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If you’re obsessed with that luscious, velvety cold foam on top of your iced coffee, you’re in the right place. This thick and creamy cold foam is incredibly easy to make at home—no fancy barista skills required! Whether you love it over cold brew, iced lattes, or even matcha, this homemade version is the perfect way to elevate your drinks. Best of all, it takes just a couple of minutes and uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
Why You’ll Love This Cold Foam Recipe
Foolproof and fast – Takes just a few minutes and requires no special equipment (though a frother makes life easier).
Better than store-bought – Skip the upcharge at coffee shops and make a thick, luxurious cold foam at home for a fraction of the cost.
Customizable – Adjust the sweetness, flavor, and thickness to your liking. You can change the syrup to a variety of flavors like pumpkin, strawberry, or salted caramel! Need a sugar-free version? Easy. Use a sugar-free syrup! Or, skip the sweetener all together.
What is Cold Foam and How Does it Differ From Whipped Cream?
Cold foam is that smooth, airy, and slightly frothy layer you often see on iced coffee drinks. It’s made by aerating milk or cream until it reaches a thick but pourable consistency. Unlike whipped cream, which is light and fluffy, cold foam has a more delicate structure—it floats beautifully on top of your drink instead of sinking in.
Ingredients For Cold Foam
Each ingredient in this cold foam recipe serves a purpose, ensuring it’s thick, creamy, and perfectly balanced. So, if you want to make the best XXX, make sure you have the following ingredients:
Vanilla Syrup (2 tsp, or to taste): Sweetens the foam and enhances the flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade vanilla syrup, or swap it for simple syrup or another flavored syrup.
Milk (3 tbsp): The base of this recipe, providing structure and lightness. Whole milk works best, but you can also use a dairy-free alternative like oat or almond milk.
Heavy Cream (3 tbsp): Adds richness and thickness, giving this recipe that luxurious, velvety texture.
How to Make Cold Foam – Three Methods
Making cold foam at home is incredibly easy! Simply combine your milk and heavy cream with your sweetener of choice, and then froth until thick and creamy for about 2-3 minutes. You can use a milk frother, handheld whisk, or even shake it in a jar. Pour over your favorite iced drink and enjoy!
Looking For More Recipes? Check These Out!
- Strawberry Agua Fresca
- Iced Matcha Latte
- Chai Concentrate
What is the best milk for cold foam?
Whole milk creates a light, airy foam, while half-and-half or heavy cream makes it richer. For dairy-free options, oat milk froths the best.
How can you make cold foam without a frother?
Yes! You can whisk vigorously by hand, shake it in a sealed jar, or even blend it in a small blender.
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Easy Cold Foam Recipe
Make thick and creamy cold foam at home in just minutes! This easy recipe is perfect for topping iced coffee, cold brew, or matcha, with customizable options. No special equipment needed!
prep time :3 minutes mins
Serves 1
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Ingredients
- 3 tbsp milk of choice
- 3 tbsp Heavy Cream
- 2 tsp of Vanilla Syrup or sweetener of choice, to taste
Instructions
Combine the ingredients: In a small cup or measuring glass, add 3 tbsp milk, 3 tbsp heavy cream, and 2 tsp vanilla syrup (or to taste).
Froth until thick: Use a milk frother, handheld whisk, or immersion blender to aerate the mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and slightly thickened. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Taste and adjust: If you want it sweeter, add more syrup. Need it thicker? Use a splash more heavy cream.
Serve: Gently pour or spoon the cold foam over your iced coffee, matcha, or cold brew. Enjoy!
Notes
Customize this cold foam to your liking! I like to use a 1:1 ratio of milk to heavy cream for the perfectly luxe yet airy texture. I also love adding vanilla syrup for a classic vanilla sweet cream cold foam (just like the one at Starbucks!) but you can use whatever syrup or liquid sweetener you’d like.
