Craving a Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew but want to skip the Starbucks line?
You’re in the right place.
This recipe is a perfect copycat of the Starbucks favorite, but with a twist—you can make it at home for a fraction of the cost.
It’s quick, easy, and you can customize it to suit your taste.
Plus, it’s healthier with fewer calories.
In this post, you’ll learn how to brew your own cold coffee, whip up a creamy salted caramel foam, and put it all together for a delicious, refreshing drink.
How To Make A Salted Caramel Cold Brew: At A Glance
- Make The Cold Brew Coffee
- Preparing the Caramel Syrup
- Making the Salted Caramel Cream Foam
- Assembling the Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
- Serve and Enjoy!
What is Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew?
Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew is a delightful coffee drink that combines the rich, smooth flavor of cold brew coffee with the sweet and salty taste of caramel syrup, topped with a fluffy salted cream foam.
The cold brew coffee, which is made by steeping ground coffee in cold water for an extended period, offers a strong yet smooth base with less acidity than regular coffee.
Caramel syrup adds a layer of sweetness, perfectly balancing the bitterness of the coffee.
The salted cream foam, made by blending heavy cream with caramel syrup and a pinch of salt, creates a creamy, luxurious topping that contrasts beautifully with the cold coffee underneath.
This drink is popular for its perfect blend of flavors—sweet, salty, and slightly bitter—making it a refreshing and satisfying choice for coffee lovers.
Ingredients Needed
To make your Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating this delicious drink.
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cold Brew Coffee:
- 2 cups ground coffee: Use a medium to coarse grind for the best extraction.
- 8 cups filtered water: This ensures a clean, smooth taste for your cold brew.
For the Caramel Syrup:
- 1/2 cup sugar: If you’re making the caramel syrup at home, this is your main ingredient.
- 1/2 cup water: Combine this with the sugar to create a simple, homemade caramel syrup.
- Store-bought options: You can also use store-bought caramel syrup if you prefer convenience or have a favorite brand.
For the Salted Caramel Cream Foam:
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: This gives the foam its rich, creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Choose from whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk, depending on your dietary preference.
- 1 tablespoon caramel syrup: Adds sweetness and that signature caramel flavor to the foam.
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt: A small pinch is enough to bring out the flavors in the cream and complement the caramel.
Optional Toppings:
- Caramel drizzle: Add a little extra sweetness and visual appeal with a drizzle of caramel on top.
- Additional sea salt: Sprinkle a tiny bit more sea salt on top of the foam for an extra burst of flavor.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
1. How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
To start, you’ll need to make your cold brew coffee.
Begin by combining 2 cups of ground coffee with 8 cups of filtered water in a large pitcher or jar.
Stir the mixture gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are fully saturated.
Cover the container and let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours.
For a stronger brew, you can extend the steeping time up to 24 hours.
After steeping, strain the coffee through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove the grounds.
If you prefer, you can use a French press to make cold brew by simply pressing down the plunger after the steeping period.
Alternatively, you can opt for store-bought cold brew if you’re short on time or want a consistent flavor.
Your cold brew is now ready to use and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
2. Preparing the Caramel Syrup
Making caramel syrup at home is simple and rewarding.
In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of sugar over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it begins to caramelize and turn a golden brown.
Be careful not to let it burn.
Once the sugar has caramelized, slowly add 1/2 cup of boiling water to the pan.
Be cautious, as the mixture may steam and bubble vigorously.
Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved into the water, then remove the pan from heat.
Let the caramel syrup cool completely before transferring it to a glass jar or airtight container.
You can store homemade caramel syrup in the refrigerator for up to a month.
If you prefer to skip this step, store-bought caramel syrup works just as well.
3. Making the Salted Caramel Cream Foam
Creating the perfect salted caramel cream foam is all about technique.
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of your prepared caramel syrup, 1 tablespoon of milk, and a pinch (1/8 teaspoon) of sea salt.
Use a handheld milk frother to whip the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.
If you don’t have a frother, a blender or immersion blender works too.
For a more manual approach, you can even use a French press—just pump the plunger up and down rapidly until the cream thickens.
The key to achieving the right foam consistency is not to overwhip; you want it thick and creamy, but still pourable.
Once you’ve reached the desired texture, set the foam aside while you prepare the rest of the drink.
4. Assembling the Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
Now that you have all your components ready, it’s time to assemble the Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew.
Start by filling a glass with ice, then pour in 1 to 2 cups of your cold brew coffee, depending on your preference.
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of caramel syrup, adjusting to your taste for sweetness.
Stir the coffee and syrup together until well mixed.
Next, gently pour the salted caramel cream foam over the top of the iced coffee.
To finish, you can drizzle a bit of extra caramel sauce over the foam and sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt for that signature touch.
Serve immediately, and enjoy your homemade Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew.
For an extra special presentation, use a clear glass to show off the layers of coffee and foam.
Nutritional Information
It’s important to understand the nutritional content of your drink, especially if you’re mindful of your calorie and sugar intake.
