If you’ve been obsessed with that frothy, dreamy coffee trend sweeping the internet, you’re going to *love* my Vegan Dalgona Coffee with Whipped Topping Recipe. It’s creamy, sweet, super simple, and totally dairy-free—for all of us who want that rich coffee buzz without the milk drama. When I first tried making it vegan, I was amazed at how good oat milk made it taste—way creamier than I expected! Stick around and I’ll walk you through how to get that perfect fluffy topping every time, plus share some tips to make it *your* new favorite coffee treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have, with a quick whip-up time.
- Vegan-Friendly: Perfect for dairy-free lifestyles, with rich oat milk bringing creamy texture.
- Instagram-Worthy: That fluffy whipped coffee topping looks as good as it tastes.
- Customizable: Add vanilla or switch sweeteners to suit your taste buds effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Vegan Dalgona Coffee with Whipped Topping Recipe really shines because it blends just the right amount of bold instant coffee and sweetness, while the dairy-free milk softens things into a silky, drinkable delight. I always recommend using oat milk for its creamy texture, but I’ll share other options too.
- Instant coffee: This is the star that whips up into the fluffy topping. Don’t skip the instant part—regular ground coffee won’t foam.
- Granulated sugar: Helps create the stiff peaks and adds that classic sweet coffee flavor.
- Boiling water: The heat dissolves sugar and coffee perfectly to whip into a cloud-like texture.
- Vanilla extract (optional): Adds a little warm complexity if you’re feeling fancy.
- Dairy-free milk: Oat milk makes it richer and thicker, but almond or soy work fine too.
- Ice: To keep everything refreshingly chilled—essential for iced dalgona coffee.
Variations
I love how versatile the Vegan Dalgona Coffee with Whipped Topping Recipe is—you can tweak sweetness levels or swap milks to suit your mood or pantry. Here are some of my favorite ways to mix it up:
- Variation: Try coconut milk for a tropical twist—just be aware it’s thinner, so the mouthfeel changes, but it tastes amazing with toasted coconut flakes on top.
- Variation: Use maple syrup or agave instead of sugar to make it a little healthier; note it may change the texture slightly but still delicious.
- Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder to the whipped topping for an extra flavor punch that makes it feel indulgent.
- Variation: For hot dalgona coffee, heat the dairy-free milk instead of ice and top with the whipped coffee for cozy sipping.
How to Make Vegan Dalgona Coffee with Whipped Topping Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Up the Whipped Coffee Cloud
Start by combining the instant coffee, sugar, boiling water, and optional vanilla extract in a medium bowl. This is where the magic happens! Use a hand mixer or electric whisk to whip the mixture for about 3-4 minutes. At first, it’ll look gritty and wet, but keep going—you want it to turn pale, glossy, and hold stiff peaks when you lift the beaters. This fluff is what makes dalgona coffee so wonderfully creamy on top.
Step 2: Prepare Your Glasses with Milk and Ice
Fill two tall mugs or glasses with about two cups of your chosen dairy-free milk and a good handful of ice cubes. I usually go with oat milk for that silky finish, but your favorite plant milk does great here. The cold milk contrasts perfectly with the sweet, airy coffee topping.
Step 3: Assemble and Enjoy Your Vegan Dalgona Coffee
Spoon the whipped coffee evenly over the tops of your milk-filled glasses. You’ll see it float like a cloud, which just makes you want to grab a straw and dig in! Before sipping, stir gently to mix the creamy coffee layer with the milk beneath for a balanced, dreamy flavor. I can’t stress enough how satisfying this moment is—it’s like making your own little café treat at home.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Dalgona Coffee with Whipped Topping Recipe
- Use Instant Coffee Only: It needs to dissolve fully to whip properly—don’t try with ground coffee or espresso powder.
- Whip Until Stiff Peaks Form: This usually takes 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer; eyeballing the pale, lifted peaks helps you nail the texture.
- Oat Milk Is Your Best Friend: It adds creaminess and balances the strong coffee without masking the flavor.
- Serve Immediately: To keep your whipped topping fluffy, enjoy the drink soon after assembling—it starts to deflate if left too long.
