Homemade Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is simple to make at home and tastes just like the coffee-shop version. You don’t need any special equipment—just common kitchen items and a little patience while the coffee steeps.
Starbucks Copycat: Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew Coffee
This recipe is my go-to when I want a refreshing iced coffee without running to the store. Cold brew is mellow and smooth, and when paired with a homemade vanilla sweet cream it turns into a luxurious, café-style drink you can prepare ahead and keep in the fridge.
Cold brew’s gentle extraction produces less acidity and a naturally sweeter profile than hot brewed coffee. That makes it the perfect base for a lightly sweetened vanilla cream that doesn’t overpower the coffee’s flavor. Whether you prefer a bold coffee taste or a softer latte-like sip, the ratio of cold brew to sweet cream is easy to adjust to your preference.
I live a little farther from a coffee shop, so having a reliable homemade version saves time and money—and lets me control the sweetness and ingredients. This is a great recipe to customize: use dairy or dairy-free alternatives, add flavored syrups, or spice it up with a pinch of cinnamon for variety.
Try adding a splash of homemade coffee liqueur for a dessert-style twist.
Recipe Shopping List
Here are the basic items you’ll need to make this recipe at home. For exact measurements and step-by-step instructions, see the recipe card below.
- Quart mason jar (or similar container with a lid)
- Reusable coffee filter bag, jam strainer bag, or a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth
- Coarsely ground coffee
- Heavy whipping cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- Granulated sugar or sweetener of choice
- Pure vanilla extract
- Whole milk or milk alternative
Serve alongside a slice of banana coffee cake or another favorite breakfast pastry.
How To Make This Recipe
Below is an overview of the process so you know what to expect. Full ingredient amounts and precise steps are included in the recipe card section.
- Make the cold brew: Combine coarsely ground coffee with cold water in a jar or container, steep 8–12 hours, then strain.
- Make the vanilla sweet cream: Gently heat heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until the sugar dissolves, then chill.
- Assemble the drink: Pour cold brew over ice, add the vanilla sweet cream to taste, stir and enjoy.
- Optional: Blend with ice for a frozen coffee treat or add flavors like caramel or chocolate for variations.
Pair with banana coffee cake or a simple biscotti for a café-style treat at home.
Recipe FAQ
Yes. Cold brew concentrates or brewed cold coffee will keep for about a week in the refrigerator. The sweet cream will keep as long as the dairy (or dairy alternative) remains fresh—typically several days to a week. Store both in sealed containers and give the cream a quick stir before serving.
Absolutely. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use oat or soy milk instead of whole milk. Try adding caramel sauce for a caramel sweet cream, a pinch of cinnamon for warmth, or a drop of almond extract for a cookie-like note. Chocolate syrup makes a mocha-style drink.
Start with a small amount of sweet cream—about 1 ounce per 5–6 ounces of cold brew—and increase until you reach your preferred balance. You can also reduce sugar in the creamer or use a sugar substitute to control sweetness while keeping the creamy texture.
Pin this recipe for later and enjoy homemade cold brew anytime.
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
6 servings
5 minutes
2 minutes
7 minutes (plus steeping time)
Make a smooth, lightly sweet vanilla cream to top your cold brew. This copycat recipe yields a creamy, balanced drink you can prepare ahead for quick mornings or leisurely afternoons.
Ingredients
Cold Brew Coffee
- 1 quart mason jar with lid
- 1 jam-strainer bag or reusable coffee filter bag (or cheesecloth and fine mesh strainer)
- 1 ½ cups coarsely ground coffee
- Cold water to nearly fill the jar
Vanilla Sweet Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or coconut cream)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (or sweetener of choice)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk or milk alternative
Instructions
Cold Brew
- Place the coarsely ground coffee into a jam-strainer bag or filter. Set the bag inside the quart jar.
- Fill the jar with cold water until just below the rim. Cover with the lid and gently shake to combine.
- Refrigerate or leave at room temperature to steep for 8–12 hours for full flavor extraction.
- After steeping, remove the bag and squeeze gently to extract remaining liquid. Discard grounds and store the cold brew in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
Vanilla Sweet Cream
- Combine heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Warm gently, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and mixture is fragrant—do not boil.
- Remove from heat, stir in whole milk, and chill the mixture until cold. Store refrigerated.
To Assemble
- Fill a glass with ice and pour 5–6 ounces cold brew over the ice.
- Add 1–2 ounces of vanilla sweet cream, or adjust to taste.
- Stir gently and enjoy. For a blended version, combine cold brew, sweet cream and ice in a blender and pulse until smooth.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Yield: 6
Serving Size: 1
Amounts per serving (estimated):
- Calories: 238
- Total Fat: 16g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
- Cholesterol: 49mg
- Sodium: 32mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g (Sugar: 22g)
- Protein: 2g
Nutrition estimates are approximate. Consult a trusted source if you need precise nutritional information for dietary or medical reasons.