Sweet Cream Cold Foam

By Gabriella Lewis

Updated Oct. 11, 2023

Sweet Cream Cold Foam
Julia Gartland for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne.
Total Time
10 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Rating
4(318)
Notes
Read community notes

This creamy whipped topping, introduced by popular beverage chains Gong Cha and Starbucks in 2014, began trending on social media in early 2023. It comes together rather quickly with three simple ingredients: heavy whipping cream, milk and simple syrup. What sets this recipe apart from a sweetened whipped cream is the addition of cold milk. Bearing a striking resemblance to the topping on iced einspänner and other coffee drinks, or the cheese foam served on top of milk teas, this sweet, fluffy mixture sits atop an iced coffee, a delightful frothy substitute for traditional liquid cream or dairy additions. The recipe lends itself to flavorings: Simply add a drop of vanilla extract, a splash of rose water or ground cinnamon before frothing.

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Ingredients

Yield:2 servings
  • 3tablespoons cold heavy whipping cream
  • 2tablespoons cold milk
  • 1tablespoon simple syrup
  • Iced coffee or cold brew, for serving
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

113 calories; 9 grams fat; 5 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 2 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 9 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 9 grams sugars; 1 gram protein; 21 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a deep cup or bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, milk and simple syrup.

  2. Step 2

    With a handheld electric milk frother, whisk until almost doubled in volume, about 1 minute. (Alternatively, whisk by hand or with a hand mixer for 3 to 5 minutes or add to a mason jar, cover and shake vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes. These methods will produce a slightly softer, less fluffy foam.)

  3. Step 3

    Pour the cold foam over iced coffee or cold brew.

Ratings

4 out of 5
318 user ratings
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Cooking Notes

Brie

I make low fat sugar free sweet foam with just milk and Purecane brand erythritol almost daily for my homemade cold brews. I am currently using a free frother but they are only like ten dollars. I use 4 0z of milk in a glass measuring cup and half a tsp of "sugar" Froth for like 15-30 seconds pulling the frother up to keep the blade at the top just under the surface but still visible adding in the most air possible until it looks like loose whipped cream. Nothing could be simpler.

Deb Martin

Use half and half which is a blend of cream and milk. I do it every morning. A simple handheld frother does the trick. I don’t add sweetener but sometimes I add cinnamon or vanilla. A smaller container is key, I use a stainless milk frothing pitcher purchased on Amazon. And for those who are dairy free, I have done this with the “barista” version of oatmilk, several brands make it. It doesn’t hold its foam as long as milk but it still works.

Kjb

Made this this morning and it’s great. I used the ingredients as written and a small milk frother. Better than Starbucks.

SheilaF

I small French press plunger moved up and down rapidly is a very effective frother, it can also be placed in the microwave to heat milk prior to frothing when making a caffe latte. This can remove the need for an extra piece of kitchen equipment.

Ma’amsay

I’ve done this with half and half (along with simple syrup and a splash of vanilla extract) in a Nespresso Aerochino and it turned out great. Super easy. For the question on simple syrup - you can purchase it ready made, but can simply make it by dissolving sugar in hot water then letting it cook. I’m not sure the exact proportions, but you can Google that.

NHcook

Made this with Maple Syrup instead of simple because New Hampshire. Magical morning coffee upgrade.

Phyl

The simple syrup recipe is also simple: put equal portions of sugar and water into a pan, heat on medium-low, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved. (Don’t bring it to a boil.) Let it cool, put it into a container, and stick it in the fridge.

El

Starbucks adds maple syrup or flavoring.

k

Will a week’s worth keep in refrig?

emmyjaymakes

We do something like this every morning in a little french press -- using equal amonts of cold brewed coffee (very strong!) and whole milk, plus blue agave syrup (to taste, so maybe 1 tsp. per serving.

Maia

I use a tablespoon of maple syrup instead of simple syrup and it tastes great. Maybe a drop or two of vanilla as well, and I even tried adding a tiny bit of salt for the “salted caramel” version. So delish and saves me so much money!

Nicole

Just use half and half instead of milk and cream if you have it �� even easier

Sude

its an amazing recipe i didnt have syrup in the first try and made it with honey its still really good. I would suggest adding cinnamon to get a cinnamon cold foam :)

C

Half & half is beautiful, but melts quickly. Sweetness (one pump toriani) is lost once it incorporates into the coffee Will try whipping more/less to re-test

James

I made a version that replaced the simple syrup with a sugar-free Salted Caramel Syrup, which was phenomenal!

Ashley

My milk frother died and I found shaking ingredients in a small mason jar produced good results. The addition of milk to the cream keeps it from becoming butter too quickly, so long as you watch it carefully shaking in a jar or cocktail shaker works.

Vicky

I will make it with 1/2 tbs next time instead of 1 tbs, better, less sweet. I used sugar cane syrup, my favorite sugary suggestion for cold coffee. It goes very well indeed.

lyn

In my experience, half & half doesn’t work.

Annoferie

I just made this and poured it over my homemade iced coffee. Yummy!

Emrie T

I used my Keurig foamer to make this and it turned out great. It doesn't immediately melt into my drink like the Starbucks kind does. I cut back on the sugar but I may try the full Tbsp of simple syrup next time. Has anyone tried Torani instead of simple syrup?

Amy

This recipe alone will save me hundreds this summer !

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