Name: Sweet Cream Cold Foam Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Total time: 2 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup whole milk; 2 Tbsp heavy cream; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; 1 Tbsp powdered sugar

If you've ever enjoyed that creamy, dreamy topping on your iced coffee and wondered how to replicate it at home, you're in for a treat. This Sweet Cream Cold Foam Recipe is easy, quick, and brings that café-quality magic straight to your kitchen—no fancy equipment required!

Sweet Cream Cold Foam - A clear glass jar filled with dark brown coffee at the bottom, swirling with a lighter creamy layer mixing in above it, topped with a thick, fluffy white foam layer being lifted by a silver spoon from the top. The jar sits on a white marbled surface with three small white pumpkins with light green stems in the blurred background, set against a soft beige backdrop. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Cream Cold Foam Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sweet Cream Cold Foam Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sweet Cream Cold Foam Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I never knew cold foam could be so simple and satisfying until I made this sweet cream version. It’s that perfect balance of creamy sweetness and airy texture that gives your drinks a luxe feel without heading to a coffee shop.

Effortless to make: Just a few ingredients and a quick shake or froth, and you’re done!
Deliciously creamy: The blend of heavy cream and whole milk creates a rich, silky foam that melts perfectly on iced coffees or cold brews.
Customizable sweetness: You control how sweet it gets, perfect for tailoring to your taste.
Versatile topping: Works amazing on hot or cold beverages—think lattes, cold brews, even hot chocolate!

Sweet Cream Cold Foam - Flat lay of a small glass pitcher of whole milk with its creamy white texture, a dollop of thick heavy cream showing its rich and smooth surface, a small glass bowl filled with fine white powdered sugar, a tiny bottle of golden vanilla extract with a clear amber hue, and a few fresh vanilla bean pods with their dark glossy skin, all naturally arranged with soft shadows highlighting their fresh and creamy qualities, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a key role in creating that silky, stable foam that clings beautifully to your drink without drooping. Let me break down why I pick each one and what to look for when shopping:

Whole milk: It’s got enough fat to give body but thin enough to froth easily—avoid skim milk as it won’t whip up right.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and thickness to the foam; I like to keep it balanced so the foam isn’t too heavy.
Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla gives a subtle warm aroma that elevates the sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Dissolves instantly and smooths out the foam; granulated sugar would be gritty.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love showing friends this recipe because they never believe it’s so easy to tweak. You can dial up the sweetness or even add a little cinnamon or caramel for a fun twist. It’s your foam to play with!

Variation: Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of almond extract for a seasonal spin—totally changes the vibe and tastes amazing over iced coffee.
Lower sugar option: Swap out powdered sugar for a sugar substitute you like, but keep in mind it might slightly change the texture.
Non-dairy alternative: While traditional cream and milk work best, experimenting with oat or almond cream can work if you’re dairy-free—but results vary.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Cream Cold Foam Recipe

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Container

I always start by measuring everything out because once you begin, you want to keep things moving quickly for the best foam. I use a small glass jar with a lid or a tall glass—anything that can be sealed tightly for shaking or fit under my milk frother.

Step 2: Combine and Froth or Shake

Add the whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar right into your jar or glass. If you’ve got a milk frother, just use it here until you get a smooth, airy foam—usually around 30 seconds to a minute. No frother? No worries. Just screw the jar lid on tight and shake vigorously for about 1-2 minutes. You’ll see it transform into a light, voluminous foam—don’t give up!

Step 3: Top and Enjoy Immediately

Once you’ve got that perfect foam, pour it generously over your hot or cold beverage—the contrast is wonderful. It’s best to serve right away so the foam is at its whipped best. Trust me, this step is the reward!

Top Tip

From my countless tries, these tips really make the difference between a flat liquid and luscious cold foam that’s Instagram-worthy and tastes like a dream.

Room temperature ingredients: Starting with milk and cream not too cold helps them froth better, so let them sit out for 5-10 minutes.
Don’t over-shake: Vigorous shaking is good but too long and the foam can break down—stop as soon as you see firm bubbles forming.
Use powdered sugar: It dissolves faster and keeps the foam silky smooth without the grit you get from granulated sugar.
Serve immediately: Foam is best fresh—if it sits too long, it will start to weep and lose that fluffy texture.

How to Serve Sweet Cream Cold Foam Recipe

Sweet Cream Cold Foam - A clear glass jar filled with dark brown iced coffee and ice cubes sits on a white marbled surface, with a woman's hand pouring thick white cream from a small clear jar onto the top, creating a thick foamy layer that contrasts with the dark coffee below. In the background, three small pale white pumpkins are placed softly against a beige wall, adding a cozy, autumn feel. The jar is the main focus, centered in the image with the woman's hand coming in from the top left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple—a light dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds just the right touch of warmth and makes it look pretty. A little caramel drizzle is my secret indulgence for weekend coffee treats.

Side Dishes

When I make this sweet cream cold foam, I love pairing it with buttery pastries like croissants or cinnamon rolls. The foam’s sweetness is the perfect foil to the rich baked goods, creating a cozy combo that's hard to beat.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered the foam in clear glasses with iced espresso and added crushed ice and chocolate shavings on top—it's a gorgeous, indulgent drink that steals the show. You could also try colorful syrups under the foam for a fun surprise as you sip.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Since this foam is freshest right after making it, I don’t recommend storing it as foam. However, you can save the mixed sweet cream liquid in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days, then froth it fresh before serving.

Freezing

I’ve never frozen sweet cream cold foam because the texture changes, but you can freeze the milk and cream mixture separately if you want to prep ingredients ahead—just thaw and then froth before using.

Reheating

This foam shines cold or as a room-temp topper, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you want a warm drink, just add the foam cold on top—the contrast is delightful!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use skim milk for the Sweet Cream Cold Foam Recipe?

Skim milk doesn’t have enough fat content to create that creamy, stable foam. Whole milk and heavy cream are key to the texture and richness, so I recommend sticking to those for best results.

What’s the best tool to froth the sweet cream cold foam?

If you have a milk frother, it’s quick and easy. However, if you don’t, using a jar and shaking vigorously works just as well. The key is a tight seal and consistent shaking until you get that smooth foam.

How long does the cold foam last once made?

You’ll want to use the sweet cream cold foam immediately for the best texture since it starts to break down after about 10-15 minutes. If left sitting too long, it will lose its airy quality and begin to separate.

Can I make this Sweet Cream Cold Foam Recipe vegan?

Traditional dairy gives this foam its characteristic creaminess, so replacing it can affect texture. You can try using oat or almond-based cream and milk alternatives, but results vary and may need practice to achieve the same frothy consistency.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Sweet Cream Cold Foam Recipe enough—it's a game-changer for home coffee lovers. Making it yourself feels like a little treat, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be topping all your drinks with this luscious foam. Give it a try, and I’m betting it’ll become your go-to addition too!