Vietnamese Coconut Cream Coffee Recipe

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!

Table of Contents

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.