If you love smooth, refreshing cold brew with a touch of creamy sweetness, this Homemade Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is the perfect drink to make at home. It’s easy, delicious, and tastes just like your favorite coffee shop version—without the high price tag. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a rich, subtly sweet cold brew any time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cost-effective – Save money by making your favorite cold brew at home instead of buying it daily.
Customizable sweetness – Adjust the vanilla sweet cream to your liking for the perfect balance of flavors.
Simple ingredients – No artificial flavors or preservatives—just pure, delicious ingredients.
Perfectly smooth and creamy – The combination of homemade cold brew and vanilla sweet cream creates an irresistible texture.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cold Brew:

Coarsely ground coffee beans
Cold water

For the Vanilla Sweet Cream:

Heavy cream
Milk (whole or 2%)
Vanilla extract
Simple syrup (or maple syrup for a natural sweetener)

Directions

Make the Cold Brew:

Combine the coffee and water – In a large jar or pitcher, mix coarsely ground coffee with cold water at a 1:4 ratio.
Steep overnight – Cover and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
Strain the coffee – Use a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or coffee filter to strain the cold brew. Discard the grounds.

Make the Vanilla Sweet Cream:

Mix the ingredients – In a small jar, whisk together heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, and simple syrup until well combined.
Store for later – Keep the sweet cream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Assemble the Drink:

Fill a glass with ice – Pour cold brew coffee over ice, leaving room for the sweet cream.
Add vanilla sweet cream – Pour in as much or as little as you like and stir to combine.
Enjoy – Sip and enjoy your homemade vanilla sweet cream cold brew!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Brew Time: 12-24 hours
Total Time: 12+ hours (including steeping)

Variations

Dairy-free option – Use coconut cream or oat milk instead of heavy cream and milk.
Sweeter version – Add a drizzle of caramel or extra simple syrup for more sweetness.
Stronger coffee – Use a higher coffee-to-water ratio for a bolder cold brew.
Flavored twist – Try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of cocoa powder for extra depth.

Storage/Reheating

Cold Brew Storage: Store strained cold brew in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Sweet Cream Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
No reheating needed – This is a cold drink, best served fresh from the fridge.

FAQs

How long should I steep the cold brew?

For the best flavor, steep for at least 12 hours, but up to 24 hours for a stronger brew.

Can I use pre-ground coffee for cold brew?

It’s best to use coarsely ground coffee to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.

How can I make it less sweet?

Reduce the amount of simple syrup in the vanilla sweet cream to adjust the sweetness to your taste.

What’s the best coffee bean for cold brew?

A medium or dark roast works best, as they produce a rich, smooth flavor.

Can I froth the vanilla sweet cream?

Yes! Frothing it slightly before pouring creates a silky, foamy texture.

What’s the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?

Cold brew is steeped for hours, making it smoother and less acidic, while iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled.

Can I use almond or oat milk instead of dairy?

Absolutely! Substitute equal amounts for a dairy-free version.

Do I need a special cold brew maker?

No, a simple mason jar and strainer work perfectly.

How do I make a nitro-style cold brew at home?

Use a whipped cream dispenser with a nitrogen cartridge for a creamy, frothy texture.

Can I make a big batch in advance?

Yes! Cold brew stays fresh for up to a week, so make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week.

Conclusion

This Homemade Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a coffeehouse favorite right at home. With smooth, rich cold brew and velvety vanilla sweet cream, every sip is pure perfection. Try different variations to make it your own, and enjoy café-quality coffee anytime!

Homemade Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew