Let’s be honest. The reason most of us order a salted caramel cold brew from the coffee shop isn’t the coffee. It’s the glorious cloud on top sweet, salty, creamy cold foam that practically turns your iced coffee into a dessert. But here’s the secret: once you learn how to make salted caramel cold foam, you’ll never wait in another drive-thru line again.
Three minutes. One jar. Zero fancy machines. Let’s go.
What Is Salted Caramel Cold Foam?
It’s the silky layer that floats on top of your cold brew like a caffeinated halo. This isn’t whipped cream. It’s lighter, airier, and designed to mix slowly into your drink with each sip. Imagine the fluffiness of a cappuccino foam, but sweetened with caramel and balanced with just a pinch of salt.
Once you figure out the basic technique, this salted cold foam recipe is a game-changer. You’ll pour it over everything from iced lattes to black coffee and maybe even drink it straight (no judgment).
Why Make It at Home?
Let me count the ways:
- Fast: Three minutes is generous. Two if your milk is already cold.
- Cheap: That coffee shop version is like $6. This costs less than $1 per serving.
- Customizable: Want it sweeter? Use more syrup. Want oat milk? Go for it.
- No gear required: A handheld frother is helpful but not necessary. A jar with a lid or a French press will do.
If you’ve ever searched for a salted caramel cold foam recipe, chances are you’ve already got most of the ingredients at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why They Matter)
We’re keeping this list short and sweet:
- Milk and cream combo: For best results, go half and half, literally. Equal parts whole milk and heavy cream give that perfect foam consistency.
- Salted caramel syrup: This is your flavor powerhouse. Store-bought is fine, but homemade caramel sauce with a pinch of salt? Even better.
- Salt: Just a tiny bit to balance the sweet. Think bakery cookie levels, not pretzel levels.
- Optional touch of vanilla: It rounds things out.
When you blend these, they turn into that signature foam that sits gently on your iced coffee like it owns the place.
No Frother? No Problem
Don’t have a fancy milk frother? Here are your options:
- Mason jar method: Add all ingredients, shake vigorously for 30–60 seconds.
- French press method: Add your mix, then pump the plunger up and down until it’s foamy.
- Whisk method: Get a good arm workout. Results vary, but it works in a pinch.
- Blender: Just pulse for 10–15 seconds. Be warned, it can get loud.
You’re looking for soft peaks. Think the texture of melted ice cream with a little lift.
Salted Caramel Cold Foam
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.5 cup cold heavy cream
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp caramel sauce
- 0.125 tsp sea salt
- 0.25 tsp vanilla extract
- extra caramel for drizzle, optional
Instructions
- Add heavy cream, milk, caramel sauce, sea salt, and vanilla to a frother or blender.
- Froth or blend until thick and creamy, about 30–45 seconds.
- Taste and adjust salt or caramel as desired.
- Pour over cold brew or iced coffee.
- Drizzle with extra caramel if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Pair It With the Right Coffee
This salted caramel cream cold brew topping shines best over cold brew or iced coffee. The bitterness of coffee meets the sweetness of caramel and the creamy saltiness on top, it’s like the grown-up version of your favorite childhood treat.
You can also use it to top:
- Iced espresso
- Chocolate cold brew (trust me)
- Vanilla or cinnamon iced coffee
- Even chai or matcha if you’re feeling rebellious
It’s the topper that goes with pretty much everything.
You can even pair your salted caramel cold brew with a hearty meal like our Mexican Chicken Cheese and Rice for the perfect mix of savory and sweet in one sitting.
A Quick Word on Salt
Don’t skip it. That small pinch of salt is what keeps the foam from being one-dimensional. It turns your foam from just sweet into something crave-worthy. Like caramel popcorn or sea salt truffles, it adds complexity without overpowering.
Use sea salt if you can fine grain dissolves best. You want just enough to enhance, not dominate.
Sweetener Options (If You Like to Improvise)
Caramel is classic, but once you master the base, try:
- Maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon
- Vanilla bean and honey
- Chocolate syrup with flaky salt
- Brown sugar and butter extract (yes, it exists)
Once you understand how to make salted caramel cold foam, the flavor door is wide open.
If you’re skipping coffee altogether but still want a flavorful treat, the Ginger Smoothie is another refreshing option with bold, metabolism-friendly benefits.
Can You Make It in Advance?
You can, but it’s best fresh. Foam deflates over time. That said, you can pre-mix the base (milk, cream, syrup, salt) and keep it in the fridge. When ready, froth it up and you’re good to go.
Some people freeze it in ice cube trays, then blend cubes into foam. If you try this, I want to hear about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make cold foam at home?
To make cold foam at home, combine milk or a mix of milk and cream with your flavor of choice. For this salted cold foam recipe, use caramel syrup and a pinch of salt. Blend it with a handheld frother, shake it in a jar, or pump it through a French press until light and foamy. It works best when poured over iced coffee or cold brew.
How to make salted caramel cold coffee?
Start by pouring iced coffee or cold brew into a glass with ice. Add a little caramel syrup and stir well. Then top it with homemade salted caramel cold foam for a sweet and creamy finish. This is the same method used to recreate a salted caramel cream cold brew at home without the coffee shop price tag.
What is Starbucks cold foam made of?
Starbucks cold foam is typically made from nonfat milk that is blended at high speed to create a light and airy texture. For flavored options like salted caramel cold foam, they blend in syrups or sauces. The result is a soft topping that sits on iced drinks and mixes slowly as you sip.
Does Dunkin’ have salted caramel cold foam?
Dunkin’ has offered salted caramel cold foam on a seasonal basis. It is often paired with their cold brew coffee lineup. However, if it is not available near you, learning how to make salted caramel cold foam at home is the perfect solution. You get the same sweet and salty creaminess with full control over flavor and ingredients.
Final Sip
Making salted caramel cold foam at home sounds fancier than it is. It’s just good coffee with a little effort and a lot of reward. And once you nail the formula, you’ll find yourself pouring it over everything sometimes twice.
So skip the line, grab your milk, and froth like a barista. Your next cold brew is about to get an upgrade.
If you’re more in the mood for warm and cozy, try something like our Corn Chowder Recipe Hawaii-Style, it’s comforting, coconut-rich, and pairs beautifully with a chilled drink like this one. And if you’re in the mood to turn your coffee break into full-on dessert hour, our Bomba Dessert makes a show-stopping follow-up to your homemade cold foam creation