If you’ve ever seen those whipped, picture-perfect drinks floating on a glass of milk and thought, “Can I really make that at home?” — the answer is yes, absolutely. This cloud coffee recipe doesn’t need a fancy espresso machine or barista badge. Just a few pantry staples, a spoon (or a whisk if you’re feeling bold), and you’re minutes away from sipping one of the fluffiest coffees you’ll ever try. We’ll walk through how I stumbled upon this creamy wonder, how to make it your own, and a few tips if you don’t have any special equipment. You’ll also get a feel for why cloud coffee became such a cozy hit online—and in my kitchen. So let’s get whisking.

Table of Contents
My First Whip – How I Discovered the Magic of Cloud Coffee
Whipping Up Joy in the Kitchen
The first time I tried a cloud coffee recipe, I was in sweats, hair up, and halfway through cleaning out a spice cabinet I hadn’t touched since Christmas. It was back in early 2020, during those weird, quiet days when everyone was trying something new in the kitchen. A friend had sent me a video: “You HAVE to try this!” she said. The drink looked like a creamy caramel cloud floating over milk. I was hooked before the first stir.
I didn’t even have instant coffee in the house that day—had to borrow some from my neighbor across the street. But once I had it? Three ingredients, a whisk, and five minutes later, I was staring at my first homemade cloud coffee. The smell alone—warm, strong, comforting—was enough to turn my afternoon around.
This cloud coffee recipe became a little ritual. I’d whip one up as a treat after a morning of writing or toss some ice in for a late-day pick-me-up. The best part? It made my kitchen feel like a little café. No need to go out, spend five bucks, or clean a frother. Just me, a mug, and a swirl of delicious foam.
Around that same time, I was experimenting with other café-style drinks. If you love easy flavor twists, you might enjoy this tahini iced coffee too—it’s nutty and refreshing, just like cloud coffee’s bold cousin.
The Texture That Changed My Morning
What really amazed me was the texture. I mean, how does equal parts coffee, sugar, and hot water turn into something this thick and silky? It reminded me of whipped cream, but it had that strong kick of coffee underneath. Pour it over iced milk and you’ve got this layered, gorgeous drink that feels way fancier than it is.
I remember making one for my teenage son and watching his face go from skeptical to impressed after the first sip. “Wait—you made this? At home?” Yep. And now he requests it on the weekends like it’s part of brunch.
That smooth top layer, rich and velvety, made mornings feel more special—especially when I paired it with something sweet, like a slice of banana bread or a bite of this caramel mocha when we had leftovers.
Making this cloud coffee recipe taught me something unexpected: the act of preparing it is just as fun as drinking it. There’s a rhythm to the whipping, the little suspense of watching it thicken, and the quiet satisfaction when the foam sits just right.
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Cloud Coffee Recipe – A Frothy, Fun Drink You Can Make at Home
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cloud coffee recipe (aka Dalgona coffee) creates a whipped, frothy topping using just 3 pantry ingredients. A creamy café-style drink at home.
Ingredients
2 tbsp instant coffee
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp hot water
1 cup milk (cold or hot)
Instructions
1. Add instant coffee, sugar, and hot water to a bowl
2. Whisk until thick and creamy (soft peaks)
3. Fill a glass with milk (iced or warm)
4. Spoon the whipped coffee over the milk
5. Serve and stir as desired
Notes
Use equal parts coffee, sugar, and water for stable foam
Don’t reduce sugar or it may not whip properly
Best with instant coffee – ground coffee won’t work
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Whipping
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
What Is Cloud Coffee, and Why Everyone’s Talking About It
Understanding What a Cloud Coffee Is
Let’s clear up the mystery: cloud coffee, also known as Dalgona coffee, is a whipped drink made by vigorously mixing instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it turns into a creamy foam. That rich, thick coffee cloud is then spooned over hot or cold milk, creating a layered treat that looks like something you’d order at a fancy café—but it’s shockingly simple to make at home.
The name “cloud” comes from that ultra-fluffy texture. It sits right on top of the milk like a soft blanket and stirs in slowly as you drink. Some folks call it a reverse latte. Others just call it magic in a mug.
Cloud coffee first gained popularity in South Korea, where it was nicknamed “Dalgona” after a sugary street snack that looked just like the foam. From there, it went viral—suddenly people around the world were whipping their way through lockdown boredom. But here’s the thing: it stuck around because it’s actually good. The recipe is flexible, satisfying, and it gives you a little something to look forward to in your cup.
If you’ve tried fun coffee spins like mocha iced coffee or white chocolate mocha, you’ll appreciate how different this one feels—not too sweet, but packed with flavor.
Why It’s Worth Trying at Least Once
Beyond the flavor and foam, what makes a cloud coffee recipe so worth trying is the whole experience. It’s tactile. You see it change as you mix. You smell that coffee bloom as the air lifts it into peaks. And when you spoon it over milk, it feels like you’re building something—a little piece of edible art.
The visual appeal is no joke, either. The first time I posted mine on Instagram, I had family messaging me for the recipe. It’s a drink that wants to be photographed.
But even better than the aesthetic is the way it fits into everyday life. You don’t need a café. You don’t need anything fancy. You don’t even need a mixer (though it helps!). It’s beginner-friendly, budget-friendly, and it turns three humble ingredients into something that feels indulgent.
Cloud coffee is also super customizable. Want it iced? Go for it. Prefer plant-based milk? Almond, oat, or coconut milk all work beautifully. You can even stir in a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa for something a little different.
That’s the real secret: the cloud coffee recipe is more than a trend. It’s a tool. A delicious, simple way to turn an ordinary morning into something just a little more delightful.
How to Make a Cloud Coffee Recipe (Step-by-Step With Tips)
Ingredients You Already Have at Home
One of my favorite things about this cloud coffee recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. You probably have everything in your pantry right now. No coffee shop run, no pricey gadgets—just basics.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Instant coffee (not ground) | 2 tablespoons |
Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons |
Hot water | 2 tablespoons |
Milk of choice | 1 cup (hot or cold) |

