If you’ve been scouring the internet for the perfect frothy coffee treat that’s both indulgent and kind to animals, your search ends here with my Vegan Dalgona Coffee Recipe. This whipped coffee creation is seriously fan-freaking-tastic and super easy to make, even if you’ve never foamed coffee before. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be your go-to afternoon pick-me-up or weekend brunch upgrade.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You only need pantry staples and your favorite dairy-free milk—no fancy gadgets required.
- Perfectly Frothy Every Time: I’ve nailed the technique so you don’t have to stress about the foam consistency.
- Vegan & Delicious: Satisfies your coffee craving without dairy, and it’s just as creamy and dreamy as the original.
- Quick To Make: Whip it up in about 10 minutes and enjoy a café-style drink at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient comes together like magic to create that classic Dalgona coffee vibe — light, sweet, and bursting with coffee flavor. Don’t skimp on the instant coffee for the best froth, and choosing oat milk makes the final drink feel extra luscious.
- Instant coffee: Make sure it’s instant—this is the secret to getting that whipped texture.
- Granulated sugar: Granulated helps stabilize the foam better than powdered sugar.
- Boiling water: Hot water activates the coffee and sugar, making it easier to whip to stiff peaks.
- Vanilla extract (optional): Adds a subtle depth of flavor, but totally up to you.
- Dairy-free milk (like oat milk): Oat milk’s creaminess pairs perfectly and thickens the drink naturally.
- Ice: Helps keep your drink cool—essential for iced dalgona coffee!
Variations
I love playing around with this recipe because it’s so easy to customize based on what you like or have in your pantry. Feel free to mix it up and make it your own—your future self will thank you for it.
- Sweetener swap: If you want to cut back on refined sugar, try coconut sugar or maple syrup; it changes the flavor but still whips up nicely.
- Different dairy-free milks: Almond or soy milk works too if oat milk isn’t your thing; just expect a slightly thinner texture.
- Hot version: When I first tried warming it, I discovered whisking the foam first and then adding hot milk makes a lovely cozy drink.
- Mocha twist: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the instant coffee mix for a chocolatey kick that my family goes crazy for.
How to Make Vegan Dalgona Coffee Recipe
Step 1: Whip It Good
Start by combining the instant coffee, granulated sugar, boiling water, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Grab a hand mixer or a whisk if you’re feeling ambitious (30 minutes of arm workout, anyone?). Whisk on high speed for about 3-4 minutes or until the mixture turns a light caramel color and looks fluffy enough to hold stiff peaks. This whipped texture is what makes your vegan Dalgona coffee so irresistibly creamy and frothy.
Step 2: Prep Your Glasses
Fill two mugs or glasses with plenty of ice and pour in your chosen dairy-free milk. I’m all about using cold oat milk because it thickens the drink just right and balances that bitterness beautifully. You’ll notice the foam sitting like a cloud on top—it’s part of the charm!
Step 3: Dollop and Dive In
Divide your whipped coffee evenly over the milk. You can drink it as is, letting the foam float on top like a crown, or give it a gentle stir to combine. Either way, you get that dreamy contrast of rich, bittersweet coffee against creamy milk. I love watching the layers meld as I sip—pure joy.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Dalgona Coffee Recipe
- Use Instant Coffee Only: Regular brewed coffee won’t whip up—trust me, I learned the hard way! Instant coffee granules are essential for that airy texture.
- Whisk Timing Matters: Don’t stop whisking too soon; the mixture needs to be pale and thick enough to mound on a spoon without collapsing.
- Perfect Milk Choice: Oat milk adds creaminess that mimics dairy well; thicker plant milks make a noticeable difference in mouthfeel.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Whip your coffee in a medium bowl to give it room to expand—too small and it gets messy real fast.
