Dalgona Coffee Cupcakes: A Dreamy Treat for Coffee Lovers

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on March 11, 2025

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There are certain flavors that feel like a warm hug—coffee is one of them. For many of us, coffee is more than just a drink. It’s a ritual, a moment of peace, a companion through early mornings and late-night conversations. The idea of capturing that rich, aromatic essence in a soft, fluffy cupcake was something I had been dreaming about for a while.

I remember the first time I tried Dalgona coffee. It was during the global wave of home-baking and coffee trends that took over social media. Watching instant coffee, sugar, and water transform into a silky, cloud-like foam was pure magic. But as much as I loved it, I found myself wondering—what if this same creamy coffee experience could be turned into something more indulgent?

That’s how these Dalgona Coffee Cupcakes were born. They combine the deep, bold taste of coffee with the light, airy texture of a cupcake. The cupcakes themselves are rich yet soft, with just the right balance of sweetness and bitterness. Topped with the signature whipped coffee foam, they deliver an elegant, café-style experience in every bite. Whether you’re a devoted coffee lover or simply looking for a unique dessert, these cupcakes promise to surprise and delight.

Why You’ll Love These Dalgona Coffee Cupcakes

1. A Coffee Lover’s Dream Dessert

These cupcakes are infused with coffee flavor in two ways—the moist, coffee-spiked cake and the airy Dalgona topping. Every bite tastes like your favorite latte in dessert form.

2. Eggless and Super Soft

This recipe doesn’t require eggs, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions. The combination of milk, vinegar, and oil ensures a fluffy and tender crumb.

3. No Fancy Ingredients Required

Everything in this recipe is a kitchen staple—flour, sugar, oil, milk, and instant coffee. There’s no need to hunt for specialty ingredients.

4. A Stunning Visual Treat

The whipped Dalgona topping adds an elegant, café-style finish to the cupcakes. They look as good as they taste, making them a great choice for celebrations or gifts.

5. Easy and Fun to Make

This recipe is simple, yet it feels luxurious. Making the Dalgona topping is an enjoyable process, and the transformation from liquid to foam is nothing short of magic.

Tips for Making the Best Dalgona Coffee Cupcakes

1. Use Strong Instant Coffee for Maximum Flavor

Since this recipe relies on instant coffee, use a high-quality brand for the best taste. Stronger coffee gives the cupcakes a more pronounced, robust flavor.

2. Whisk the Dalgona Topping Until Stiff Peaks Form

For the signature airy, cloud-like texture, beat the coffee mixture long enough. Using a hand mixer will make the process much faster than whisking by hand.

3. Let the Cupcakes Cool Completely Before Adding the Topping

Warm cupcakes will cause the whipped topping to melt and lose its signature fluffiness. For the best results, allow them to cool fully before decorating.

4. Adjust the Sweetness to Your Preference

Dalgona coffee is naturally strong and slightly bitter. If you prefer a sweeter topping, add a little more sugar to balance the flavors.

5. Experiment with Toppings

For a creative twist, dust the finished cupcakes with cocoa powder, drizzle with caramel, or sprinkle with chocolate shavings.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups (180g)
Sugar	¾ cup (150g)
Baking powder	1 ½ tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Instant coffee	2 tbsp
Hot water	¼ cup (60ml)
Milk	½ cup (120ml)
Vegetable oil	¼ cup (60ml)
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Lemon juice or vinegar	1 tbsp

For the Dalgona Topping:

Ingredient	Quantity
Instant coffee	2 tbsp
Sugar	2 tbsp
Hot water	2 tbsp

Directions

1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a small bowl, dissolve instant coffee in hot water and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
In another bowl, mix milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and the dissolved coffee.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined and smooth.

2. Bake the Cupcakes

Pour the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool completely before adding the topping.

3. Make the Dalgona Topping

In a bowl, whisk together instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until thick and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
Use a hand mixer or whisk vigorously until stiff peaks form.

4. Assemble the Cupcakes

Spoon or pipe the Dalgona topping onto each cooled cupcake.
Optionally, dust with cocoa powder or sprinkle with crushed coffee granules for an extra coffee kick.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake, Approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220 kcal
Protein	3 g
Carbohydrates	32 g
Fats	9 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugars	18 g

Variations to Try

1. Mocha Dalgona Cupcakes

Add cocoa powder to the cupcake batter to create a rich mocha flavor. The combination of chocolate and coffee makes these even more indulgent.

2. Vanilla Caramel Dalgona Cupcakes

Replace some of the coffee in the batter with vanilla extract and drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped topping for a sweet, creamy variation.

3. Coconut Dalgona Cupcakes

Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.

4. Spiced Dalgona Cupcakes

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cupcake batter for a warm, spiced coffee flavor.

5. Chocolate Dipped Dalgona Cupcakes

Dip the tops of the cupcakes in melted chocolate before piping on the Dalgona topping for an extra layer of decadence.

Serving Suggestions

1. As an Afternoon Treat with Coffee

Pair these cupcakes with a hot espresso or cappuccino for the ultimate coffee experience.

2. As a Dessert for Gatherings

The elegant Dalgona topping makes these cupcakes a great choice for dinner parties, birthdays, or brunch.

3. As a Gift for Coffee Lovers

Pack these in a box and surprise a fellow coffee enthusiast with a homemade, café-style dessert.

4. With a Scoop of Ice Cream

For an extra indulgent treat, serve these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla or coffee-flavored ice cream.

5. Chilled for a Refreshing Twist

Since the Dalgona topping is light and airy, chilling the cupcakes for a bit before serving makes them even more refreshing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make These Cupcakes Without Coffee?

Yes! If you love the texture but prefer a different flavor, replace the coffee with cocoa powder for a delicious chocolate version.

2. How Long Does the Dalgona Topping Last?

The whipped coffee topping holds its shape for several hours but is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store it, keep it in the fridge and re-whip before serving.

3. Can I Use Brewed Coffee Instead of Instant Coffee?

Instant coffee is essential for making the Dalgona topping. However, you can replace the instant coffee in the cupcake batter with strong brewed coffee.

4. How Should I Store These Cupcakes?

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If refrigerated, let them sit at room temperature before serving to soften.

5. Can I Make These Cupcakes Vegan?

Yes! Use almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy milk, and replace the whipped coffee topping with a dairy-free whipped cream alternative.

6. What’s the Best Way to Whip the Dalgona Topping?

A hand mixer makes whipping the topping much faster. If whisking by hand, use a large whisk and beat vigorously for 3-5 minutes until stiff peaks form.

Final Thoughts: A Cupcake That Feels Like a Coffeehouse Treat

There’s something special about turning a beloved drink into a dessert. These Dalgona Coffee Cupcakes bring together the best of both worlds—the rich, deep taste of coffee and the fluffy, indulgent texture of a cupcake. They are simple to make yet feel like a fancy bakery treat, making them perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re a passionate coffee lover or just someone who enjoys a unique twist on classic desserts, these cupcakes are sure to impress. With their beautiful presentation, bold coffee flavor, and irresistible texture, they’re bound to become a new favorite.

So the next time you crave a coffeehouse-style dessert, skip the café and bake these instead. They’re proof that some of the best indulgences come straight from your own kitchen.