How to Serve Vegan Dalgona Coffee with Whipped Topping Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top of the whipped coffee for a little extra warmth and color contrast. Sometimes, I even add a few shavings of dark vegan chocolate or a light dusting of nutmeg—simple touches that elevate the look and taste.
Side Dishes
Pairing this coffee with a vegan biscotti or a slice of banana bread is my go-to afternoon combo. The sweetness in the coffee topping meshes perfectly with nutty, crumbly bites. Plus, it makes you feel like you’re treating yourself properly on a cozy day.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or guests, I’ve served this Vegan Dalgona Coffee with Whipped Topping Recipe layered in clear glass mugs to show off the distinct coffee and milk layers. Sometimes I top it with edible flowers or cinnamon sticks for a little drama—so fun for brunch or a coffee date at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually make this fresh since the whipped topping begins to lose its fluff a bit after sitting. But if you do have leftovers, store the coffee mixture (before whipping) in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. The milk can be kept separate in the fridge as usual.
Freezing
Freezing the whipped topping isn’t something I recommend—the texture just doesn’t hold up well once thawed. Instead, keep the dry ingredients on hand and whip fresh with hot water whenever you want that frothy magic.
Reheating
If you prefer your dalgona coffee warm, heat the plant milk gently on the stovetop or microwave. Then add the whipped coffee on top (room temp is fine) and stir gently. The whipped topping will soften but still give you that rich coffee flavor with a creamy mouthfeel.
FAQs
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Can I use sweetened plant milk for the Vegan Dalgona Coffee with Whipped Topping Recipe?
Absolutely! Using sweetened plant milk will make your coffee a bit sweeter overall, so you might want to adjust the sugar amount in the whipped topping to keep it balanced. I prefer unsweetened oat milk so I have full control over sweetness.
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Why doesn’t my whipped coffee get fluffy?
Usually, this happens if you use ground coffee instead of instant, or if the coffee and sugar aren’t fully dissolved before whipping. Also, make sure your water is boiling hot when you mix. Whipping for 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer usually does the trick.
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Can I make this without sugar?
You can substitute sugar with liquid sweeteners like maple syrup, but it may affect the firmness of the whipped topping. It might be slightly less stable, but still tasty. Use about 2 tablespoons of your preferred sweetener.
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Is this recipe caffeinated?
Yes, it has instant coffee which contains caffeine. Adjust the amount of instant coffee if you want it weaker or stronger. Decaf instant coffee can also be used if you want the flavor without caffeine.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Dalgona Coffee with Whipped Topping Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that feels a little fancy but is totally doable at home. I absolutely love how fluffy and light the whipped coffee turns out—it’s become a highlight in my morning routine and a fun way to impress friends without much fuss. Honestly, once you nail this, you’ll find it hard to go back to your usual cup of joe. So grab your mixer and plant milk, and make yourself a cup. I promise, you’ll be smiling through every sip!
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Vegan Dalgona Coffee with Whipped Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Vegan Dalgona Coffee is a frothy whipped coffee drink made with instant coffee, sugar, and water, blended to a creamy peak and served over dairy-free milk and ice. This easy, trendy recipe delivers a delicious and visually stunning iced coffee beverage that’s perfect for a quick caffeine boost or dessert drink.
Ingredients
Whipped Coffee Mixture
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons boiling water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
To Serve
- 2 cups dairy free milk (oat milk recommended for richer, thicker texture)
- Ice
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the instant coffee, granulated sugar, boiling water, and optional vanilla extract. This forms the base of your whipped coffee mixture.
- Whip to Fluffy Peaks: Use a hand mixer to whisk the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it becomes light in color and fluffy. The mixture should hold stiff peaks when you lift the beaters.
- Prepare the Glasses: Fill two mugs or glasses with ice and pour in the dairy-free milk, preferably oat milk for a creamier texture.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the whipped coffee evenly over the milk in each glass. Stir gently if desired, then enjoy your refreshing vegan dalgona coffee!
Notes
- This whipped coffee topping is quick to make and keeps its airy texture well, making it perfect for iced coffee drinks.
- Using oat milk not only enhances the creaminess but also complements the coffee’s flavor nicely.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the instant coffee amount slightly, but keep the sugar balanced to maintain sweetness.
- If you don’t have a hand mixer, vigorous whisking by hand can work but will take longer to achieve stiff peaks.
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