Vietnamese Coconut Cream Coffee Recipe: A Tropical Twist on Your Morning Brew
If you love coffee and anything coconut, get ready for your new obsession — Vietnamese Coconut Cream Coffee.
This recipe takes traditional Vietnamese coffee to a whole new level of creamy, tropical deliciousness.
Imagine the bold, rich flavor of Vietnamese espresso meeting the silky sweetness of coconut cream — it’s like a coffee vacation in a cup! Whether you serve it hot or iced, this drink feels like something you’d sip on a beach in Da Nang or a cozy morning in Saigon.
Let’s dive into how you can make this café-style treat right in your kitchen!
What Is Vietnamese Coconut Cream Coffee?
Vietnamese coconut cream coffee (called Cà phê cốt dừa in Vietnam) is a popular drink made with strong Vietnamese coffee and sweet coconut cream — sometimes blended with ice to create a frosty, milkshake-like texture.
It’s similar to the classic Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá), but instead of condensed milk, this version uses coconut cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free, tropical flavor.
The result? A drink that’s creamy, rich, slightly nutty, and perfectly balanced between sweetness and coffee boldness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients — just a few simple things to get started:
For one serving:
- 2 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee (Trung Nguyen or any dark roast)
- ½ cup hot water
- 3 tablespoons coconut cream (or thick coconut milk)
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk (optional but authentic!)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes, if making iced coffee
👉 Pro tip: You can make this dairy-free by skipping the condensed milk and adding a bit more coconut cream with maple syrup or coconut sugar.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Vietnamese Coconut Cream Coffee
Step 1: Brew the Coffee
Traditional Vietnamese coffee is brewed using a small metal phin filter, which slowly drips strong coffee into a glass.
If you don’t have one, you can use a French press or espresso machine.
- Add 2 tbsp ground coffee to the phin filter.
- Pour a splash of hot water to let it bloom for 20 seconds.
- Then pour the rest of the water and let it drip through — this should take about 4–5 minutes.
You’ll end up with a small but strong shot of coffee — bold, aromatic, and slightly chocolatey.
Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Cream Mixture
In a small bowl or blender, whisk together:
- 3 tbsp coconut cream
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp sugar
Blend or whisk until smooth and creamy. You can also add a splash of coconut milk if it’s too thick.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
For iced coconut cream coffee:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in your brewed coffee.
- Slowly drizzle or spoon your coconut cream mixture over the top.
- Give it a gentle stir — and watch that gorgeous swirl happen!
For a blended version (like a coconut coffee slush):
- Blend the brewed coffee, coconut cream mix, and ice together for 10–15 seconds.
- Pour into a tall glass and top with more coconut cream.
Optional Add-Ons
Want to take it up a notch? Try these fun twists:
- Add cocoa powder or cinnamon for a mocha flavor.
- Top with whipped coconut cream for a dessert-style treat.
- Drizzle caramel or chocolate syrup before serving.
- Blend with a frozen banana for a smoothie-like texture.
Why You’ll Love This Vietnamese Coconut Cream Coffee
- ✅ Dairy-free option: Perfect for lactose-intolerant or vegan coffee lovers.
- ✅ Naturally sweet & creamy: Coconut cream adds richness without being heavy.
- ✅ Energy boost: Vietnamese coffee is strong and satisfying!
- ✅ Instagram-worthy: Those coconut-coffee swirls are stunning.
Tips for the Perfect Cup
- Use high-quality coconut cream — the thicker, the better.
- Brew your coffee strong to balance the sweetness.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking — Vietnamese coffee is traditionally on the sweeter side.
- Chill your glass before serving for that frosty café feel.
Taste of Vietnam in Every Sip
This Vietnamese Coconut Cream Coffee recipe is a little reminder that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. It’s a drink that captures the essence of Vietnamese coffee culture — bold, balanced, and beautifully indulgent.
Whether you make it for a summer afternoon refreshment or as a cozy weekend pick-me-up, one sip will transport you straight to the streets of Hanoi or a sunny beach café.
So grab your coffee, crack open that can of coconut cream, and enjoy this tropical twist — right at home.
