March 3, 2026 · Recipe
Ube Dalgona Whipped Coffee Recipe
Fluffy Purple Foam Meets Creamy Milk : the ultimate whipped latte.
The ube dalgona latte reinvents the classic whipped coffee with a stunning purple twist. A fluffy, cloud-like ube foam sits on top of warm (or iced) milk, delivering a delicate vanilla and biscuit aroma with a richness close to white chocolate. Perfect for cozy afternoons or refreshing summer sips.
Looking for the best ube dalgona recipe? Here it is. Whisk ube powder, sugar, and hot water until fluffy, then spoon over warm or iced milk. Ready in 10 minutes, caffeine-free, vegan, and naturally purple. No artificial colors, no coffee needed. Ube Nolia sells 100% pure ube powder from Dagupan and Urdaneta in the Philippines, with no coloring, additives or added sugar: one 100 g pouch makes 33 ube lattes.
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- No cooking
- Total time
- 10 min
- Servings
- 2 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Dietary
- Vegan option
This ube dalgona recipe is:
- ✅ Caffeine-free (add espresso if desired)
- ✅ Naturally vibrant purple (no artificial colors)
- ✅ Vegan-friendly
- ✅ Rich in antioxidants
- ✅ Ready in under 10 minutes
What Is an Ube Dalgona Latte?
Dalgona coffee took the world by storm in 2020 : a whipped, cloud-like coffee foam spooned over cold milk. The ube dalgona takes this concept and replaces coffee with pure ube powder, creating a naturally purple, caffeine-free version that's just as photogenic and even more flavorful.
The result is a drink that's:
- Visually stunning with its purple-on-white layering
- Naturally sweet with vanilla, biscuit, and white chocolate notes
- Incredibly creamy and fluffy
- Perfect for both coffee lovers and tea drinkers
Serve it in a wide mug or transparent glasses to showcase the beautiful layers.
Why Ube Dalgona Is Trending
The original dalgona coffee was already a viral sensation. The ube version takes it further with a naturally vibrant color, a more complex flavor profile, and a caffeine-free base that makes it accessible to everyone.
The ube foam develops a delicate aroma of vanilla and nuts (almond/biscuit), with a roundness close to white chocolate. It's a comforting, elegant drink that appeals to coffee enthusiasts and non-coffee drinkers alike.
This recipe works beautifully with:
- Almond milk (enhances the biscuity ube notes)
- Coconut milk (extra creamy, rich mouthfeel)
- Soy milk (neutral profile, froths well)
- Oat milk (naturally sweet, barista favorite)
- Semi-skimmed cow's milk (traditional, smooth)
Ingredients for the Best Ube Dalgona
☕ Caffeinated option: add an espresso shot or strong brewed coffee under the foam for an ube cappuccino style.
Base Ingredients (2 servings):
- • 2 tablespoons ube powder
- • 2 tablespoons sugar (or maple syrup)
- • 2 tablespoons very hot water
- • 300 ml milk of choice (almond, coconut, soy, or semi-skimmed)
- • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- • Ice cubes (for the iced version)
Equipment
Bowl, whisk or milk frother, saucepan for heating milk, 2 mugs or tall glasses. A milk frother gives the fluffiest result, but a regular whisk works perfectly.
Best Milk Pairings for Ube Dalgona
Your choice of milk will change the overall flavor and creaminess.
Almond Milk
- Enhances biscuity ube notes
- Light and clean finish
- Lower calorie option
Coconut Milk
- Extra creamy and rich
- Enhances tropical undertones
- Luxurious mouthfeel
Oat Milk
- Naturally sweet
- Froths beautifully
- Barista's top choice
Soy Milk
- High protein
- Neutral flavor
- Froths very well
💡 Pro Tip: Almond milk highlights the biscuity, vanilla-like character of ube, while coconut milk makes the foam extra indulgent.
How to Make Ube Dalgona (Step-by-Step Recipe)
Step 1 : Make the Whipped Ube Foam
The foam should be thick, shiny, and hold its shape when spooned. If you want extra richness, add 1 teaspoon of liquid cream.
- In a bowl, combine the ube powder, sugar, and very hot water.
- Whisk vigorously for 2-3 minutes.
- Or use a milk frother until the mixture is creamy, glossy, and fluffy.
Step 2 : Heat the Milk
Boiling kills the ube's delicate aroma and dulls the purple color. Gently warm is perfect.
