Salted Caramel Cold Foam

Salted caramel cold foam is that special touch that instantly transforms homemade iced coffee or cold brew into something café-worthy. This simple recipe brings richness and depth with creamy sweetness and a hint of salt, crowning your drink with a luxuriously silky finish you normally only get from a barista.

This foam was born out of a craving for a fancier weekend coffee when I did not want to leave the house. Now whenever I host brunch, it is the first thing my friends ask for.

Ingredients

• Cold heavy cream: Adds richness and gives the smooth foam body Look for cream with no additives and ensure it is extra cold for best results
• Whole milk: Lightens the foam just a bit while keeping it creamy Choose fresh milk for the best texture
• Caramel sauce: Provides sweetness and that classic caramel flavor Opt for a quality sauce with real sugar instead of corn syrup for the best taste
• Fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and makes the caramel pop I always use a fine grind so it dissolves easily without leaving gritty bits
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors and adds warmth Use pure extract when you can for the richest aroma

Instructions

Combine the Ingredients:

In a medium mixing bowl or directly in your milk frother add cold heavy cream fresh whole milk caramel sauce fine sea salt and vanilla extract Scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula so nothing sticks behind

Whip or Froth Until Thick:

Using a hand mixer or the cold foam setting on your frother blend the mixture for thirty to sixty seconds You want it fluffy but not stiff peaks It should softly mound and be pourable like whipped cream just before it fully sets

Spoon Over Iced Coffee:

Using a spoon gently layer the foam over iced coffee cold brew or an iced latte Take care to keep the fluffy structure intact Pour slowly so it floats on top

Drizzle with Extra Caramel:

Finish with an extra swirl of caramel sauce if you want that glossy coffee shop look Serve and enjoy right away for the best texture and layering

Save

Something about that combo of salty and sweet feels like a treat every single time My kids like licking the foam straight from the spoon but I love how this foam takes even an ordinary Monday coffee and makes it feel special

Storage Tips

Keep leftover foam tightly covered in the fridge for up to four hours Whisk briefly if it separates Avoid freezing since it can change the texture Cold is key for floofy foam

Ingredient Substitutions

Coconut cream plus oat milk makes a very good dairy-free alternative Just be sure they are both well chilled and opt for a thick coconut cream for best results You can swap out the caramel for chocolate syrup or honey for a fun twist

Serving Suggestions

Pair this foam with cold brew and a sprinkle of cocoa for a dessertlike treat It is fantastic on top of iced chai or black tea or even as a topper for milkshakes Sometimes I even spoon a bit onto fresh fruit as a playful snack

Save

Finish every glass with an extra drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt for the ultimate treat It takes just minutes but delivers pure café joy at home

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I make the foam fluffy and pourable?

Use very cold cream and milk, and blend or froth until thickened but still fluid. Over-whipping will make it too stiff.

→ Can I use non-dairy alternatives for this foam?

Yes, swap heavy cream for coconut cream and whole milk for oat milk for a dairy-free version.

→ What coffee drinks pair well with this foam?

This cold foam is perfect for iced coffee, cold brew, or lattes, adding a sweet and salty finish.

→ How can I adjust the sweetness or saltiness?

Simply increase or reduce the caramel sauce or sea salt to taste before whipping the mixture.

→ Can I prepare this foam ahead of time?

It's best made fresh, as the foam holds its texture for a short time. If needed, store briefly in the fridge and re-froth before serving.