Move aside unicorn fraps and activated charcoal lattes. Dalgona whipped coffee is the latest viral coffee sensation sweeping social media, and it looks like this trend is here to stay. For the plant-based coffee connoisseurs out there, fret not—because this layered, frothy cup of joe can easily be made vegan with plant-based milk.
But what exactly is dalgona whipped coffee?
What Is Dalgona Whipped Coffee?
This frothy, two-toned coffee drink is often referred to as whipped coffee or dalgona coffee. The drink has a meringue-like consistency and is made using a combination of coffee, sugar, and water.
The velvety java has an established presence on Instagram and TikTok. But it first became highly popular in South Korea earlier this year, according to the New York Times. Korean actor Jung Il-woo tried it in Macau for a television show. After the episode aired, the drink went viral in South Korea and has since become a menu staple in South Korean coffee shops.
According to the South China Morning Post, the term “dalgona,” or ppopgi in Korean, means “honeycomb toffee.” Dalgona candies were popular treats in South Korea in the 1970s and 1980s. The spongy candies are made by boiling water, sugar, and baking soda until the mixture becomes puffy and hardens. The lollipop treats are often made in the form of a heart, star, or another simple shape.
How To Make Dalgona Whipped Coffee
Creating this delicious, frothy beverage may look like a daunting task. But whipping together this sweet, creamy coffee is actually quick and easy. Dalgona whipped coffee can be made in just five minutes. Plus, it only requires five ingredients to make: instant coffee powder, granulated sugar, hot water, plant-based milk, and ice cubes.
If you’ve only got regular coffee grounds on hand, keep in mind, instant coffee (or instant espresso powder) works best in this recipe. This is because instant coffee powder acts as a foaming agent and gives this foamy concoction its signature frothy waves. (If you don’t have any instant coffee handy, there’s an instant coffee-free recipe included below.)
In a nutshell, dalgona whipped coffee is made by whisking or blending together equal amounts of the coffee, granulated sugar, and hot water until the mixture becomes light and creamy. Then, pop a few ice cubes into a glass and fill it three-quarters of the way with your plant-based milk of choice. Top with the blended, frothy instant coffee mixture and give it a quick stir with a spoon and enjoy.
Once you’ve got the basics down, you can take your dalgona whipped coffee to the next level by adding cinnamon or orange zest for added flavor. Additionally, dalgona whipped coffee can also be served hot—just warm up the plant-based milk and don’t use any ice cubes.
9 Best Vegan Dalgona Whipped Coffee Recipes
1. 5-Minute Dalgona Coffee
You can still whip up this quick and simple dalgona coffee if you’re short on time in the AM. This frothy beverage is creamy, bold, and deliciously sweet. Try making this dalgona whipped coffee with coconut milk.
Get the recipe here.
2. Dalgona Coffee With Oat Milk
This recipe includes a helpful video with step-by-step directions on how to whip up a dalgona coffee. Make this viral, TikTok whipped coffee vegan by using oat milk.
Get the recipe here.
3. Whipped Coffee With Almond Milk
Not keen on oat milk or coconut milk? Try making dalgona whipped coffee with almond milk, instead! If you’re not a fan of granulated white sugar, you can also sweeten this recipe using brown sugar.
Get the recipe here.
4. Dalgona Matcha
This recipe combines two buzzworthy drinks: matcha and whipped coffee. This vegan version of the classic dalgona whipped coffee includes matcha powder! It also features coconut cream and peppermint extract for an additional minty taste. For those desiring a little more sweetness, the recipe’s author recommends adding two teaspoons of agave syrup to the plant-based milk before topping with the creamy whip.
Get the recipe here.
5. Sugar-Free Dalgona Whipped Coffee
Traditional dalgona whipped coffee calls for two to four tablespoons of granulated sugar. For those looking for a healthier whipped coffee option, try this sugar-free whipped coffee with espresso! The recipe uses cashew milk and one tablespoon of monk fruit granules for added sweetness.
Get the recipe here.
6. Healthier Whipped Coffee
Another healthier version of traditional dalgona whipped coffee, this recipe calls for unsweetened almond milk and coconut sugar for sweetness. For a more decadent, creamier whipped coffee, the recipe’s author recommends using coconut milk or oat milk.
Get the recipe here.
7. Dalgona Sans Instant Coffee
If you’re not a fan of instant coffee, but still want to try dalgona whipped coffee, this recipe is for you! Using aquafaba—the liquid from canned chickpeas—this dalgona coffee can easily be whipped up without the use of instant coffee. Keep in mind, this recipe isn’t entirely coffee (or caffeine) free. The recipe still calls for three tablespoons of regular coffee.
Get the recipe here.
8. Herbal Dalgona Whipped Coffee
For the non-coffee drinkers that still want to give this viral, IG-worthy drink a try, this recipe is for you! This vegan, caffeine-free, and keto dalgona whipped coffee is made without coffee—not even decaf! This herbal dalgona coffee recipe features an herbal blend in lieu of instant coffee.
Get the recipe here.
9. Dalgona Mushroom Coffee
This creamy, whipped toffee-flavored dalgona mushroom coffee is paleo-friendly, low-carb, and—of course—vegan. This recipe features mushroom powder in place of instant coffee powder. The recipe also calls for low-carb powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar.
Get the recipe here.
