Frothy, vibrant, and just the right amount of creamy—Dalgona Matcha Latte puts a dreamy spin on the viral whipped drink trend. It’s a beautiful blend of bold, grassy matcha flavor swirled into a soft, cloud-like topping that rests atop your favorite milk.
Ingredients Breakdown
When making a standout Dalgona Matcha Latte, it all begins with quality ingredients that each serve a distinct purpose in both texture and taste.
Matcha powder is the star here. To get the best flavor and color, ceremonial grade matcha is ideal—it has a smoother, more delicate taste with a naturally bright green hue. Culinary grade can work too, but may lean more bitter and earthy, best paired with sweeter milks or additional flavorings.
Sweetener plays a secondary yet important role. Traditional granulated sugar gives volume and gloss to the whipped layer, but stevia is a low-calorie option for those looking to cut sugar. Stevia has a different flavor profile, slightly herbal, so it complements matcha well if used sparingly.
For the milk, any variety can work. Full-fat dairy delivers a rich, velvety base, but plant-based milks like oat, almond, or coconut offer nutty undertones or tropical flair. The key is to choose one that complements rather than competes with matcha’s complex flavor.
Whipping bases offer flexibility depending on dietary preferences or availability. Coconut cream creates a dense and luscious foam with subtle sweetness. Egg white yields a traditional meringue texture—light and airy—while aquafaba, the viscous liquid from canned chickpeas, provides an excellent vegan alternative with surprisingly stable results.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Begin by choosing and preparing your whipping base. Whether you opt for aquafaba, egg white, or coconut cream, make sure the bowl is clean and dry to help the mixture aerate properly. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer on high speed will speed up the process, but a sturdy whisk and a bit of patience can work just as well. Whip the base until soft peaks form, which typically takes around 2 to 5 minutes with a mixer.
Once the mixture has a light and pillowy texture, sift in the sugar or stevia. This helps to avoid any grainy texture and ensures a smooth finish. Whip again to fully incorporate the sweetener and create a glossy, firm consistency.
Now it’s time to add the matcha. Sift the green tea powder evenly over the whipped mixture. This prevents clumping and allows for even coloring. Whip just enough to blend the matcha thoroughly, and you’ll end up with a vibrant, silky foam that’s ready to crown your drink.
Prepare your milk in a glass—serve it cold for a refreshing treat or warm it beforehand for a cozy variation. Taste and sweeten the milk if necessary, especially if using unsweetened plant-based options. Spoon the whipped matcha mixture on top and serve immediately for the best visual and textural contrast.
Recipe Tips
How to achieve stiff peaks without over-whipping
Stop whipping as soon as the mixture holds its shape and forms soft to medium peaks. Over-whipping, especially with egg whites or aquafaba, can cause it to separate or collapse.
Best tools for whipping: electric mixer vs. whisk
An electric mixer is ideal for speed and consistency, especially with aquafaba or coconut cream. A whisk works for small batches but requires more time and stamina.
Avoiding gritty matcha clumps in the foam
Always sift your matcha before adding it in. If it’s particularly fine, you can even mix it with a splash of water first to create a smooth paste before whipping it in.
Adjusting sweetness depending on your milk choice
Sweetened plant milks may not need extra sugar, while unsweetened varieties might benefit from a touch of honey or syrup stirred into the milk before topping.
What to Serve With This Recipe
A Dalgona Matcha Latte pairs beautifully with delicate, subtly sweet pastries that don’t overpower its grassy notes. Think buttery croissants, matcha macarons, or even green tea mochi for an authentic pairing.
Shortbread cookies, almond biscotti, or sponge cake offer satisfying textures that balance the creaminess of the latte without clashing with its profile. For those who prefer a savory edge, avocado toast, egg salad sandwiches, or a small cheese plate make unexpected but excellent companions.
This latte fits seamlessly into any moment—serve it as part of a cozy breakfast spread, a refreshing afternoon tea, or even as a light dessert drink. Whether hot or iced, its aesthetic appeal also makes it a great option for brunch with friends or a relaxing solo treat.
Creative Variations
Add a layer of intrigue to your latte by infusing the foam with other flavors. A few drops of vanilla extract, a hint of rose water, or a dash of cinnamon can introduce aromatic complexity without overwhelming the matcha.
For a dramatic twist, serve it as an iced float by layering the whipped matcha over cold brew coffee or sparkling water. The result is an effervescent, creamy drink that surprises with every sip.
If you’re feeling artistic, use two different types of milk to create color-blocked layers—coconut milk and almond milk, for instance, give visual contrast and added depth of flavor.
Beyond beverages, the whipped matcha topping can also moonlight as a dessert element. Pipe it onto cakes, spoon it over pudding, or use it as a mousse-like layer in parfaits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different tea powder instead of matcha?
Yes, but the result will vary. Beetroot powder, hojicha, or butterfly pea flower powder can be used for color and flavor variation, but they may not whip the same way with every base.
How long does the whipped matcha foam hold its shape?
Typically, it holds for 15–30 minutes at room temperature. Refrigerated foam lasts slightly longer, though texture may soften over time.
What if I don’t have an electric mixer?
A hand whisk works with patience. Aquafaba and egg white can take 7–10 minutes by hand. Using a chilled bowl helps speed up the process.
Can I store the whipped mixture for later use?
It’s best fresh, but you can refrigerate it for a few hours. Re-whip lightly before serving to revive volume.
Dalgona Matcha Latte is an eye-catching, playful beverage that brings a splash of creativity to your drink routine. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up something visually stunning and refreshingly flavorful.
It invites experimentation—whether through flavors, textures, or presentation—making it a fun and flexible addition to any kitchen lineup. Let your curiosity guide you and enjoy every velvety sip.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon matcha powder
1 tablespoon sugar or 1 scoop stevia
Milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
Choose one:
1/3 cup coconut cream
1 egg white
3 tablespoons aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
Instructions
Start by selecting your preferred whipping base—coconut cream, egg white, or aquafaba—and add it to a clean mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, with a texture similar to whipped cream. This process typically takes 2 to 5 minutes with a mixer, though whisking by hand may take up to 10 minutes.
Once soft peaks begin to hold their shape, sift in the sugar or stevia and continue whipping until fully incorporated and the mixture becomes glossy and firm.
Next, sprinkle the matcha powder over the whipped base and whip again until the vibrant green color is evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth.
Fill a glass with your choice of milk or creamer—either cold for a refreshing drink or pre-warmed if serving hot. Taste and adjust the sweetness of the milk if needed. Finally, spoon the fluffy matcha topping over the milk and serve immediately.
Dalgona Matcha Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar or 1 scoop stevia
- Milk of choice dairy or plant-based
Choose one:
- 1/3 cup coconut cream
- 1 egg white
- 3 tablespoons aquafaba liquid from canned chickpeas
Instructions
- Start by selecting your preferred whipping base—coconut cream, egg white, or aquafaba—and add it to a clean mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, with a texture similar to whipped cream. This process typically takes 2 to 5 minutes with a mixer, though whisking by hand may take up to 10 minutes.
- Once soft peaks begin to hold their shape, sift in the sugar or stevia and continue whipping until fully incorporated and the mixture becomes glossy and firm.
- Next, sprinkle the matcha powder over the whipped base and whip again until the vibrant green color is evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth.
- Fill a glass with your choice of milk or creamer—either cold for a refreshing drink or pre-warmed if serving hot. Taste and adjust the sweetness of the milk if needed. Finally, spoon the fluffy matcha topping over the milk and serve immediately.
