Complete Roast Healthy Recipe Series: Dalgona Protein Coffee
Jul 29, 2020
Light, fluffy whipped coffee layered over cold, creamy milk. This Dalgona Protein Coffee brings the coffeehouse experience home with a delicious twist: Complete Roast protein coffee.
Dalgona coffee became famous for its thick, cloud-like coffee foam and beautiful layered presentation. The traditional recipe uses instant coffee, sugar, and water whipped into a silky, airy topping.
Our version incorporates Complete Roast for added protein and rich coffeehouse-inspired flavor. It's a simple way to elevate your iced coffee routine without a complicated recipe.
What Is Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona coffee is a whipped coffee drink made by beating instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until the mixture becomes thick and foamy.
The whipped topping is spooned over cold milk, creating a distinctive two-layer presentation. Stir everything together before drinking for a smooth, creamy coffee experience.
By incorporating protein coffee, you can add protein to this café-inspired favorite while experimenting with different flavors.
Dalgona Protein Coffee Recipe
This version uses Complete Roast Mocha Latte for a chocolate-coffee finish. Caramel Frappé or French Vanilla can also work for different flavor profiles.
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon
instant coffee
Regular or decaf; instant coffee works best for whipping.
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1 tablespoon
granulated sugar
Traditional sugar creates reliable foam. Some alternative sweeteners may produce different results.
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1 tablespoon
hot water
Use hot water to dissolve the instant coffee and sugar.
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1 serving
Complete Roast Protein Coffee
Mocha Latte recommended; use the serving amount on your label.
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6–8 oz cold milk
Dairy milk or your preferred milk alternative.
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Ice cubes
Optional, for an extra-cold coffeehouse finish.
Equipment
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Mixing bowl
A medium-sized bowl gives the coffee room to expand.
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Hand mixer or whisk
An electric mixer makes whipping much faster.
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Tall serving glass
A clear glass highlights the signature layers.
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Spoon or spatula
For folding and layering the whipped coffee topping.
Recipe tip: Complete Roast contains protein, which can affect how the foam forms and holds. Whipping the instant coffee mixture first gives you a better chance of achieving that classic Dalgona texture.
How to Make Dalgona Protein Coffee
Prepare the Coffee Base
Add the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water to a mixing bowl. Stir briefly to combine the ingredients.
Whip Until Thick and Fluffy
Using an electric hand mixer, beat the mixture for approximately 3–5 minutes, or until it becomes light, thick, and fluffy. Whisking by hand may take considerably longer.
Prepare Your Protein Coffee Milk
In a separate glass or shaker, mix Complete Roast with the cold milk until smooth. Use a little extra milk if needed to reach your preferred consistency.
Build Your Drink
Add ice to a tall glass, then pour in the prepared Complete Roast milk mixture. Leave room at the top for the whipped coffee.
Add the Whipped Coffee
Gently spoon the whipped coffee over the milk. Swirl the topping slightly for a café-style finish. Stir before drinking to combine the layers.
Prefer protein in the foam? You can experiment by gently folding a small amount of Complete Roast into the finished whipped coffee. Be aware that adding protein powder may soften or deflate the foam. Mixing the full serving into the milk is the more reliable method.
Choose Your Complete Roast Flavor
One of the easiest ways to customize this recipe is by changing the Complete Roast flavor.
Mocha Latte
A rich combination of coffee and chocolate flavor. A great choice for a dessert-like whipped coffee.
Caramel Frappé
Adds a sweet, buttery caramel note that pairs beautifully with the bold whipped coffee topping.
French Vanilla
Creates a smooth, vanilla-inspired coffee drink with a familiar coffeehouse flavor.
Estimated Nutrition
The original Dalgona Protein Coffee recipe published by Complete Nutrition listed the following approximate nutrition values using unsweetened almond milk and a natural sweetener.
These figures are historical estimates, not recalculated nutrition facts for the updated recipe above. Using one tablespoon of sugar, different milk, or a different Complete Roast flavor will change the nutrition totals. Calculate the final values from your actual ingredients.
Tips for Perfect Whipped Coffee
Use Instant Coffee
Traditional Dalgona foam depends on instant coffee. Regular brewed coffee won't produce the same texture.
Keep the Ratio Equal
Start with equal amounts of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water for reliable whipping.
Serve Immediately
The foam looks and tastes best shortly after whipping. Prepare it just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Dalgona coffee without sugar?
Some sugar substitutes can create whipped coffee foam, but the stability and texture may vary. Granulated sugar is generally more reliable for the traditional recipe.
Can I use decaf instant coffee?
Yes. Decaf instant coffee can be used for the whipped topping. Keep in mind that Complete Roast itself contains coffee and may contribute additional caffeine.
Can I use almond milk or oat milk?
Absolutely. Unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, dairy milk, or another preferred option can work. Flavor, texture, and nutrition will vary.
Why isn't my whipped coffee getting fluffy?
Check that you're using instant coffee and the correct proportions. Whipping time, sweetener type, and additional ingredients can all affect foam formation.
Your Coffeehouse Favorite, Upgraded.
Dalgona coffee is all about the experience: bold coffee flavor, creamy milk, and that signature whipped topping. With Complete Roast, you can give this popular coffeehouse-style drink an added protein twist while keeping the preparation simple.
This recipe contains caffeine from coffee ingredients. Caffeine content varies by product and serving. Review your Complete Roast label and consider your individual caffeine tolerance.
