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Modern Coffee Variations

# Dalgona Coffee: How to Make Whipped Coffee That Holds Its Shape

 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/)

Category: [Modern Coffee Variations](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/modern-coffee-variations/)Tags: [Recipes](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/recipes/) [Brewing](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/brewing/) [Milk](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/milk/)

## Quick answer

Dalgona looks a little like dessert, with whipped coffee above milk. It starts with **instant coffee**, sugar and water. Stir the layers together to taste **the balance** rather than just **the sweet** topping.

## Key takeaways

- Dalgona looks a little like dessert, with whipped coffee above milk.

- Instant coffee dissolves into the small amount of water, creating a concentrated mixture that can trap air when whipped with sugar.

- Combine instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a bowl, then whisk by hand or with a mixer until the mixture becomes thick and holds soft peaks.

 

![Two cups of coffee with different patterns in the milk foam.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/two-milk-coffees.avif)

Two cups of coffee with different patterns in the milk foam.

## Why instant coffee whips

 

Instant coffee dissolves into **the small amount** of water, creating a concentrated mixture that can trap **air** when whipped with sugar. Brewed drip coffee or **espresso** has more liquid and will not behave the same way. Use instant coffee for the familiar **texture**, rather than swapping in a shot and expecting an identical foam.

 

## Whip the topping

 

Combine **instant coffee**, **sugar**, and hot water in a bowl, then whisk by hand or with a mixer until the mixture becomes thick and holds **soft** peaks. A wider bowl gives a whisk room to move. If the foam is loose, continue whipping; if it tastes too intense or sweet, adjust the amount you spoon onto the milk rather than changing everything at once.

 

## Serve over milk

 

Pour cold or **warm milk** into a glass and add the coffee **foam** on top. Stir before drinking if you want the flavors evenly mixed. **Oat**, soy, and dairy milk each change the taste and body; see our guide to [choosing milk for coffee](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/milk-drinks/oat-soy-almond-milk-for-coffee/).

 

## Make a smaller serving

 

The whipped topping is concentrated and can become very **sweet**. Start with less, **taste** the drink, and add more only if you want a stronger coffee layer.

 

## Fix the foam before changing the milk

 

If the coffee mixture stays runny, check that you used instant coffee rather than brewed coffee and measured the water carefully. **Whip** longer before adding anything else. A larger bowl gives **a whisk** or mixer **room** to move, while a narrow container can make it harder to incorporate air evenly.

 

If the topping tastes too **bitter**, use less of it in the glass or adjust **the sugar** in the next batch. If it is too sweet, add more milk beneath it rather than changing the foam recipe drastically. The topping can be spooned over dairy or **plant-based milk**, but each milk changes the flavor and body.

 

### Whisk by hand or use a mixer

 

A hand **whisk** takes more time and effort; an electric mixer makes it easier to reach **soft** peaks. Stop once **the foam** holds its shape. Over-whipping can make it stiff and harder to spoon smoothly.

 

Use a clean bowl and serve soon after whipping. **The foam** may settle as it rests, which is normal; **stir** it into the milk if you prefer a uniform drink.

 

If the topping becomes too stiff to spoon, fold in a little milk rather than adding more water to the coffee mixture. Make **the foam** close to **serving** time so it holds its shape.

## Further reading

For background on [**instant coffee**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instant_coffee) and [**milk**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk), see Wikipedia.

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Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/).

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