Optional add-ins:
- A dash of cinnamon or cocoa
- Vanilla extract
- Flavored creamers (try this with oat milk for a dairy-free option!)
If you like fun drinks with pantry staples, try this ABC juice recipe sometime too—it’s refreshing and colorful, just like this one.
Step-by-Step Instructions With My Personal Tricks
- Combine the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a medium bowl. Make sure the water is hot—not warm. That heat is what helps everything whip up properly.
- Whip it. You can use a hand whisk (takes 7–10 minutes), a handheld milk frother (about 3–5 minutes), or an electric mixer (2 minutes or less). Whisk until it turns thick and holds soft peaks, just like whipped cream.
- Taste the foam. It’ll be strong and sweet. That’s okay! It balances out beautifully over the milk.
- Fill a glass with milk. Add ice if you want it cold. Spoon the whipped coffee over the top.
- Stir or don’t. Some folks mix it right in. Others sip through the foam. Totally up to you!

PRO TIP: Don’t reduce the sugar. It’s tempting, I know, but sugar is what stabilizes the foam. If you cut it down, you’ll lose the cloud texture. Want to cut sugar? Enjoy it with watermelon lemonade mocktail on the side instead.
And yes—this foamy goodness stays fluffed for a while. You can even prep the whip and store it in the fridge for a couple of hours if needed. Just give it a little stir before using.
Fun Variations to Make Cloud Coffee Your Own
No Two Clouds Are the Same – Flavor Twists I Love
Once you’ve mastered the basic cloud coffee recipe, the real fun begins. That creamy top is the perfect base for creative flavor combinations. Whether you like it bold, sweet, or spiced, there’s a version out there for you.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Iced Vanilla Cloud Coffee: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the milk for a smoother, café-style finish.
- Cinnamon Spice: Mix ¼ tsp ground cinnamon into the whipped coffee for a cozy fall twist.
- Mocha Cloud: Stir in 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolaty layer.
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel syrup on the glass before adding milk. The foam sits on top, and every sip gets a hint of sweetness.
For something extra fancy, try pairing your cloud coffee with a strawberry matcha latte. The colors pop, and the flavors are unexpectedly perfect together.
Want a dessert-style treat? Spoon the coffee foam over vanilla ice cream or even a scoop of whipped ricotta for a cold, creamy delight. It’s a quick way to impress guests without extra effort.
Make It Kid-Friendly (Or Caffeine-Free!)
Kids always want a sip of whatever you’re drinking, right? Here’s how I make it fun and caffeine-free:
- Swap coffee for instant cocoa powder or decaf coffee crystals.
- Keep the sugar the same to get the right whip.
- Serve over chocolate milk or warm dairy-free milk with a swirl of honey.
You can even use this method to top chilled drinks, smoothies, or dessert bowls. The whipped topping works like magic—even on things like milkshakes or iced golden milk latte.
This part of the recipe is where you really get to make it yours. There’s no wrong way to cloud your coffee—just fun ways to make it delicious.

FAQs About Cloud Coffee
How to make a coffee cloud?
To make a coffee cloud, combine equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water—about 2 tablespoons each—and whip them until thick and frothy. Spoon the foam over a glass of hot or cold milk. You can use a whisk, handheld frother, or mixer. The sugar is key to creating that fluffy texture.
What is a cloud coffee?
Cloud coffee is a whipped drink made from instant coffee, sugar, and water, served over milk. It’s often called Dalgona coffee and became popular for its beautiful layered look and smooth, creamy top. This cloud coffee recipe is easy to make and requires no fancy tools.
How to get foamy coffee without a machine?
You can achieve foam using just a whisk or even a fork. The trick is to whip vigorously for several minutes—or use a jar with a tight lid and shake it like crazy. No machine needed, just elbow grease and the right ratio of sugar to coffee.
What is cloud brew coffee?
Cloud brew coffee usually refers to coffee served under a light, foamy cream—similar to cold foam or whipped coffee. It’s often used in trendy cafes for cold drinks. While slightly different from traditional cloud coffee, the idea is the same: creamy on top, smooth underneath.
Conclusion: A Simple Cloud That Brightens Your Day
Whether you’re starting your morning slow or looking for an afternoon treat, this cloud coffee recipe brings a little joy to the table. It’s easy, pretty, and fully customizable. You don’t need a machine or barista skills—just a bowl, a whisk, and a few minutes of your time.
From the very first sip, you’ll understand why this drink won the internet. It’s not just about caffeine—it’s about the moment. That satisfying swirl. That silky foam. That sweet reward for just a little bit of effort.
If you enjoyed this cloud coffee recipe and love simple, feel-good kitchen moments, follow me on Pinterest for cozy food ideas and on Medium where I share stories, tips, and the heart behind every dish.