Cloud Coffee Recipe — Make the Viral Whipped Coffee at Home

Cloud Coffee Recipe: Make the Viral Whipped Coffee at Home

Cloud coffee, also known as whipped Dalgona coffee, is the frothy 3-ingredient drink that took over TikTok and Instagram—and it’s still trending for a reason. Light, creamy, and incredibly photogenic, this cloud coffee recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their morning caffeine routine with a café-style twist.

With just instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, you can whip up this stunning cloud coffee drink at home in minutes. Whether you serve it over cold milk for a chilled latte vibe or warm milk for comfort, the layered result is a silky treat with bold flavor and visual appeal. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make cloud coffee step by step, plus creative variations and pro tips to perfect your foam.

Looking for the ideal pairing? Try our the ultimate guide to building a mezze platter for entertaining or 2-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding to complete your cozy coffee break.

What Is Cloud Coffee (aka Dalgona Coffee)?

Cloud coffee, also called Dalgona coffee, is a whipped coffee drink made by vigorously beating together instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until a thick, creamy foam forms. This airy “cloud” is then spooned over a glass of milk—hot or cold—to create a visually stunning and delicious drink.

The name “cloud coffee” comes from the light, fluffy texture of the whipped foam, which floats beautifully over the milk like a silky cloud. It’s easy to make at home and offers a rich, bold coffee flavor balanced by the smoothness of your favorite milk.

Originally inspired by South Korea’s Dalgona candy and similar to Indian beaten coffee, cloud coffee became a global sensation during the 2020 lockdown—especially on TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. The viral trend hasn’t faded, and this cloud coffee recipe remains a favorite for its simplicity, beauty, and creamy taste.

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Ingredients You’ll Need for Cloud Coffee

2 tablespoons instant coffee:

Instant coffee is key to achieving the fluffy texture. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor and foam stability.

2 tablespoons sugar:

Sugar doesn’t just sweeten the drink—it helps whip the mixture into stiff peaks. You can use white, raw, or coconut sugar.

2 tablespoons 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 (for serving):

Whole milk gives a creamy mouthfeel, but almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk work great too. Use cold milk for an iced version or warm milk for a cozy treat.

Optional add-ins:

Boost the flavor with a splash of vanilla extract, caramel syrup, cocoa powder, or a pinch of cinnamon. These extras also elevate the drink visually.

How to Make Cloud Coffee at Home

Follow this easy method to whip up your own cloud coffee recipe:

1. Whip Your Coffee Foam

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• 2 tbsp instant coffee
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp hot water

Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the mixture until it forms thick, silky peaks. This usually takes 2–5 minutes. The longer you whip, the creamier your coffee cloud will be.

💡 Tip: For best results, use a chilled metal bowl and whisk attachment if whipping by hand.

2. Prepare Your Glass

While your foam whips, fill a glass halfway with cold or warm milk. For iced cloud coffee, add ice cubes first.

3. Add the Whipped Cloud Foam

Gently spoon the whipped coffee over the milk. Smooth it into soft peaks or give it a rustic swirl for a coffee-shop look. Dust with cocoa powder or cinnamon for extra flair.

4. Stir and Sip

Stir gently to mix the foam with the milk—or enjoy it layered for a fun visual and taste experience. This is whipped coffee at home made easy.

Cloud Coffee Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic cloud coffee recipe, it’s time to get creative! These whipped coffee variations are perfect for seasonal flair, dietary needs, or a flavor upgrade:

Matcha Cloud Coffee :Whisk matcha powder with coconut cream and a little sugar to create a beautiful green foam. Serve it over chilled almond milk for a refreshing non-coffee twist.

Mocha Cloud Coffee :Add 1–2 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to your instant coffee mixture before whipping. It adds a chocolatey depth to your foam and makes a decadent mocha version.

Pumpkin Spice Cloud Coffee : Perfect for fall lovers! Sprinkle pumpkin pie spice into your coffee foam and stir in a splash of vanilla extract into your milk base. It’s like a seasonal latte—only fluffier.

Sugar-Free Cloud Coffee :Watching your sugar? Swap sugar for monk fruit sweetener or erythritol. You’ll still get that gorgeous whipped texture with fewer carbs.

Cloud Coffee FAQs: How to Make, Best Milk, and More

Final Thoughts on Making Cloud Coffee at Home

Whether you call it cloud coffee or whipped Dalgona coffee, this creamy, Instagram-worthy drink is more than just a trend—it’s a simple, satisfying way to elevate your coffee experience at home.

With only three ingredients, you can whip up this cloud coffee recipe in just minutes. It’s affordable, fun, and endlessly customizable. From mocha and matcha to pumpkin spice and sugar-free versions, there’s a cloud coffee variation for every season and lifestyle.

☕ Looking for the perfect pairing? Try our Classic Caesar Salad or 2-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding for a cozy snack break that complements your cloud coffee beautifully.