Cloud Coffee Recipe: Whipped, Fluffy, and Absolutely Dreamy!

Name: cloud coffee recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons instant coffee (regular or decaf); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons hot water; 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based, cold or hot); Optional: dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder for garnish; Optional: vanilla extract for added flavor; Optional: ice cubes if making an iced version

Before we even get into this one, let me just say—thank YOU for being here. I’m so excited to share this cloud coffee recipe, because it truly is a treat that feels like a little moment of luxury in your daily routine. Whether you’re sipping it slowly on a weekend morning or using it to glam up your weekday coffee game, this whipped coffee (also known as dalgona coffee!) is as beautiful as it is delicious.

This is the kind of recipe that brings joy at first sight. I still remember the first time I made it: I stood back, stared at the silky coffee peaks on top of that cold milk, and thought, “Wait… I made that?” 😍 Trust me—you’re going to feel the same!

If you’re not already on my email list, go ahead and subscribe now so you can get more dreamy recipes like this straight to your inbox. I always share my favorites (and my secrets!).

What Is Cloud Coffee?

Cloud coffee, also called Dalgona coffee, is a whipped coffee drink made by vigorously mixing instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it forms a thick, frothy foam. This luscious cloud is then spooned on top of a glass of cold or warm milk, creating a layered, coffeehouse-style drink that looks almost too pretty to sip—almost!

Reasons to Love This Recipe

Just 4 ingredients – and one of them is water!
No fancy equipment needed (a whisk, spoon, or hand mixer will do).
Totally customizable – serve it hot or iced, with dairy or non-dairy milk.
Photo-worthy – this drink is Instagram-famous for a reason!

What Does Cloud Coffee Taste Like?

It’s bold, smooth, sweet, and creamy all at once. The whipped coffee is strong (like espresso), slightly sweet from the sugar, and delightfully airy in texture. When it blends into the milk, the flavor mellows and gives you this rich, silky coffee drink with serious café vibes.

Benefits of Cloud Coffee

Quick caffeine fix in under 5 minutes.
Budget-friendly alternative to coffee shop drinks.
Fun to make—the whipping is oddly therapeutic!
Ideal for entertaining or treating yourself.

Ingredients

You only need a few pantry staples for cloud coffee:

2 tablespoons instant coffee (regular or decaf)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons hot water
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based, cold or hot)

Optional add-ins:

Dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder for garnish
Vanilla extract for added flavor
Ice cubes if making an iced version

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowl
Hand whisk, electric hand mixer, or milk frother
Spoon or silicone spatula
Glass for serving

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Additions:

Flavored syrups: Vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel work beautifully.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom add cozy notes.
Toppings: Chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey.

Substitutions:

Sugar: Use brown sugar or coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
Milk: Almond, oat, soy, coconut—choose your favorite!
Instant coffee: Decaf works just as well if you’re caffeine-sensitive.

How to Make Cloud Coffee – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Whip the Coffee

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

2 tablespoons instant coffee
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons hot water

Whip vigorously using a hand whisk (takes about 3–5 minutes), or use an electric hand mixer (takes 1–2 minutes) until stiff, foamy peaks form. It should look light, glossy, and spoonable—like coffee mousse!

Step 2: Prepare the Milk

Fill your glass with milk of choice. For an iced version, add ice cubes and cold milk. For a hot version, heat the milk gently and pour into your mug.

Step 3: Top with Coffee Cloud

Spoon the whipped coffee mixture over the milk, smoothing it into a gorgeous dome shape. Snap a pic (you’ll want to show this off!) and then give it a gentle stir before sipping.

What to Serve with Cloud Coffee

This dreamy drink is a perfect match for:

Flaky croissants or buttery toast
Shortbread cookies or biscotti
A slice of coffee cake (because coffee on coffee is always a good idea!)
Or just a cozy blanket and your favorite playlist 💕

Tips for Perfect Cloud Coffee

Use boiling hot water—it helps the coffee whip up faster.
Make sure your sugar is fully dissolved before whipping.
Don’t overwhip—stop once stiff peaks form, or it may collapse.
Want it less sweet? Reduce sugar to 1 tablespoon, but know it may whip slightly less firmly.

Storage Instructions

Cloud coffee foam is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftover foam:

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Re-whip slightly if it deflates.
Great for making a second glass later in the day!

Cloud Coffee FAQs

Can I use ground coffee instead of instant?

Unfortunately, no. Ground coffee won’t dissolve and whip the same way. Instant coffee is key for that cloud-like texture.

Can I make it without sugar?

You can, but the sugar helps stabilize the foam. If you skip it, the texture will be more loose and less fluffy.

Can I make a larger batch?

Absolutely! Just keep the 1:1:1 ratio of coffee, sugar, and hot water. Double or triple it to make enough for a few drinks.

Is cloud coffee strong?

Yes, it’s quite bold—closer to espresso in strength. You can stir more of the milk into it to mellow the flavor.

Final Thoughts on Cloud Coffee

This cloud coffee recipe is one of those rare treats that’s both easy to make and totally impressive. Whether you’re hosting brunch, need a little mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or just want to spoil yourself with something pretty and delicious, this whipped coffee hits the spot every single time.

And if you love elevated sips like this, check out these reader favorites:

Iced Lavender Latte
Honey Cinnamon Cold Brew
Peach Iced Tea Spritzer

They’re just as dreamy and delicious!

Let’s Whip It Together!

If you give this recipe a try, leave a comment below or share your version on Pinterest! Tag me so I can cheer you on and swoon over your creations. ☁️☕✨

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 120
Carbs: 18g
Sugar: 16g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g