The internet has been going crazy over whipped coffee on TikTok! Here’s how you can make whipped coffee WITHOUT instant coffee, which is a key ingredient in the TikTok videos of Dalgona coffee.
You can totally make whipped coffee without instant coffee, you just need to add enough sugar to get that creamy texture!
Keep reading to see how I did it!
This fluffy cloud bread is another TikTok viral recipe!
What is Whipped Coffee (Dalgona Coffee)?
Whipped coffee also known as dalgona coffee is a popular drink in Korean cafes which involves whipping instant coffee, sugar, and water into a frothy custard consistency then pouring it over milk.
It’s no wonder this coffee is so insanely popular with it’s airy texture.
Unfortunately, many of the methods, including the top-ranked google article on how to make it are wrong. How do I know? Because I tried it.
The real key to making whipped coffee without instant coffee is the sugar content.
Basically this coffee is like making a meringue, the sugar provides the structure needed to give it that creamy custard like texture.
Your coffee to sugar ratio needs to be almost equal.
Do I Need to Use Instant Coffee for Whipped Coffee?
Many sites will tell you that you can only make whipped coffee with instant coffee that is absolutely incorrect.
You can substitute brewed coffee and espresso as well, which is what I did because I did not have instant coffee.
The only instant coffee we have at home contains milk powder which actually will cause the coffee to not whip up.
Don’t have an espresso maker?
Here’s how to make a espresso or a cappuccino at home.
I did end up eventually get some instant espresso and made dalgona with instant coffee, but I prefer this recipe better.
What does Whipped Dalgona Coffee Taste Like?
It’s super sweet! While this coffee does have a nice custard texture, but because of the sugar needed to create the texture it’s insanely SWEET!
I’m not sure how people drink it over just milk. I actually added milk and some more espresso to my cup then topped it with the whipped coffee.
Can I Use a Hand Whisk to Make Whipped Coffee Without Instant Coffee?
You can but it will take you forever! I actually read an article, one of the top search results on Google, that said he had no problems using a hand whisk and it took a few minutes.
NOPE, not true.
I tried using a whisk and I ended up with just bubbly coffee. Save yourself some time and just get this electric mixer for $25!
We then used an electric hand mixer and even then it took a good 5 minutes of whipping to get to that meringue-like texture. If you’ve ever baked you’ll know what I’m talking about, you’re basically making a meringue out of coffee!
How to Make Whipped Coffee WITHOUT Instant Coffee
Ingredients
4 tbs Brewed Espresso, Hot
4 tbs Sugar
4 oz Milk, Cold
2 oz Espresso, Cold Optional
Instructions
Tips on Making Whipped Coffee Without Instant Coffee
You can substitute instant coffee for the brewed espresso. Prepare your instant coffee in a ratio of 1 to 1. For example, use 4 tbs of hot water to 4 tbs of instant coffee granules.
If you like your drink less sweet and more coffee-flavored, make sure to add additional cold coffee to your milk before topping it with the whipped coffee.
Use a bigger bowl than you think you will need because it does make kind of a mess when mixing.

Whipped Coffee Without Instant Coffee
Equipment
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 4 tbs Brewed Espresso, Hot
- 4 tbs Sugar
- 4 oz Milk, Cold
- 2 oz Espresso, Cold Optional
Instructions
- Add sugar to hot espresso in a mixing bowl
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to mix expresso and sugar on medium to high speed for about 5 minutes or until meringue forms
- Fill a glass with ice and add cold milk and cold espresso if using
- Top with whipped coffee.
- Serve with a spoon for mixing, enjoy!
Looks good! Would it work with regular coffee?
Good recipe since I don’t have instant coffee!
Great pictures, looks yummy!
This is good. Thanks for dispeling the notion that you can’t make with regular coffee. It took a little longer to get to a nice whipped consistency, but it turned out good.