How to Make Dalgona Coffee Without Instant Coffee: A Complete Guide

Dalgona coffee became a global sensation due to its fluffy, whipped texture and irresistible coffee flavor. Traditionally made with instant coffee, many coffee lovers wonder if it’s possible to recreate the same foamy delight using freshly brewed coffee or espresso instead. The good news? Yes, you can make Dalgona coffee without instant coffee!

However, the process requires a few adjustments because instant coffee contains stabilizers that help create the thick, airy consistency. This guide will explore:

  • The science behind Dalgona coffee and why instant coffee is typically used

  • Alternative ways to make whipped coffee without instant coffee

  • Step-by-step methods using espresso, brewed coffee, and coffee concentrate

  • Expert tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor

Why Is Instant Coffee Used in Dalgona Coffee?

Instant coffee contains emulsifiers and stabilizers that make it easier to whip into a foamy texture. When mixed with sugar and water, it aerates quickly, trapping air to form the signature thick, creamy layer.

Challenges When Using Fresh Coffee Instead of Instant Coffee

  • Lack of stabilizers - Fresh coffee lacks the soluble solids and emulsifiers found in instant coffee, making it harder to whip.

  • Lower concentration - Brewed coffee has a lower coffee-to-water ratio, making it too weak to foam properly.

  • More effort required - Without instant coffee, you’ll need additional ingredients or techniques to create a stable frothy consistency.

Why Is Instant Coffee Used in Dalgona Coffee?

How to Make Dalgona Coffee Without Instant Coffee

To recreate the same frothy, whipped texture without instant coffee, you’ll need:

  • A more concentrated coffee base (espresso, Moka pot coffee, or French press)

  • A foaming agent (sugar, egg whites, or aquafaba)

Option 1: Using Freshly Brewed Espresso

Ingredients:

  • 2 shots of espresso (or very strong coffee)

  • 2 tablespoons sugar (or sugar substitute)

  • 2 tablespoons hot water

  • 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

Instructions:

  1. Brew two shots of espresso using an espresso machine, AeroPress, or Moka pot.

  2. Pour the espresso into a mixing bowl.

  3. Add sugar and hot water, then start whisking using a hand mixer or electric frother.

  4. Whisk for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens into a foamy consistency.

  5. Fill a glass with milk and top with the whipped coffee mixture.

  6. Stir before drinking and enjoy!

Pro Tip: The foam made with espresso won’t be as stiff as instant coffee but will still have a rich and velvety texture.

Option 2: Using Coffee Concentrate (Cold Brew or Strong French Press Coffee)

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup strong coffee concentrate (cold brew or French press)

  • 2 tablespoons sugar or honey

  • 1 tablespoon xanthan gum or gelatin powder (for stabilization)

  • 1 cup milk

Instructions:

  1. Brew a very strong coffee concentrate using a French press, cold brew, or Turkish coffee.

  2. Mix the coffee with sugar and a stabilizer (xanthan gum or gelatin powder).

  3. Use a hand frother or electric mixer to whip the mixture until it forms a foamy texture.

  4. Pour over warm or iced milk and stir gently.

Pro Tip: Adding xanthan gum or gelatin helps thicken the foam and make it last longer.

Option 3: Using Egg Whites (Keto-Friendly & Natural Stabilizer)

Ingredients:

  • 1 egg white

  • 2 tablespoons hot espresso or strong coffee

  • 1 tablespoon sugar or keto-friendly sweetener

  • 1 cup milk

Instructions:

  1. Whip egg white in a mixing bowl until it forms soft peaks.

  2. Slowly add hot espresso and sugar, then continue whisking.

  3. Keep mixing until it turns into a creamy, whipped texture.

  4. Spoon the foam over milk and enjoy.

Pro Tip: Egg whites create a thick, airy foam similar to meringue, making them an excellent substitute for instant coffee.

How to Make Dalgona Coffee Without Instant Coffee

Expert Tips for Perfect Whipped Coffee Without Instant Coffee

  • Use high-quality, finely ground coffee - Specialty-grade Robusta or Arabica coffee enhances flavor and texture.

  • Brew coffee as strong as possible - Weak coffee won’t hold a stable foam.

  • Add a stabilizer - Sugar, egg whites, or aquafaba help thicken the foam.

  • Use an electric whisk or frother - Manually whisking takes much longer.

  • Chill the mixing bowl before whipping - This speeds up aeration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make Dalgona Coffee Without Sugar?

Yes! Stevia, monk fruit sweetener, erythritol, or honey can replace sugar. However, sugar substitutes don’t provide the same structure, so using egg whites or aquafaba helps maintain the foam.

2. Can I Use Regular Drip Coffee Instead of Instant Coffee?

Yes, but drip coffee is too diluted to whip into a foam. Instead, brew a double-strength coffee concentrate using a French press, AeroPress, or Moka pot.

3. How Long Does Whipped Coffee Last?

Dalgona coffee foam stays stable for about 30 minutes. To extend its life, use a stabilizer like xanthan gum, gelatin, or egg whites.

4. Can I Make Dalgona Coffee Without a Mixer?

Yes, but it takes much longer to whip by hand. Using a hand frother or electric mixer significantly reduces the effort.

Upgrade Your Dalgona Coffee with Bazan Coffee

At Bazan Coffee, we believe the foundation of a great Dalgona coffee starts with high-quality, freshly roasted beans. Instead of using instant coffee, upgrade your whipped coffee with premium Vietnamese coffee, offering a richer, more complex taste.

The New Revolution: Fine Robusta from Vietnam

Vietnam’s Fine Robusta coffee is redefining specialty coffee with high-altitude cultivation, advanced fermentation, and meticulous processing.

  • Grown at 650m in Krong Năng, Đắk Lắk, Vietnam

  • 72-hour natural anaerobic fermentation for enhanced sweetness

  • Taste notes of durian, honey, and caramel

  • Thick, velvety body with a naturally low-acid profile

Fine Robusta - Krong Năng’s bold, creamy body and caramelized sweetness make it the perfect base for whipped coffee, creating a richer and smoother Dalgona experience.

Not Just Robusta - The Best of Both Worlds

If you prefer a more balanced espresso with fruity undertones, our Special Vietnam Blend offers ripe fruit, pineapple, caramel, and floral notes-perfect for those who love a smooth and nuanced Dalgona coffee.

For a refined and sophisticated espresso, Specialty Arabica - Cầu Đất delivers bell pepper, spices, and caramel notes, making it ideal for a bright, layered Dalgona coffee experience.

Which Coffee is Best for Your Dalgona Coffee?

Upgrade your Dalgona coffee today with Bazan Coffee and experience Vietnam’s finest specialty coffee!

Upgrade Your Dalgona Coffee with Bazan Coffee
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