Starbucks Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew Recipe & Calories

This salted caramel cream cold brew is an easy and delicious copycat of the Starbucks favorite. Smooth, lightly sweet, and ready in minutes, it uses just a few simple ingredients and can be made with regular or decaf coffee for a healthier, customizable morning pick-me-up.

Best Starbucks copycat salted caramel cream cold brew recipe

Starbucks drinks can add up quickly, so making this salted caramel cream cold brew at home is an excellent way to save money while enjoying a tastier, healthier version. This recipe delivers the sweet-salty flavor with a creamy cold foam and can be prepared in about five minutes.

It’s flexible: use cold brew, chilled brewed coffee, or decaf depending on your preference. Most ingredients are available at the grocery store, and the drink is simple to adapt to dietary needs by swapping milks or choosing sugar-free caramel.

Why you’ll love this Starbucks copycat recipe:

• Rich salted caramel flavor with a creamy cold foam.
• Ready in about 5 minutes.
• Made with minimal ingredients and no added refined sugar if you choose sugar-free caramel.
• Customizable: use cold brew, regular brewed coffee, or decaf.
• Easy to scale for multiple servings or meal prep.
• A satisfying morning or afternoon treat that tastes homemade.

Ingredients needed

You only need five main ingredients plus ice. Below are the essentials so you can shop and prepare easily:

• Cold brew: Use your favorite cold brew or make your own. You may substitute chilled brewed coffee or decaf if preferred.
• Ice: About 1–2 cups total for two servings.
• Caramel syrup or sauce: Sugar-free or regular, depending on your preference.
• Heavy cream: A small amount helps create a stable, creamy cold foam.
• Milk: Whole milk or almond milk (a barista-style almond milk like Almond Breeze foams well).
• Salt: A pinch or 1/4 teaspoon to enhance the salted caramel flavor.

Kitchen tools required

These coffees are quick to make and require only a few basic tools:

• Handheld frother, electric milk frother, immersion blender, or hand mixer for the cold foam.
• 2 glasses or serving cups.
• Measuring tools: tablespoon and cup.

How to make a salted caramel cream cold brew at home

Follow these simple steps to assemble the drink. The measurements below are for two servings.

Step 1:

Add the cold brew and caramel syrup or sauce to a large glass or jar and stir until combined. Pour the mixture into two serving glasses filled with ice.

Step 2:

Prepare the salted cold foam using your preferred tool: hand mixer, immersion blender, handheld milk frother, or milk frothing machine.

Step 3 — Electric mixer / immersion blender / handheld frother method:

Combine heavy cream, milk, and salt in a medium bowl and beat on high until foamy, about 2–4 minutes. Spoon or pour the foam over the iced caramel cold brew and serve immediately.

Step 4 — Milk frother machine method:

Place the heavy cream, milk, and salt in the frother and select the cold setting. Froth until you have a thick, creamy cold foam. Pour over the iced caramel cold brew and enjoy right away.

Step 5:

Give the cold brew a quick stir before serving, then top each glass with the salted cold foam. Optionally drizzle a little extra caramel on top and sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt.

How to make salted caramel cold foam

The cold foam is straightforward to make and can be prepared with any frothing tool:

• Electric mixer / immersion blender / handheld frother: Beat heavy cream, milk, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until foamy and slightly thickened, 2–4 minutes.
• Milk frother: Add the same ingredients to the frother and use the cold froth setting for a creamy, stable foam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular brewed coffee or drip coffee?

Yes. If you don’t have cold brew, chilled brewed coffee works fine—just make sure it’s cold before adding ice and caramel.

Is this recipe healthy?

You can make it healthier by choosing sugar-free caramel and plant-based milk. The recipe uses simple ingredients and can be prepared without added refined sugar.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. The recipe scales easily to make more servings for the week.

How much sugar is in this drink?

If you use a sugar-free caramel sauce, the drink can contain no added sugar. Using regular caramel will increase the sugar content.

Can I add sugar?

Yes—add a tablespoon of sugar with the caramel if you prefer a sweeter drink.

Does cold brew have more or less caffeine than regular coffee?

Cold brew often has more caffeine per ounce than a standard hot brew, though concentration varies by how it’s prepared. That’s one reason many prefer it for a stronger, smoother cup.

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

Cold brew is steeped in cold water for 12–14 hours, producing a smoother, less acidic flavor. Iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled over ice, which often results in a brighter, more acidic taste.

Pro recipe tips:

1. Include heavy cream: A small amount of heavy cream helps the foam form and stay light.
2. Whip until peaks form: Use a frother or mixer for best texture; hand whisking works but takes longer.
3. Try almond milk: Almond milk froths nicely and makes a lighter foam for a dairy-free option.
4. Choose sugar-free caramel: To avoid added refined sugar, opt for a sugar-free caramel sauce.
5. Use decaf if needed: Swap to decaf if you want the flavor without caffeine.

If you love this recipe, try these next!

• Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
• Snickerdoodle Smoothie
• Homemade Walnut Milk
• Banana Peach Protein Smoothie
• Starbucks Blueberry Scones

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