)
- 2 tablespoons Hot Water (just off the boil)
- 1 cup Milk (2% milk; whole milk gives better foam support; plant milks work too)
- 3 pieces Ice Cubes (optional, for a chilled drink)
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (fine cocoa powder for chocolate foam)
- 2 tablespoons Matcha Powder (culinary‑grade green tea powder)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients & Equipment
Set out the mixing bowl, hand mixer, spatula, glass, and optional ice cube tray. Measure all ingredients for the three foams.
Time: PT2M
Combine Classic Coffee Ingredients
Add 2 Tbsp instant coffee powder, 2 Tbsp sugar, and 2 Tbsp hot water into the bowl.
Time: PT1M
Whip Classic Dalgona Foam
Using the hand mixer on high speed, whip the mixture until it becomes thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks (about 3‑4 minutes). Scrape the sides frequently.
Time: PT4M
Prepare Cocoa Foam (Variant)
In a clean bowl, combine 2 Tbsp cocoa powder, 2 Tbsp sugar, and 2 Tbsp hot water. Whip on high until thick and slightly glossy (about 7 minutes).
Time: PT8M
Prepare Matcha Foam (Variant)
In another bowl, mix 2 Tbsp matcha powder, 2 Tbsp sugar, and 2 Tbsp hot water. Whip on high until a thick, slightly syrupy foam forms (about 7 minutes).
Time: PT8M
Assemble the Drink
Fill a glass with ice cubes (if using) and pour 1 cup milk over them. Gently spoon the desired foam (coffee, cocoa, or matcha) on top, trying not to disturb the milk layer.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Serve immediately. Stir before drinking if you prefer a uniform flavor, or sip through the foam for contrast.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 220
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan with plant milk and vegan sugar
Allergens: Milk
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Instant Coffee Powder: instant espresso powder, espresso coffee granules
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: coconut sugar, brown sugar
- Instead of Milk: almond milk, oat milk, soy milk
- Instead of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: cacao powder
- Instead of Matcha Powder: green tea powder
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand Mixer
- Whisk (optional)
- Spatula
- Glass
- Ice Cube Tray (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whipping the coffee mixture until stiff peaks form (Step 3).
- Using hot water to dissolve sugar quickly.
- Layering the foam gently so it stays on top (Step 6).
Chef Tips from the Video
- Chill the mixing bowl before whipping for a more stable foam.
- If you only have a whisk, count at least 400 vigorous strokes to achieve a similar texture.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of vanilla extract to the coffee foam.
Troubleshooting
Foam does not thicken or stays liquid.
Make sure the water is hot, the sugar is fully dissolved, and whisk/mix for at least 4 minutes on high speed. Adding a pinch of baking soda can help stabilize the foam.
Foam sinks to the bottom of the glass.
Use whole milk or a higher‑fat plant milk; chill the milk slightly before assembling, and spoon the foam gently.
Foam is too sweet or too bitter.
Adjust sugar amount to taste; for a less bitter matcha foam, increase sugar by ½ Tbsp.
Storage
Refrigerator: Foam can be kept in an airtight container for up to 4 hours; stir gently before using.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will change.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 30 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Whip the foam up to 4 hours in advance and store it in the fridge; give it a quick whisk before topping the milk.
- Prepare the cocoa and matcha foams in separate bowls to avoid cross‑flavoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Dalgona Coffee in Korean cuisine?
Dalgona Coffee originated from a street candy called "dalgona" in South Korea, which is a caramelized honeycomb treat. The whipped coffee version became popular during the 2020 COVID‑19 lockdown when people shared the striking layered drink on social media.
How did Dalgona Coffee become a viral trend on TikTok and Instagram?
During the pandemic, users posted short videos of the dramatic foam‑on‑top coffee, showcasing the simple 1:1:1 recipe. The visual contrast and easy home preparation made it perfect for short‑form platforms, sparking a worldwide craze.
What are the traditional regional variations of Dalgona Coffee in Korean street food culture?
The classic version uses instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. Some Korean cafés experiment with flavored powders such as cocoa or matcha, but the original street‑style drink is the coffee‑only foam served over milk.
What occasions or celebrations is Dalgona Coffee traditionally associated with in Korean culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, Dalgona Coffee became a comforting treat during the 2020 lockdown, symbolizing a small indulgence and a way to enjoy café‑style drinks at home.
What authentic ingredients are required for traditional Dalgona Coffee versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic Dalgona Coffee uses freeze‑dried instant coffee crystals, granulated sugar, and hot water. Substitutes can include instant espresso powder for coffee, coconut sugar for sweetener, or plant‑based milks for dairy‑free versions.
What other Korean drinks pair well with Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona Coffee pairs nicely with Korean rice cakes (tteok) or sweet red bean pastries (patbingsu). For a full Korean‑style snack, serve it alongside a small bowl of honey‑glazed sweet potatoes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dalgona Coffee at home?
Common errors include using cold water (which prevents sugar from dissolving), under‑whipping the mixture, and topping the foam on low‑fat milk, which causes the foam to sink. Follow the hot‑water, high‑speed whipping, and use whole or higher‑fat milk for best results.
Why does this Dalgona Coffee recipe use hot water instead of cold water?
Hot water helps dissolve the sugar quickly and creates a smoother base for the coffee crystals, allowing the foam to develop more stable, tiny bubbles as explained by food scientist Harold McGee.
Can I make Dalgona Coffee ahead of time and how should I store the foam?
Yes, you can whip the foam up to four hours in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, give it a quick whisk to revive the airy texture and then spoon it over fresh milk.
What does the YouTube channel emmymade specialize in?
The YouTube channel emmymade focuses on approachable home cooking tutorials, often highlighting trending recipes, comfort foods, and creative twists that can be made with everyday pantry ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel emmymade's approach to Korean-inspired drinks differ from other cooking channels?
emmymade blends clear, step‑by‑step instructions with personal anecdotes and cultural background, emphasizing simplicity and the ability to experiment with flavor variants, whereas many other channels focus solely on the classic recipe without exploring alternatives.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
