How To Make Cold Foam – Sweet Cream

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Learn how to make cold foam with this super simple recipe. The perfect addition to hot or cold coffee drinks, and completely customizable, this cold foam recipe is a game changer.

coffee topped with cold foam in a glass jar with a French press to the right and a light blue napkin to the right

If one recipe could be life changing, it may be this one. Ok that is being a little dramatic, but I have been making this recipe basically every single day for months now. 

Normally, I take my morning coffee black, because I’m incredibly tired and lazy in the morning (hello mom of four with a newborn and a toddler). I always joked that I don’t really care how my coffee tastes, I would take it in an IV if I could (like Lorelai Gilmore).

But y’all, sweet cold foam is so good, and will immensely improve your coffee game.

Truthfully, this recipe came up by accident. My friend Lisa, was showing in one of her recent videos, about how she was making a latte by heating up milk on the stove top and frothing it with her immersion blender.

I did this for a while, but hated all the dishes I was making. I even tried to buy a fancy milk frother that heated and frothed the milk, but hated how they all contained plastic. Like why?

So I just started frothing it cold. Who knew it would make the most delicious cold sweet cream foam that tastes amazing. Basically, I’m addicted.

close up photo of coffee topped with cold foam in a glass with a French press in the background

Recipe Highlights:

Simple ingredients: All you truly need is 3 to 4 ingredients, no weird ingredients or preservatives.

Delicious: Slightly sweet milk foam perfect for hot and cold drinks, whether it is coffee or a tea drink.

Easy: It literally takes less than two minutes. Worth it.

Customizable: Completely customize this recipe to make it your own. Like it sweeter? Add more sweetener. Add different flavors. Switch up the drink base, hot coffee, ice coffee drinks, matcha, tea, the infamous pink drink.

What is cold foam?

Cold foam is essentially just milk that has gone through the frothing process with a frother or blender, aerating the milk until it is fluffy. It is then poured over coffee or tea. It works for both hot and cold drinks.

overhead photo of cold foam in a glass jar

Tips:

  • Use a liquid sweetener such as maple syrup or honey, or powdered sugar for better incorporation.
  • Experiment with different types of milk, such as whole, skim, or alternative options like almond or oat milk, to find the perfect balance for your preferences. I usually just use raw milk that has not been skimmed. 
  • Aim for a smooth, consistent pour to create a luxurious foam that complements your coffee perfectly. 
  • ​Personally, I’m not a huge fan of overly sweet coffee drinks, but if you are, add more sweetener to your liking.
  • Use a glass that is at least 3x the amount of milk. It froths up a lot and expands. I like to use a pint and a half mason jar.
a bottle of honey, a bottle of vanilla extra, and a jar of milk on a marble counter

Ingredients

Milk: Experiment with different types of milk, such as whole milk, skim milk, or alternative options like almond or oat milk, to find the perfect balance for your preferences. While traditional cold foam is made with skim milk, I like the thickness of whole milk and cream.

Heavy whipping cream: This is technically an optional ingredient, as skim milk will also foam up, but it is really delicious.

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Sweetener: Almost any sweetener will work. I use honey or maple syrup. Powdered sugar or simple syrup are also good options. You don’t want to use regular sugar as the granules are too large and it won’t blend together well.

Favors: Experimenting with different flavors is a fun way to personalize your cold foam and create a unique taste experience.

You can easily customize your foam by adding a variety of flavors such as vanilla syrup, caramel, hazelnut, or even pumpkin spice. I typically use a splash of homemade vanilla extract to give it that vanilla flavor.

Tools:

Electric frother: A handheld milk frother, immersion blender (my choice), or blender. They even make milk frothers that will whip the milk hot or cold. You don’t want to use a whisk.

Measuring cups or spoons: if you are into that sort of thing. I usually just eyeball it.

Tall glass: Choose a glass that is at least 3 times taller than the amount of milk added. 

Coffee maker: French press, cold brew coffee maker, or just a regular coffee maker. The key here is a nice strong coffee. You can also make matcha tea.

a glass of coffee topped with sweet cream cold foam on a marble countertop with a blue napkin and a metal French press in the background

How To Make Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam

vanilla extract being added to a jar with milk on a marble countertop

To a tall glass, add your milk, sweetener of choice, and vanilla extract. 

milk being frothed with an immersion blender in a tall mason jar
frothed milk that has doubled in size in a jar with a immersion blender

Froth for 20-30 seconds or until your milk has about tripled in size. 

pouring cold foam on top of coffee in a glass

Pour on top of your drink slowly to help prevent the cream mixture from sinking. Enjoy right away.

a glass of coffee topped with sweet cream cold foam with a French press to the back right and a blue napkin to the left

FAQ

Can I make cold foam with non-dairy milk? 

Yes! You can use alternative milk options such as almond, soy, or oat milk to create a dairy-free cold foam. Just make sure to choose a milk that froths well to achieve that creamy texture.

How long can I store cold foam?

Cold foam is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftover foam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be sure to give it a good shake or whisk before using it again to maintain that fluffy consistency.

Can I use a regular blender to make cold foam?

While an electric milk frother or handheld frother is ideal for creating cold foam, you can also use a blender or immersion blender if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure not to over-blend the milk, as this can lead to a thin and less frothy texture.

Is cold foam just whipped cream?

Cold foam is made by aerating milk until light and fluffy whereas whipped cream is just literally just whipped heavy cream. They are slightly different.

Find More Delicious Drinks:

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a glass of coffee topped with sweet cream cold foam on a marble countertop with a blue napkin and a metal French press in the background

Sweet Cream Cold Foam

Learn how to make cold foam with this super simple recipe. The perfect addition to hot or cold coffee drinks, and completely customizable, this cold foam recipe is a game changer
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Author: Amy
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1

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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream Optional. Or just add more milk.
  • 1/8 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon honey maple syrup or powdered sugar. More or less.

Instructions

  • To a tall glass, add your milk, sweetener of choice, and vanilla extract.
  • Froth for 20-30 seconds or until your milk has about tripled in size.
  • Pour on top of your drink slowly to help prevent the cream mixture from sinking.

Notes

  • Use a liquid sweetener such as maple syrup or honey, or powdered sugar for better incorporation.
  • Experiment with different types of milk, such as whole, skim, or alternative options like almond or oat milk, to find the perfect balance for your preferences. I usually just use raw milk that has not been skimmed. 
  • Aim for a smooth, consistent pour to create a luxurious foam that complements your coffee perfectly. 
  • ​Personally, I’m not a huge fan of overly sweet coffee drinks, but if you are, add more sweetener to your liking.
  • Use a glass that is at least 2-3x the amount of milk. It froths up a lot and expands. I like to use a pint and a half mason jar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 32mg | Potassium: 124mg | Fiber: 0.01g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 540IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cold foam, how to make cold foam, sweet cream cold foam
Tried this recipe? Tag me!Mention @ablossominglife or tag #ablossominglife!

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