How to Serve Vegan Dalgona Coffee Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a pinch of cocoa powder or cinnamon over the whipped coffee—adds a cozy aroma and a little color contrast that makes it Instagram-worthy. Sometimes, a few crushed nuts or a dash of nutmeg can turn the ordinary into something special.
Side Dishes
This whipped coffee pairs perfectly with light vegan pastries like almond croissants or banana bread. If you’re serving it for brunch, fresh fruit and avocado toast balance the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like serving vegan dalgona coffee in clear glass mugs or glasses so you can see the layered effect. Top with edible flowers or a delicate cinnamon stick for a touch of elegance. You can even try layering the whipped coffee with different flavored plant milks to create a fun ombré look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover whipped coffee (which sometimes happens in my house), store it tightly covered in the fridge. It might lose a bit of its fluffiness overnight but still tastes amazing when dolloped on fresh milk the next day.
Freezing
I haven’t tried freezing the whipped coffee since the texture changes drastically after thawing. I recommend making it fresh each time to get those beautiful stiff peaks and creamy texture.
Reheating
Since this is an iced coffee treat, reheating usually isn’t necessary. But if you want a warm version, simply whisk new coffee foam and pour over steamed plant milk—fresh is best to preserve the frothy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant coffee in this recipe?
No, regular brewed coffee won’t whip up into a frothy foam like instant coffee does. The granules in instant coffee are key to getting that fluffy, stiff-peak texture essential for a classic vegan Dalgona coffee.
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What’s the best dairy-free milk to use?
Oat milk tends to be the creamiest and thickest choice, which complements the whipped coffee perfectly. But almond, soy, or cashew milk can work too—just anticipate a slightly thinner texture.
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How long does the whipped coffee foam last?
The foam is best enjoyed immediately. It can hold its shape for about 30 minutes, but after that, it starts to collapse and merge into the milk. For the best presentation and texture, enjoy right away.
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Can I make this hot instead of iced?
Absolutely! Whip the coffee as usual and pour over steamed dairy-free milk for a warm twist. The foam floats nicely on top and creates a cozy, café-style drink.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Vegan Dalgona Coffee Recipe brings a bit of café culture right into my kitchen with minimal fuss. Every time I make it, friends marvel at how something so simple can taste so luxuriously creamy and sweet. If you’re looking to treat yourself (or impress guests) with a gorgeous layered coffee that’s dairy-free and full of flavor, this is your recipe. Give it a whirl—I promise it’ll brighten your coffee game and bring a little frothy joy to your day.
Print
Vegan Dalgona Coffee Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy a creamy and frothy Vegan Dalgona Coffee that’s effortlessly whipped and dairy-free. This trendy whipped coffee combines instant coffee, sugar, and boiling water into a fluffy topping, served over chilled oat milk for a rich and refreshing beverage perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Whipped Coffee Topping
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons boiling water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For Serving
- 2 cups dairy-free milk (oat milk recommended for richer, thicker texture)
- Ice, as desired
Instructions
- Prepare Whipped Coffee Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the instant coffee, granulated sugar, boiling water, and vanilla extract if using. This mixture forms the base for the whipped coffee.
- Whisk Until Fluffy: Using a hand mixer, whisk the mixture on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes light in color, thick, and forms stiff peaks when the beaters are removed.
- Prepare the Milk Base: Fill two mugs with ice cubes and pour in the dairy-free milk, preferably oat milk for extra creaminess.
- Assemble the Drink: Evenly divide the whipped coffee mixture between the two mugs, dolloping it generously on top of the milk and ice.
- Serve and Enjoy: Stir gently to combine the whipped coffee topping with the milk before drinking, and enjoy this refreshing vegan dalgona coffee.
Notes
- Whipped Coffee remains a beloved beverage trend that combines simplicity and decadence in minutes.
- Oat milk is recommended for its creamy texture, but other dairy-free milks work as well.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste if you prefer a less sweet coffee.
- Ensure your coffee and sugar are fully dissolved before whisking to achieve the best frothy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 67 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
