Cloud Coffee Recipe: How to Make the Dreamy Viral Drink at Home
Are you tired of your same old morning coffee routine? If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen it: a stunning drink with a fluffy, white cloud of sweet foam floating delicately on top of rich, dark coffee. It’s not magic—it’s cloud coffee, and it’s the heavenly treat your coffee break has been waiting for.
Forget complicated barista techniques. This gorgeous drink is surprisingly simple to whip up in your own kitchen. Ready to float away on a coffee cloud? Let’s dive into this amazing cloud coffee recipe and learn how you can impress yourself (and your friends) with this viral sensation.
What Exactly is Cloud Coffee?
Think of cloud coffee as the delightful cousin of the famous Dalgona coffee. But where Dalgona coffee features a whipped coffee foam on top of milk, cloud coffee flips the script. It consists of a light, airy, meringue-like cloud made from sweetened egg whites (or a vegan alternative!) that is gently spooned over a glass of iced coffee. The result is a beautiful contrast of dark and light, with a texture that is pure bliss.
Why Is Everyone Obsessed with It?
It’s easy to see why this trend took off.
It’s Visually Stunning: Let’s be honest, we eat (and drink) with our eyes first. The sharp contrast between the dark coffee and the pillowy white cloud is incredibly photogenic.
The Texture is Incredible: The first sip is a unique experience. You get the light, sweet, marshmallow-y foam followed by the bold, cool coffee underneath. It’s a delightful combination.
It’s a Fun DIY Project: Making cloud coffee is a creative and satisfying process. The magic of watching the foam whip up into a glossy cloud is half the fun!
Cloud Coffee Ingredients
The best part about this drink is how few ingredients you need. You probably have most of them already! Here are the core cloud coffee ingredients to get you started:
Your Favorite Coffee: Brewed strong and chilled. Iced Americano or cold brew works perfectly.
Egg White: One large egg white, preferably at room temperature. (For a safe option, use pasteurized egg whites from a carton).
Sugar: 2 tablespoons of granulated or caster sugar.
Vanilla Extract (Optional): A ¼ teaspoon for a hint of flavor.
Ice Cubes
Ve:gan Option Don't do eggs? No problem! Swap the egg white for 2 tablespoons of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas). It whips up just as beautifully!
How to Make Cloud Coffee: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to create your masterpiece? Follow this easy cloud coffee recipe at home.
Step 1: Prepare Your Coffee
Brew a strong cup of your favorite coffee. You can use an espresso machine to pull a double shot and top it with cold water, or simply use your favorite cold brew. Fill a glass with ice and pour the chilled coffee over it, leaving about two inches of space at the top for your cloud.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cloud
This is where the magic happens! In a clean, dry bowl, add your egg white (or aquafaba). Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, begin whipping on medium speed. Once it starts to get foamy (about 30 seconds), slowly begin to add the sugar, one spoonful at a time.
Continue whipping and turn the speed up to high. The mixture will start to get thick, white, and glossy. If you’re using it, add the vanilla extract now. Keep whipping until you have stiff peaks. You’ll know it’s ready when you can turn the whisk upside down and the foam holds its shape without dropping
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Gently spoon the fluffy cloud foam on top of your iced coffee. You can create a beautiful dome or make little peaks with the back of your spoon. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful textures!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cloud Coffee
Clean Bowl is Key: Any trace of fat or grease (like egg yolk) in your bowl will prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly. Make sure your bowl and whisk are squeaky clean.
Go Slow with the Sugar: Adding the sugar gradually helps it dissolve completely, resulting in a smoother, more stable foam.
Flavor Twists: Feel free to get creative! Add a dash of cinnamon or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the finished cloud for extra flavor and flair.
Sweetness to Taste: You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference. Less sugar will result in a less stable foam, but it’s still delicious.
Cloud Coffee Benefits: Is It More Than Just a Pretty Drink?
While cloud coffee is definitely a treat, there are some minor cloud coffee benefits to consider. The egg white provides a small boost of protein, making it slightly more substantial than a standard sweetened coffee. Mostly, the benefits are experiential—it’s a fun, mood-lifting activity that results in a delicious, cafe-quality drink you made yourself. It encourages mindfulness as you take a moment to create something beautiful and savor it.
Cloud Coffee vs. Dalgona Coffee
How does it stack up against its viral predecessor
Cloud Coffee: Sweet, light, meringue-like foam on top of coffee. The flavor is a sweet cloud followed by bold coffee.
Dalgona Coffee: Strong, bitter, whipped coffee foam on top of milk. The flavor is intense coffee mellowed by the milk below.
Both are visually appealing and fun to make, but they offer completely different taste and texture experiences.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Coffee Treat
The cloud coffee recipe is more than just a fleeting trend; it’s a genuinely delightful and easy way to elevate your daily coffee. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a fun kitchen experiment that yields a stunning and delicious result. So next time you need a little pick-me-up, skip the coffee shop and whip up a dreamy cloud coffee at home. You deserve it!
FAQs
1. Is it safe to use raw egg whites
For complete peace of mind, it’s best to use pasteurized egg whites, which are readily available in cartons at most grocery stores. They have been gently heated to eliminate any risk.
2. Can I make a vegan version of cloud coffee?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the egg white with 2 tablespoons of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) and follow the recipe as directed. It works like a charm.
