If you’ve ever had a craving for something that feels like a coffee shop treat but want to make it at home and still keep it easy — this is it.
Strawberry dalgona whipped coffee is one of those drinks that looks fancy and complicated, but really, it’s a breeze to make.
And the flavor? Think chocolate-covered strawberries but with caffeine. It’s creamy, fruity, and strong, and it tastes like something I’d order at a trendy café downtown.
I started making this drink when I wanted something a little different from my regular iced latte.
I had strawberries in the fridge and figured, why not blend them into milk and top it with that velvety whipped coffee?
The first sip totally sold me. It’s just sweet enough, the layers look stunning, and it checks all the boxes when you want a pretty drink that gives you an afternoon pick-me-up.
Let’s walk through everything you need, plus a few tips that help bring out the best flavor and texture.
The secret really is in the details here—from using ripe strawberries to getting the coffee foam just right.
Strawberry Dalgona Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need, and why each ingredient matters:
- Fresh strawberries: Ripe ones are naturally sweet and make the milk more flavorful. Frozen can work too, but thaw them first.
- Milk: I usually use whole milk because it’s creamier, but any milk (oat, almond, soy) will work depending on what you like.
- Instant coffee: This is what makes the foam. It must be instant—brewed coffee won’t whip.
- Sugar: Helps stabilize the whipped coffee and gives it structure.
- Hot water: Needs to be freshly boiled or very hot so the coffee whips well.
- Ice: Optional but makes the drink so much more refreshing, especially in warmer weather.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Dalgona Coffee
Here are my tips and tricks for a delicious Starwberry Dalgona coffee:
- Use an electric whisk: A hand whisk works too, but your arm might regret it. I use a milk frother or hand mixer, and it takes under 2 minutes.
- Blend the strawberries really smooth: You can strain the seeds if you want a silky milk base, but I usually don’t bother unless I’m serving guests.
- Chill your glass: This keeps the layers from melting too quickly, especially if you’re using ice.
- Serve immediately: The whipped coffee will start to deflate after about 10–15 minutes, so build it and drink it fresh.
Customization Ideas
Here’s how to customize your Strawberry Dalgona:
- Want it stronger? Add a shot of espresso to the strawberry milk.
- Want it sweeter? Add more sugar to the coffee or blend a touch of honey or maple syrup into the strawberry milk.
- Going dairy-free? Oat milk works beautifully with strawberries and whips up into a creamy base.
Strawberry Dalgina Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Milk
Blend strawberries with a bit of milk until smooth.
I use about 5–6 large strawberries per serving and 1/2 cup of milk. If the strawberries are tart, add a little sugar or honey.
Pour the mixture into your glass and fill it with ice if you want it cold.
Step 2: Whip the Coffee
In a small bowl, combine:
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons hot water
Use a hand mixer, milk frother, or whisk to beat the mixture until it forms stiff peaks. It should be light and fluffy, like whipped cream.
Step 3: Assemble
Spoon the whipped coffee over the strawberry milk and ice.
Don’t stir—at least not yet. The beauty is in the layers. Then, when you’re ready, mix and enjoy every sip.
When I Like to Make Strawberry Dalgona
This drink is one of my favorites in spring and summer when strawberries are everywhere.
It’s also great when you’re craving something cute and café-like but don’t want to spend money on coffee out.
Sometimes I even make it for brunch. It looks impressive and takes almost no time.
If you’re hosting friends, serve these in clear glasses with a fresh strawberry on the rim.
Trust me, people will ask if you bought them from a coffee shop.
Strawberry Dalgona FAQ
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant?
No, you can’t use brewed coffee instant on instant. It won’t whip. You really need instant coffee for that fluffy texture.
Can I make Dalgona ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Dalgona coffee ahead of time. You can make the whipped coffee ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Keep in mind the texture might start to fall. I recommend whipping it fresh and assembling right before drinking.
Can I make Dalgona coffee without sugar?
Yes, you can make Dalgona coffee without sugar. Use a sugar alternative like monk fruit or erythritol, but keep in mind the texture could be different because sugar helps stabilize the whipped coffee.
Strawberry Dalgona Coffee
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (about 6 to 8 medium strawberries), hulled
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 tsps sugar or honey (optional, based on strawberry sweetness)
- ice cubes
- 2 tbsp instant coffee
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp hot water
Instructions
- Blend the strawberries. In a blender, combine the strawberries and ½ cup of milk. Blend until smooth. Taste and add sugar or honey if needed.
- Add milk and ice. Pour the blended strawberry milk into two glasses. Divide the remaining milk between the two and stir. Add ice cubes.
- Whip the coffee. In a bowl, whisk the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water together until fluffy and light. This takes 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer or up to 8 minutes by hand.
- Top the drinks. Spoon the whipped coffee on top of the strawberry milk. Smooth it out with a spoon or leave it cloud-like.
- Garnish and enjoy. Add a strawberry to the rim or sprinkle freeze-dried strawberry pieces on top if you’re feeling fancy. Stir before drinking or sip through a straw for the layered effect.
Video
Notes
- You can strain the strawberry purée if you don’t want seeds in your drink.
- For an extra flavor twist, add a splash of vanilla or a tiny pinch of sea salt to the strawberry milk.
- Want it warm? Just skip the ice and heat the strawberry milk before assembling.
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