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Starbucks Caramel Cold Foam Recipe

Starbucks Caramel Cold Foam Recipe

Unlock the secret to that iconic Starbucks experience with this simple Starbucks Caramel Cold Foam Recipe. This guide will show you how to recreate the creamy, sweet, and decadent topping that elevates your favorite iced coffee drinks, saving you those costly trips to the coffee shop.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 4 ounces
Course: Beverage Component, Topping

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream chilled for best results
  • 1/4 cup 2% milk or whole milk for extra richness
  • 2 tablespoons caramel sauce your favorite brand, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt optional, to enhance sweetness

Equipment

  • Medium Bowl
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Milk frother (handheld or electric)
  • French press

Method
 

  1. For the best foam, ensure your heavy cream and milk are very cold. It's also helpful to chill your mixing bowl and whisk or frother attachment.
  2. In a medium bowl, pour in the 1/2 cup of chilled heavy cream and 1/4 cup of 2% milk.
    1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup 2% milk
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite caramel sauce to the bowl. If you love caramel as much as I do, feel free to add a little extra for a more intense flavor. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you'd like to balance the sweetness slightly, add a small pinch of salt, but this is entirely optional.
    2 tablespoons caramel sauce, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 pinch salt
  4. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer: Start on low speed and gradually increase to medium-high. Beat until the mixture thickens and forms soft peaks, resembling whipped cream. Be careful not to over-whip, or you'll end up with butter! This usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. Using a milk frother (handheld or electric): Submerge the frother into the liquid mixture and blend until thick and foamy, with soft peaks forming. This method is typically very quick, often taking less than a minute.
  6. Using a French press: Pour the mixture into the French press. Pump the plunger up and down vigorously for about 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture has doubled in volume and become frothy.
  7. Prepare your favorite iced coffee, cold brew, or iced latte.
  8. Gently spoon the freshly made caramel cold foam over your iced beverage.
  9. Drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the foam for that authentic Starbucks look and extra burst of flavor.
    2 tablespoons caramel sauce

Notes

Leftover Starbucks Caramel Cold Foam is best enjoyed fresh, as its airy texture can dissipate over time. However, if you do have a small amount of extra foam, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The foam may separate or deflate slightly; to revive it, you can gently whisk it by hand or use a milk frother for a few seconds to re-aerate it before spooning it onto your drink. It’s not recommended to freeze this cold foam, as the texture will change significantly upon thawing, becoming watery and less fluffy. For the best experience, it’s advisable to make only what you anticipate using in one sitting.
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