Here’s a detailed breakdown based on the standard recipe:
- Calories: Approximately 204 calories per serving
- Fat: Around 12 grams (mostly from the heavy cream)
- Sugars: Approximately 18 grams (from the caramel syrup and cream)
- Protein: About 2 grams
Comparison to the Starbucks Version
The Starbucks Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew is known for its rich, indulgent taste, but it also comes with a higher calorie count and more sugar.
While their version has about 350 calories, 16 grams of fat, and 31 grams of sugar, your homemade version offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Plus, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients, leading to a healthier and more personalized drink.
Tips for Reducing Calories and Sugar Content
If you’re looking to cut down on calories and sugar, here are a few simple adjustments:
- Use Sugar-Free Caramel Syrup: Opt for a sugar-free caramel syrup to significantly reduce the sugar content without compromising on sweetness.
- Choose Low-Fat or Non-Dairy Milk: Replace the heavy cream with a lighter option like skim milk, almond milk, or oat milk. This swap reduces both the calorie and fat content.
- Reduce the Syrup Amount: If you prefer a less sweet drink, use only 1 tablespoon of caramel syrup instead of 2. This small change can make a big difference in the overall sugar content.
- Skip the Caramel Drizzle: While it adds a nice touch, omitting the extra caramel drizzle on top can further reduce sugar and calorie intake.
Customization and Variations
Vegan Version
To make a vegan version of the Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew, simply swap out the dairy for plant-based alternatives.
Coconut cream is a great option for creating a rich, thick foam, while almond milk can be used for a lighter version.
Both work well with the caramel flavors, giving you a delicious, dairy-free drink.
You can also use vegan caramel syrup to keep the recipe fully plant-based.
Low-Calorie Version
If you’re watching your calorie intake, there are a couple of easy adjustments you can make.
Start by using sugar-free caramel syrup, which significantly reduces the sugar content without sacrificing sweetness.
For the cream, replace heavy cream with low-fat milk or your favorite non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk.
These swaps make for a lighter version of the drink that’s still full of flavor.
Decaf Version
For those who prefer to avoid caffeine, you can easily make a decaf version of this drink.
Simply use decaffeinated coffee beans to brew your cold brew.
The process and taste remain the same, so you can still enjoy all the flavors without the caffeine buzz.
This is a great option for enjoying your favorite cold brew in the evening or if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cold Brew
Achieving the best cold brew flavor involves careful attention to a few key factors.
Coffee-To-Water Ratio
The ideal coffee-to-water ratio is crucial—generally, 1 cup of ground coffee to 4 cups of water yields a well-balanced brew.
However, if you prefer a stronger flavor, you can adjust to 1.5 cups of coffee per 4 cups of water.
Steeping time also plays a significant role; 12 hours is the minimum for a smooth, flavorful brew, while up to 24 hours will result in a more robust and concentrated coffee.
Remember, over-steeping can lead to bitterness, so be mindful of the timing.
Frothing
When it comes to frothing your cream for the perfect salted caramel foam, the tool you use can make a big difference.
A handheld milk frother is a convenient and effective option, giving you a fluffy, consistent foam in just seconds.
A blender or immersion blender also works well, especially if you’re making foam for multiple servings.
For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, a French press can double as a frother—just add the cream mixture and pump the plunger up and down until the foam thickens.
Each tool has its pros and cons, but all can achieve a satisfying result with a little practice.
Storage
Proper storage of your cold brew and caramel syrup ensures that you can enjoy this drink whenever the craving strikes.
Cold brew coffee can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week without losing its flavor, making it perfect for meal prep.
Keep it in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
Caramel syrup, whether homemade or store-bought, can be stored in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a month.
Just give it a quick stir before using if it starts to separate.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best planning, sometimes things don’t go as expected.
If your foam turns out flat, it may be due to over-whipping or using cream that’s too warm.
Try chilling your cream beforehand and froth it just until thickened.
If your drink is overly sweet, consider reducing the amount of caramel syrup next time or opt for a sugar-free version.
Balancing the salt in the foam can also help cut through excess sweetness—add a tiny pinch more sea salt to enhance the overall flavor without overpowering it.
Conclusion
Making Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew at home is a simple, cost-effective way to enjoy a delicious drink without the extra calories.
You can customize it to your taste, save money, and control the ingredients.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your own twists in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out our other coffee creations for more homemade café favorites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make the foam without a frother?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have a frother, you can still achieve a creamy foam using a blender, immersion blender, or even a French press.
Simply add the cream mixture to your tool of choice and blend or pump until the foam reaches a thick, frothy consistency.
How long can I store the cold brew?
You can store your cold brew in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Just keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavor.
It’s perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Can I use flavored coffee beans?
Absolutely! Using flavored coffee beans can add an extra layer of taste to your drink.
Whether it’s vanilla, hazelnut, or something else, flavored beans can complement the caramel and salted cream perfectly.
Just be mindful that the added flavor might alter the overall balance, so adjust your syrup and cream accordingly.
What other toppings can I add?
A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a dusting of cocoa powder can add a special touch.
For a more decadent treat, consider adding whipped cream on top.
Feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors!
