I Made TikTok's Whipped Coffee 3 different ways (using regular coffee)
I Made TikTok's WHIPPED COFFEE 3 different ways (using regular coffee) is a medium Korean-inspired recipe that serves 2. 160 calories per serving. Recipe by Sauce Stache on YouTube.
Prep: 8 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 20 min
Cost: $0.95 total, $0.48 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Brewed Coffee (Strongly brewed, using drip, French press, or espresso machine)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (White granulated sugar)
- 0.125 teaspoons Xanthan Gum (Food‑grade xanthan gum; measure very carefully)
- 1/2 cup Oat Milk (Unsweetened; optional for serving)
- As needed Ice Cubes (For serving over ice if desired)
Instructions
Brew Strong Coffee
Brew 2 cups of strong coffee using your preferred method. Aim for a robust flavor because the coffee will be reduced later.
Time: PT5M
Reduce Coffee to Syrup
Pour the brewed coffee into a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over medium‑high heat, then reduce to a simmer and let it thicken until the volume is about half (≈1 cup). This should take 5‑7 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat
Cool Slightly
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the coffee syrup cool for 2 minutes so it’s warm but not hot.
Time: PT2M
Combine Ingredients
In a clean mixing bowl, add 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of the warm coffee syrup, and 1/8 teaspoon xanthan gum. Stir briefly to wet the gum.
Time: PT1M
Whip the Foam
Using the hand mixer on high speed, whip the mixture for 2‑3 minutes until stiff peaks form and the mixture becomes light, airy, and glossy.
Time: PT3M
Assemble the Drink
Fill a glass with ice (optional) and pour 1/2 cup oat milk over it. Spoon the whipped coffee foam on top. Serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Clean Up
Rinse the mixing bowl, whisk attachment, and saucepan. Wipe the countertop.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 160
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 3 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑free, Gluten‑free (if using certified gluten‑free oat milk), Nut‑free
Allergens: Oat (possible gluten cross‑contamination)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Brewed Coffee: Espresso, Cold brew concentrate
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar, Brown sugar
- Instead of Xanthan Gum: Guar gum, Agar powder (use less)
- Instead of Oat Milk: Almond milk, Soy milk, Regular milk
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand Mixer
- Measuring Spoons
- Spatula
- Glass or Mug
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Reducing the coffee to a thick syrup (Step 2)
- Accurately measuring a tiny amount of xanthan gum (Step 4)
- Whipping until stiff peaks form without over‑mixing (Step 5)
Chef Tips from the Video
- Chill the mixing bowl and whisk attachment for 10 minutes before whipping for extra volume.
- If you don’t have xanthan gum, a pinch of cream of tartar (about 1/16 tsp) can give a modest lift, though texture will differ.
- For a richer flavor, add a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the sugar before whipping.
Troubleshooting
The mixture stays liquid and never whips.
Make sure the coffee is reduced to a thick syrup and that the xanthan gum is fully incorporated. If the syrup is too thin, continue reducing.
The foam becomes gummy or overly thick.
Reduce the xanthan gum amount to 1/16 teaspoon or add a few extra drops of coffee to loosen the texture.
Foam collapses quickly after topping the drink.
Serve immediately and keep the whipped coffee in a chilled bowl until serving. Adding a pinch of salt can help stabilize the foam.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftover whipped coffee in an airtight container for up to 24 hours; it may lose volume.
Freezer: Not recommended – texture changes.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to sugar content.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the coffee reduction a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
- Measure the xanthan gum into a tiny dish beforehand for quick access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Dalgona coffee in Korean cuisine?
Dalgona coffee originated in South Korea as a playful, Instagram‑friendly drink that mimics the frothy texture of the traditional dalgona candy. It became a global TikTok sensation in 2020, symbolizing the pandemic‑era home‑café trend.
What are the traditional regional variations of whipped coffee in Korean coffee culture?
In Korea, the classic version uses instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. Some cafés substitute brown sugar, add a splash of milk, or flavor with cinnamon. The xanthan‑gum method is a modern home‑cook adaptation, not a traditional regional style.
How is whipped coffee traditionally served in Korean cafés?
It is typically served over a glass of cold milk or oat milk with ice, the thick foam spooned on top. Diners often stir the foam into the milk before drinking, creating a creamy, sweet coffee.
What occasions or celebrations is Dalgona coffee associated with in Korean pop culture?
Dalgona coffee is popular as a casual, share‑worthy treat on social media, at home gatherings, and during coffee‑themed festivals. It isn’t tied to a specific holiday but is often made for “stay‑at‑home” celebrations.
What makes the xanthan gum version of whipped coffee special compared to the instant‑coffee version?
Xanthan gum acts as a stabilizer, allowing regular brewed coffee to form a foam without the bitterness of instant coffee. It creates a smoother, less sweet foam that retains more of the coffee’s natural flavor.
Why does this recipe use xanthan gum instead of more sugar or cream of tartar?
Xanthan gum provides viscosity and surface tension that trap air bubbles, giving a stable foam with less sugar. Cream of tartar can add lift but doesn’t create the same thick, glossy texture.
Can I make this whipped coffee ahead of time and store it?
Yes, you can whip the foam a few hours in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will lose some volume, so give it a quick whisk before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the whipped coffee is done?
The foam should be light, glossy, and hold stiff peaks—when you lift the whisk, the peak should stand upright without collapsing. It should have a creamy ivory color, not a watery coffee liquid.
How do I know when the coffee reduction is ready?
When the liquid has reduced to about half its original volume and coats the back of a spoon, it’s ready. It should feel syrupy, not watery.
What does the YouTube channel Sauce Stache specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sauce Stache focuses on experimental home cooking, testing viral food trends, and creating easy‑to‑follow recipes with a playful, science‑based approach.
How does Sauce Stache’s approach to coffee trends differ from other cooking channels?
Sauce Stache combines rigorous testing of multiple methods (instant, brewed, thickened) with clear explanations of the chemistry behind each technique, whereas many channels simply demonstrate the trend without deep analysis.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