- Heat your chosen milk in a saucepan (do not boil).
- For the iced version, skip this step : keep the milk cold and prepare ice cubes.
Step 3 : Assemble and Serve
Stir gently before drinking to blend the layers, or enjoy them separately for the full experience.
- Pour the milk into mugs or tall glasses.
- Add vanilla extract if using.
- Spoon the whipped ube foam generously on top.
- For a coffee version, add an espresso shot under the foam.
Iced Ube Dalgona vs Hot : Which One Is Better?
Both are wonderful. The hot version is perfect for cozy winter afternoons : the warmth amplifies the vanilla and biscuit aromas. Pre-warm your mug for the best experience. The iced version is refreshing and stunning in a transparent glass, perfect for summer. The cold milk creates a sharper contrast with the fluffy purple foam on top.
Barista Tips for the Perfect Ube Dalgona
☁️ Perfect Foam
A milk frother gives the fluffiest result. With a whisk, use a fast zigzag motion. For extra creaminess, add 1 teaspoon of liquid cream to the ube mixture.
🌿 Flavor Boosters
Cinnamon, chai spice, turmeric, cardamom, or long pepper : each adds a layer of warmth and complexity.
Gourmet Topping Ideas
Take your ube dalgona to the next level with these finishing touches:
- Cocoa powder or white chocolate shavings : a rich, indulgent finish
- Caramel drizzle or maple syrup swirl : adds a warm sweetness
- Whipped cream (Viennese coffee style) : extra cloud-like decadence
- Crushed almonds or hazelnuts : for biscuity texture and crunch
Ube Dalgona Variations to Try
Chai Ube Dalgona
Steep a chai tea bag in the hot milk before assembling. The warm spices of chai blend beautifully with ube's vanilla notes.
Ube Cappuccino
Add an espresso shot under the ube foam for a "dirty" dalgona. The bold coffee flavor pairs surprisingly well with the sweet, biscuity ube.
Tea-Based Ube Dalgona
Use a base of green or black tea instead of milk for a lighter, hybrid drink. The ube foam floats beautifully on the tea. Discover more ube latte recipes on our blog.
Is Ube Dalgona Healthy?
This latte combines comfort with genuine nutritional benefits.
💜 Benefits of Ube
Purple pigment linked to anti-inflammatory properties.
- Anthocyanins (antioxidants)
- Dietary fiber
- Potassium
- Vitamins A & C
🥛 Plant-Based Milk
- Healthy fats (coconut)
- Protein (soy)
- Fiber-richs (almond)
☕ Caffeine-Free
A soothing drink you can enjoy anytime.
- No jitters or crashes
- Perfect for evenings
- Add espresso optionally
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare parts in advance.
Ube Foam
Keeps 6-8 hours in the fridge. Re-whisk for 10 seconds before using.
Assembly
Best done just before serving. Use transparent glasses to showcase the creamy layers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling the milk (dulls the ube color and aroma : warm gently instead)
- Not whisking long enough (foam should be thick and glossy)
- Using cold water for the foam (hot water is essential for dissolving)
- Skipping the sweetener (sugar helps the foam hold its structure)
Ube Dalgona Whipped Coffee: The Purple Yam Elixir
Ube, known botanically as Dioscorea alata, is a vibrant purple yam indigenous to the Philippines. Its name is derived from the Tagalog word for yam. This root crop is celebrated for its distinctive biscuit and vanilla notes, which contribute to its unique flavour profile. The striking purple hue of ube is naturally occurring, attributed to anthocyanins, powerful plant pigments also found in blueberries and red cabbage. Ube NOLIA's premium powder is sourced from Dagupan and Urdaneta in the Philippines, ensuring authentic taste and colour.
The integration of ube into Filipino cuisine has a rich history, with its use in desserts like ube halaya (jam) predating Spanish colonization. The term "jalea" itself, often associated with ube preparations, is a Spanish influence. The widespread popularity of creamy ube desserts, including halo-halo and sapin-sapin, surged in the 20th century with the introduction of condensed and evaporated milk. The modern global ube trend has seen this traditional ingredient reimagined in contemporary forms, such as this Ube Dalgona Whipped Coffee, blending Filipino heritage with global beverage culture.
