Cloud Coffee Recipe — Make the Viral Whipped Coffee at Home

Intro:
Cloud Coffee (also known as Dalgona Coffee) is the frothy, whipped coffee drink that took TikTok and Instagram by storm—and it’s still one of the easiest (and most fun) coffee recipes you can make at home. With just 3 simple ingredients, you can whip up this creamy, cloud-like treat in minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee lover or a casual drinker, learning how to make cloud coffee will bring a new level of delight to your morning routine.
Looking for inspiration? Try the ultimate guide to building a mezze platter for entertaining to pair with your coffee!

PART 1: What Is Cloud Coffee?

Also called Dalgona Coffee

Cloud Coffee, also known as Dalgona Coffee, is a visually stunning drink that consists of a whipped, velvety coffee foam sitting atop a glass of hot or cold milk. The name “cloud coffee” comes from its light and fluffy texture, which resembles a soft cloud floating in your cup.

Whipped instant coffee + sugar + hot water → fluffy “cloud” foam

At its core, cloud coffee is made by whipping equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. The whipping process aerates the mixture, transforming it into a thick, creamy foam. This rich foam is then spooned over milk, creating a layered drink that looks as good as it tastes.

Served over cold or hot milk

You can serve cloud coffee over either cold milk for an iced latte vibe or hot milk for a comforting, warm experience. The contrast between the dense foam and the smooth milk creates a delightful mouthfeel and a balanced flavor.

Visually stunning and tastes like a smooth iced latte

With its gorgeous layered look, cloud coffee drink is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. It offers a smooth, slightly sweet flavor that’s reminiscent of a classic iced latte but with a richer texture thanks to the whipped coffee foam.

Origins: Korean Dalgona + Indian beaten coffee

The viral cloud foam coffee is inspired by South Korea’s Dalgona candy and shares similarities with Indian beaten coffee, a traditional homemade whipped coffee. The modern version gained massive popularity on TikTok and Instagram, where millions recreated the recipe during the 2020 pandemic lockdown.

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PART 2: Ingredients You’ll Need

Instant coffee

The foundation of any great cloud coffee recipe starts with instant coffee. Choose a good-quality instant coffee for the best flavor and foam stability. The granules must dissolve quickly and whip into a thick texture—regular ground coffee won’t work here.

Sugar (white, raw, or coconut sugar)

Sugar is essential not just for sweetness but also for stabilizing the foam. You can use white granulated sugar, raw sugar, or even coconut sugar. The sugar helps create the signature cloud foam coffee texture that holds its shape atop your milk.

Hot water

You’ll need hot water to dissolve the coffee and sugar completely. Use freshly boiled water for the best results. The heat allows the mixture to whip up faster and more evenly.

Milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)

This is where you can get creative! Choose your favorite milk—whether it’s classic whole milk, skim milk, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. The milk serves as the base for your cloud coffee drink, so pick one that complements your flavor preferences.

Optional: flavor syrups, cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract

Want to elevate your cloud coffee? Add a splash of vanilla extract, a drizzle of caramel or hazelnut syrup, or a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top. These extras can enhance both the flavor and visual appeal of your drink.

Discover great ideas like turmeric ginger spice latte recipe — best homemade drink for even more cozy beverage inspiration!

PART 3: How to Make Cloud Coffee — Step by Step

1. Whip Your Coffee Foam

Begin by combining 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of hot water in a mixing bowl. This 1:1:1 ratio is the secret to a perfectly balanced foam.

Next, use a hand mixer for the quickest results, or a whisk if you’re going for an arm workout. Whip the mixture until it transforms into a light, fluffy, and creamy foam that holds stiff peaks. Depending on your mixer, this can take 2 to 5 minutes.

Pro tip: The longer you whip, the denser and silkier your cloud coffee foam will become.

2. Prepare Your Glass

While your coffee foam is whipping, get your serving glass ready.
Fill it halfway with cold or hot milk, depending on your preference. If you’re making iced cloud coffee drink, you can also add a few ice cubes to your glass before pouring in the milk.

3. Top with Whipped Coffee Foam

Now for the fun part—spoon the luscious, cloud-like coffee foam onto the milk. You can use the back of a spoon to smooth it out or create soft peaks for a more artistic presentation.

Optional: Sprinkle the top with cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, or a few coffee beans for a decorative touch that enhances the flavor.

4. Mix and Enjoy

Before taking your first sip, give your cloud coffee a gentle stir to mix the foam with the milk. This creates a creamy, well-balanced flavor in every sip. Or, if you prefer, enjoy it as-is and experience the layers separately.

Learn more about ultimate loaded nachos — the ultimate vegan party platter to pair with your cloud coffee for a delightful snack and drink combo.

PART 4: Cloud Coffee Variations to Try

One of the best parts about learning how to make cloud coffee is the endless ways you can customize it. Here are a few delicious variations to experiment with:

Matcha Cloud Coffee → Whipped matcha + coconut cream

For a non-coffee option, try using matcha powder instead of instant coffee. Combine matcha with a little sugar and coconut cream, then whip it into a light foam. Serve over your favorite milk for a vibrant green cloud coffee drink.

Mocha Cloud Coffee → Add cocoa powder to whip

Love chocolate? Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to your coffee mixture before whipping. The result is a rich, mocha-flavored cloud coffee with an indulgent chocolate twist.

Pumpkin Spice Cloud Coffee → Add pumpkin pie spice

Perfect for fall, you can sprinkle pumpkin pie spice into your whipped coffee mixture or on top of the finished drink. For extra flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to your milk base.

Sugar-Free Cloud Coffee → Use erythritol or monk fruit sweetener

If you’re watching your sugar intake, swap the sugar with a granulated sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. The texture will still whip up beautifully, giving you a healthy cloud coffee option with fewer carbs.

Check out dense bean salad recipe for a nutritious pairing that balances the richness of your cloud coffee.

PART 5: FAQs — Cloud Coffee

PART 7: Final Thoughts

Whether you call it cloud coffee or Dalgona coffee, this frothy, whipped drink is a must-try for coffee lovers and trend-chasers alike. With its rich flavor, creamy texture, and visually stunning layers, it offers both an elevated coffee experience and an Instagram-worthy moment.

Plus, learning how to make cloud coffee at home couldn’t be simpler—you only need a few pantry staples and a few minutes of whipping time. From classic recipes to creative variations like matcha cloud coffee and mocha cloud coffee, the possibilities are endless.

So next time you’re craving a special coffee treat, skip the coffee shop and whip up your own cloud coffee drink right in your kitchen.

Looking for inspiration? Try the easiest 2-ingredient chocolate pudding — a dessert lover’s dream to pair with your next cup of cloud coffee.