Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

When you don’t have room in your daily schedule for a Starbuck’s coffee run, this homemade Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is the perfect dupe to make at home.

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew Recipe

There are so many choices when it comes to sweet, vanilla-flavored creamy cold brews available in the dairy section of your grocery store. However, I found that Starbucks has a unique approach to crafting their version. Unlike so many others, Starbucks’ creamer is carefully batch mixed, and supposedly free from gums or thickeners, yet it still manages to achieve a velvety smoothness. Hmmm.

If you go online and search for Starbucks’ sweet cream recipe, you’ll find it’s made from heavy cream, 2 percent milk, and their signature vanilla syrup. While buying heavy cream and 2 percent milk is a simple task, and making homemade simple syrup is not difficult, replicating the heavy cream-based version at home does NOT yield the same results. Maybe some crucial details were left out?

Related: How to Make Cold Brew Coffee

After my own experimentation, I’ve finally decided on a recipe that delivers the same satisfying flavor, texture and mouthfeel as Starbucks’ sweet creamer. The secret ingredient for me was sweetened condensed milk. This sort of unexpected addition turned out to be the missing link. Not only does it add sweetness, but it also makes the creamer incredibly convenient, as you can simply open a can from your pantry (no need to wait for simple syrup to cool). Moreover, the thick texture of sweetened condensed milk gives the creamer the same richness that Starbucks achieves with their vanilla syrup. It’s so good.

Related: Iced Caramel Macchiato

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew Ingredients

A handful of ingredients is all you need to make this at home. Full recipe is at the bottom of this post.

• Half and half: Adds the richness and creaminess to the sweet cream cold brew.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Provides sweetness and contributes to the smooth, velvety texture of the creamer.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the creamer with vanilla flavor, a must for this recipe.
• Cold brew concentrate: Serves as the base of the drink, providing a strong and concentrated coffee flavor. You can use my recipe to make cold brew from scratch or use a premade version.
• Water: Dilutes the cold brew concentrate to the desired strength, balancing the coffee’s potency.
• Ice: Cools down the drink and keeps it cold, making it refreshing and perfect for enjoying on a hot day.

How To Store Excess Vanilla Sweet Cream

If you decide to make a larger batch of vanilla sweet cream to use all week, you’ll want to store it properly as dairy easily takes other odors and flavors in the refrigerator.

1. Transfer the sweet cream to an airtight container: Pour the remaining sweet cream into a clean and dry container with a secure lid. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well for this purpose.
2. Refrigerate promptly: Place the sealed container in the refrigerator as soon as possible. It’s essential to refrigerate the sweet cream promptly to maintain its freshness and prevent any spoilage.
3. Consume within the recommended timeframe: Vanilla sweet cream can usually be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. After this period, its quality may start to degrade, and it’s best to discard any leftovers.
4. Give it a gentle shake before use: Before using the stored sweet cream, give it a gentle shake or stir to ensure the ingredients are well combined, as separation may occur during storage.

How To Make Dairy Free Vanilla Sweet Cream 

First, you’ll need to substitute your favorite dairy-free milk (almond milk or oat milk) for the half-and-half.

You’ll also need to make a dairy-free version of sweetened condensed milk, which is a little more involved.

You’ll need the following ingredients:

• One can of full-fat coconut milk
• ⅓ cup coconut sugar, cane sugar, maple syrup or your favorite sweetener

Making coconut condensed milk is super easy though.

1. Pour one can of full-fat coconut into a saucepan (do not substitute low-fat)
2. Add ⅓ cup of coconut sugar, cane sugar, or maple syrup
3. Simmer over low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure it doesn’t bubble over
4. Cool thoroughly before using

Use as needed to make your vanilla sweet cream and use in your coffee.

Make It A Meal

Start your day with some savory breakfast options to pair with your vanilla sweet cream cold brew.

1. This Overnight (make-ahead) breakfast casserole with biscuits, bacon, sausage and tater tots is the perfect savory choice to serve with your sweet cold brew.
2. Home fries, a crunchy breakfast staple, with the right balance of a soft, creamy inside and crispy, crunchy outside.
3. A baked omelet will  have you wondering why you make eggs any other way.
4. The best breakfast sandwich to serve up any day of the week.

A Caffeinated Hug

When this creamy vanilla magic meets your ice cold brew, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag @NOBLEPIG and #noblepig on INSTAGRAM, it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and coffee.

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How To Make Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

When you don't have room in your daily schedule for a Starbuck's coffee run, this homemade Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is the perfect dupe to make at home.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, Vanilla Cream Cold Brew, Vanilla Sweet Cream, Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Servings: 1

Calories: 29kcal

Author: Cathy

Equipment

• measuring cups and spoons
• drinking glass

Ingredients

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew:

• 1/4 cup half and half
• 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• ice
• 1 cup cold brew concentrate or store-bought cold brew concentrate
• 1/2 cup cold filtered water**

Instructions

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew:

• In a small bowl, combine half and half, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  1/4 cup half and half, 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour the cold brew and water over the ice.
  ice, 1 cup cold brew, 1/2 cup cold filtered water**
• Top the cold brew with as much of the vanilla sweet cream as you prefer. Any leftover can be used the following day.

Notes

*Calories for this drink are based on a per tablespoon addition to your cold brew. The full recipe for the vanilla sweet cream makes a little more than 5 tablespoons total. It's up to you how much you add, based on the sweetness level you want to experience.

 

**If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, use less water.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Amount Per Serving (15 ml)

Calories 29 Calories from Fat 15

% Daily Value*

Fat 1.7g3%

Saturated Fat 1.1g7%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.5g

Cholesterol 5.5mg2%

Sodium 12mg1%

Potassium 31mg1%

Carbohydrates 2.7g1%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 0.7g1%

Vitamin A 15IU0%

Vitamin C 0.2mg0%

Calcium 24mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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