Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam Recipe (Starbucks Copycat)

Name: Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam Recipe (Starbucks Copycat)
Prep time: 1 min
Total time: 1 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Coffee
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp. Heavy Cream; 1/2 Cup Whole Milk; 1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract + 1 Tbsp. Sugar or 2-3 Pumps Vanilla Syrup

Published: Aug 14, 2025 · Modified: Feb 8, 2026 · By: Brendan Cunningham

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This vanilla sweet cream cold foam is the ultimate topping for cold brew, iced coffee, or any espresso drink—and you can make it at home in under a minute. It’s smooth, creamy, perfectly frothy, and infused with just the right amount of sweet vanilla flavor. Best of all? It tastes exactly like the Starbucks vanilla sweet cream cold foam—maybe even better—at a fraction of the price!

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Why I Love This Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam Recipe

If you’ve ever ordered a cold brew with vanilla cold foam at Starbucks, you already know why it’s one of their most popular menu items. The sweet cream floats on top of your coffee, slowly mixing in as you sip, giving you that perfect balance of creaminess and coffee flavor from the first sip to the last. It's by far my favorite drink to order, but let's face it, Starbucks is crazy expensive. So I fooled around with a bunch of recipes until I created the perfect vanilla sweet cream cold foam copycat recipe! It legit tastes just like Starbucks, but it's way cheaper and saves a ton of time.

The great thing about this recipe is that you don’t need fancy equipment or barista training to make it. With just four simple ingredients—and no more than a minute of prep—you can create a coffee shop–quality vanilla sweet cream cold foam right in your own kitchen. The result is rich and creamy with a velvety froth that sits perfectly on iced coffee, cold brew, or even a double shot of espresso. It's legit, just look at what this reader said

I made this with almond milk creamer and it was excellent!! -Rita

I’ve been making this almost every morning, and it’s completely replaced my need to buy it from a coffee shop. Sometimes I brew a big pot of coffee the night before and chill it in the fridge, other times I grab a bottle of cold brew from the store—either way, topping it with this homemade Starbucks vanilla sweet cream cold foam makes it feel like a café treat. If you're looking for another elevated drink you can make at home, try my dirty matcha latte next!

A glass of iced coffee with sweet cream cold foam on top and a gray counter.

Ingredients For Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam

1 Tbsp. Heavy Cream
½ Cup Whole Milk
1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract + 1 Tbsp. Sugar or 2-3 Pumps Vanilla Syrup

Sweet cream cold foam ingredients on a gray counter. There is a small cup of vanilla extract, a small bowl of half and half, a small bowl of sugar, a picture of milk, and a French press on a white plate.

How To Make Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam

The process of making this sweet cream cold foam could not be any easier, and it seriously takes seconds to make!

Now, you'll need a French press, immersion blender, or electric milk frother if you want it to be frothy, so get one of those out with your ingredients. And you can also make it without the foam if you don't have those - more on that later.

Ok, if you're ready to change the way you drink coffee at home forever, dive into this sweet cream cold foam recipe!

Step 1: Make The Sweet Cream Cold Foam

First, pour the heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, and sugar into a French press. Then move the press handle up and down vigorously until it starts to get foamy and has a velvety texture.

If you want to use an electric milk frother or immersion blender, pour all of the ingredients into a jar and give it a shake to combine them. Then mix for about 15-30 seconds until it starts to foam.

Step 2: Pour and Serve

Now that you have the sweet cream cold foam, pour it on top of the drink of your choice, like cold brews, iced coffees, or espresso.

Then use a spoon to put all of that creamy foam over the brim of your glass and enjoy this delicious iced drink!

Expert Tips To Make The Best Sweet Cream Cold Foam

Use cold, fresh dairy. Cold heavy cream and milk whip up faster and hold their foam longer. Keep your ingredients in the fridge until you’re ready to use them for maximum frothiness.
Choose quality vanilla. The vanilla is the star of this recipe. A high-quality pure vanilla extract (or even vanilla bean paste) will give a richer, more complex flavor than imitation vanilla.
Froth gently for the right texture. Use a handheld milk frother, French press, or a small whisk, and froth just until the mixture becomes slightly thick and airy. Over-whipping can turn the sweet cream into whipped cream, which won’t float and blend the same way.
Adjust sweetness to taste. Starbucks vanilla sweet cream is fairly sweet, but you can control that at home. Start with the base amount of sugar, then taste and adjust up or down depending on your preference.
Float it for the coffee shop look. To get that signature layered effect, pour your cold brew or iced coffee first, then gently spoon or pour the vanilla sweet cream cold foam on top. This creates a beautiful visual contrast as it slowly cascades into the coffee.
Make a larger batch of sweet cream. If you drink cold brew daily, mix up a larger batch of the sweet cream base (before frothing) and store it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Froth just before serving to keep the foam fresh.
Experiment with variations. Swap the sugar and vanilla extract for vanilla syrup or caramel syrup, cinnamon dolce syrup, or even hazelnut for a twist on the Starbucks favorite. Each variation works beautifully with the cold foam method.

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam FAQS

How long does homemade cold foam last?

For the best texture, cold foam should be made fresh just before serving. However, you can prepare the sweet cream mixture (before frothing) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Froth right before adding it to your drink for the best results.

What is the difference between sweet cream cold foam and whipped cream?

Sweet cream cold foam has a light, frothy consistency that’s pourable—similar to steamed milk on a latte. It’s designed to float on top of your drink and slowly mix in as you sip. Whipped cream, on the other hand, is much thicker, holds its shape, and is typically spooned or piped on top of drinks or desserts. Cold foam gives you a smooth, silky mouthfeel without the heaviness of whipped cream.

What is in Starbucks vanilla sweet cream cold foam?

Starbucks cold foam consists of milk (typically any kind you ask for), heavy cream, and vanilla syrup. My cold foam recipe puts a spin on Starbucks by using vanilla extract and sugar to achieve the same results! Or you can use a homemade simple syrup for an even more Starbucks experience.

Can you add vanilla sweet cream cold foam to any drink?

Yes, you definitely can add sweet cream cold foam to any drink! The vanilla cream cold foam is delicious when you add it to hot or iced coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, teas, cold brews, and really any kind of drink you want.

Can I make this without the foam?

Yes, you can totally use this recipe as a creamer in any drink you want! It is delicious in hot coffee and even early grey tea - along with iced coffee and cold brew. To make this without the foam, just simply put all of the ingredients in a jar and shake until combined. Then add the vanilla sweet cream to any drink of your choice.

Can I make vanilla sweet cream cold foam dairy free?

Yes, you can easily make this sweet cream dairy free! Just substitute the milk with any plant based milk of your choice - my favorite is vanilla almond milk - and substitute the heavy cream with full fat coconut cream or any plant based creamers. And if you're out and want to get a dairy free drink from Starbucks, check out this list of over 50 vegan Starbucks drinks and how to order them!

My Final Thoughts

That is how to make vanilla sweet cream cold foam that tastes like it's from Starbucks! Honestly, I think this vanilla sweet cream swirled drink might be even better made fresh at home. Plus, it is way cheaper and quicker than getting it out.

It just has such a terrific flavor and velvety texture that I seriously have not been able to stop making this vanilla sweet cream cold foam. It has become one of my favorite iced coffee drinks, and I have a feeling it will become one of yours, too!

Well, I hope you enjoy this sweet cream cold foam as much as I do! If you try it, leave a comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love to hear. And for more recipes, check out our Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube!

More Drink Recipes To Try

If you want to try some more delicious drinks like this vanilla sweet cream cold foam, then you're in the right place! Give one of these tasty drinks a try next:

Yield: 1 serving