Botanical Name
Dioscorea alata
Origin
Philippines (Dagupan, Urdaneta)
Primary Flavour Notes
Biscuit & Vanilla
Natural Colour Source
Anthocyanins
Troubleshooting Your Ube Dalgona Whipped Coffee
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Ube foam is not fluffy or thick enough. | Insufficient whisking or incorrect water temperature. | Whisk vigorously for at least 2-3 minutes; ensure water is very hot to dissolve sugar and activate ube powder. |
| Foam separates or becomes watery quickly. | Over-whisking beyond stiff peaks or using too much water. | Whisk until glossy and fluffy but stop before it becomes granular. Stick to the specified water amount. |
| Ube powder clumps in the mixture. | Water was not hot enough or powder was added too quickly. | Always use very hot water. Whisk continuously as you add the ube powder and sugar. |
| Flavour is too sweet or not sweet enough. | Sugar quantity not adjusted to preference or type of milk. | Adjust sugar (or maple syrup) to taste. Consider the sweetness of your chosen milk (e.g., sweetened almond milk). |
15+ Ways to Enjoy Ube NOLIA Powder
Beverage Boosters ☕️
- Create vibrant purple lattes, hot or iced.
- Blend into smoothies for a fibre-rich, biscuit & vanilla flavour.
- Infuse cocktails or mocktails with its unique taste and colour.
- Stir into hot chocolate for a comforting twist.
Dessert Delights 🍰
- Incorporate into cheesecakes or tarts for a distinct flavour.
- Swirl into ice cream or frozen yogurt for a homemade treat.
- Use in glazes or icings for cakes and doughnuts.
- Prepare traditional Filipino ube halaya (jam) from scratch.
Breakfast & Brunch 🥞
- Mix into pancake or waffle batter for a colourful breakfast.
- Stir into oatmeal or porridge for added flavour and fibre.
- Sprinkle over yogurt parfaits for an exotic touch.
- Bake into muffins or scones for a unique morning pastry.
Baked Goods & Snacks 🍪
- Add to cookie dough for a visually appealing and tasty snack.
- Enhance bread or bun recipes with its natural purple hue.
- Create homemade energy bars with a biscuit & vanilla twist.
- Use as a natural food colouring in various baked creations.
Ube Coffee: A Taste of the Philippines in Your Cup
Ube coffee is a unique beverage that combines the rich flavor of coffee with the distinctive taste and vibrant purple hue of ube. Typically, it involves blending espresso or brewed coffee with Ube Nolia 100% pure ube powder, milk, and a touch of sweetener. This creates a visually striking drink with a flavor profile that balances the roasted notes of coffee with the biscuit and vanilla essence of ube.
Unlike coffee, ube itself contains no caffeine. Therefore, any caffeine in an ube coffee drink comes exclusively from the coffee component. This allows for versatility, as the ube flavor can be enjoyed in caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee preparations. Ube is a yam, Dioscorea alata, known for its vibrant color and is a good source of fiber, supporting healthy digestion.
While often used interchangeably, there are distinctions: An ube coffee refers to any coffee beverage infused with ube. An ube latte specifically implies a milk-based drink with ube and coffee. An ube dalgona is a whipped, frothy topping made from ube powder, sugar, and a small amount of water, typically spooned over milk and coffee. Conversely, an ube latte without coffee would simply be a flavored milk drink, highlighting the ube's unique profile.
Crafting Your Own Ube Coffee Creations
Elevate your coffee experience with these simple recipes using 100% pure ube powder.
Ube Syrup for Coffee
- 100 ml hot water
- 2 tbsp Ube Nolia ube powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Ube Cold Foam for Iced Coffee
- 100 ml cold milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tbsp Ube Nolia ube powder
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
Hot Ube Espresso Latte
- 2 shots (60 ml) espresso
- 150 ml steamed milk
- 1 tbsp Ube Nolia ube powder, mixed with 1 tbsp hot water to form a paste
FAQs About Ube Dalgona Whipped Coffee
Less than a coffee. Better than a matcha.
With the 5-pack you get 165 ube lattes at home. Cheaper than a café, delivered to your door.
This recipe is made with ube powder from Ube Nolia, the #1 natural ube brand from the Philippines. Discover our buy ube powder, 100% pure: no coloring, no additives, no added sugar. One 100 g pouch makes 33 ube lattes.
Looking for ube powder? Ube Nolia sells 100% pure ube from the Philippines, with no coloring, no additives and no added sugar.
New to purple yam? Read our complete guide: What is ube? - origin, taste, benefits and how to use Ube Nolia ube powder.
