Cold Foam Recipe

Strawberry Cold Foam Recipe — Starbucks Copycat is the kind of thing I started making at home after one too many coffee runs where my drink cost more than my lunch. If you love that creamy pink foam sitting on top of an iced matcha latte, you already know the craving is real. The good news is you do not need fancy equipment, and you definitely do not need barista-level skills. You just need a few simple ingredients and about five minutes. I will walk you through the matcha part too, because the foam is amazing, but it really shines on a cold, earthy matcha base.
Strawberry Cold Foam Recipe — Starbucks Copycat

Understanding Different Grades of Matcha

If matcha has ever tasted bitter or kind of “pond-y” to you, it is usually the matcha grade or the way it was mixed. Matcha is green tea leaves that are stone-ground into a super fine powder, and the quality really matters when you are drinking it straight in a latte.

Quick guide to matcha grades

Here is the simple version that has helped me shop without getting overwhelmed:

Ceremonial grade: smoother, less bitter, brighter green, usually more expensive. Great if matcha is the star.
Latte or café grade: still good quality, made for mixing with milk and sweetener. This is my everyday pick.
Culinary grade: stronger and more bitter, meant for baking and desserts. It can work in lattes, but you may need more sweetener.

My best tip is to look for matcha that is a vibrant green and smells fresh, almost grassy-sweet. Dull olive matcha usually tastes dull too. Also, store it in a sealed container away from heat and light. Matcha goes stale faster than people think.

By the way, if you are in a copycat mood lately, you might also like my cozy soup nights. This easy Pasta Fagioli soup Olive Garden copycat recipe is one I make when I want something warm and low effort.

How to Make a Starbucks Strawberry Matcha Latte

This is the base drink that makes the Strawberry Cold Foam Recipe — Starbucks Copycat feel complete. You can absolutely put the foam on cold brew, iced coffee, or even chocolate milk, but matcha and strawberry together is that sweet, creamy, slightly earthy combo that just works.

What you will need

1 to 2 teaspoons matcha powder (start with 1 teaspoon if you are new to it)
2 tablespoons warm water (not boiling)
1 to 2 teaspoons sweetener like simple syrup, honey, or vanilla syrup
Ice
3/4 to 1 cup milk of choice (oat milk is very Starbucks-ish, but dairy works great too)

How I build the drink in a glass

I keep this super simple because I am usually doing it while answering emails or unloading the dishwasher.

Step 1: In a small cup, whisk matcha with warm water until smooth and foamy. If you do not have a whisk, a fork works, or shake it in a jar with a tight lid.

Step 2: Stir in your sweetener. Taste it. Adjust now, because the foam on top is sweet too.

Step 3: Fill your glass with ice, pour in the milk, then pour the matcha mixture over it. You can stir for an even green drink, or leave it layered for that cafe look.

If you are a tea latte person in general, you might enjoy this chai tea latte recipe on the days you want something spiced instead of fruity.

Making the Strawberry Cold Foam

This is the part everyone really wants, and honestly, it is easier than it looks. The key is using a little cream so it actually foams and stays fluffy on top. When I tested a lighter version with only milk, it tasted fine but the foam fell flat fast.

Ingredients for the foam (enough for 2 drinks, or one very generous topping):

2 tablespoons strawberry puree or strawberry jam
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon milk (any kind)
1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla syrup or sugar (optional, depending on how sweet your strawberries are)
Pinch of salt (tiny, but it makes the strawberry taste pop)

How to make it:

1) Add everything to a tall cup or jar. If you are using jam, stir it in well so there are no big lumps.

2) Froth it using a handheld milk frother for about 15 to 30 seconds. You are looking for a thick, pourable foam, not whipped cream.

3) Spoon or pour it right over your iced matcha latte. Let it sit for that pretty layered look, then sip through it.

If you do not have a frother, you can blend it for a few seconds in a small blender, or shake it in a jar very aggressively. A frother is easiest, but I have absolutely done the jar method when mine “mysteriously disappeared” into a drawer.

I tried this at home instead of spending money at Starbucks, and it tasted shockingly close. The foam stayed fluffy and the strawberry flavor was not fake at all. I am officially obsessed.

Nicole

Little serving note from my kitchen: if your foam is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk and froth again. If it is too thin, add a bit more cream and froth again.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Once you make this once, you will probably start tweaking it based on what you have in the fridge. Here are the adjustments I have tried and actually liked, plus a couple “learn from my mistakes” notes.

Tips that make it taste like the coffee shop:

Use cold ingredients. Cold cream foams better and holds longer. If your kitchen is warm, chill the cream for a few minutes first.

Do not overdo the matcha. Too much matcha can drown out the strawberry. I know it is tempting to add more for a darker green, but start small.

Pick the right strawberry flavor. Strawberry jam gives you a deeper, candy-like sweetness. Fresh puree tastes lighter and brighter. Both work for Strawberry Cold Foam Recipe — Starbucks Copycat, it just depends what you want.

Fun variations:

Dairy free: Use a plant-based “heavy cream” style product if you can find one, or full-fat coconut cream. Regular oat milk alone will not foam as thick, but it can still be tasty.
Extra dessert vibe: Add a tiny splash of white chocolate syrup to the matcha latte.
Strawberry vanilla foam: Add a couple drops of vanilla extract if you do not have vanilla syrup.
Strawberry cream cold brew: Skip matcha and pour this foam on cold brew with a little vanilla.

If you are already thinking about what to bake with that leftover strawberry jam or puree, this moist vanilla cake with strawberry filling recipe is such a good weekend treat.

And if you are the type who loves a sweet drink moment in spring, you might also want to try this delicious Shamrock Shake copycat recipe when you want something cold and creamy but totally different from matcha.

Nutritional Information for Strawberry Matcha Latte

Nutrition can swing a lot here depending on your milk, your sweetener, and how much foam you pile on. I am not a dietitian, but I can help you estimate it in a realistic, normal-person way so you are not guessing.

Typical range for 1 iced strawberry matcha latte with foam (using dairy milk, heavy cream, and lightly sweetened):

Calories: about 200 to 350
Sugar: about 18 to 35 grams
Protein: about 6 to 10 grams
Caffeine: usually 30 to 70 mg depending on your matcha amount

If you want it lighter, use less foam or swap heavy cream for half and half. If you want it higher protein, use dairy milk or a higher protein milk option and keep sweetener modest. The nice thing about making Strawberry Cold Foam Recipe — Starbucks Copycat at home is you control all of it, and you can adjust until it fits your day.

Common Questions

1) Can I make the strawberry cold foam ahead of time?
Yes, kind of. You can mix the ingredients and store them covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Froth it right before serving so it gets that fluffy texture.

2) What is the easiest strawberry option if I do not have fresh berries?
Strawberry jam is the quickest. Choose one you actually like the taste of, because it really comes through in the foam.

3) Why is my foam not thick?
Usually it is not enough cream or the ingredients are not cold. Add a little more heavy cream and froth again. Also make sure your frother is fully submerged but not touching the bottom.

4) Can I use matcha from the grocery store?
You can, but start with a small amount and taste as you go. Some grocery store matcha is more bitter, so you may prefer a bit more sweetener or a latte grade matcha online.

5) Does this work with hot matcha?
The foam is best on iced drinks. Hot steam will melt it fast. If you really want it hot, make the matcha latte warm and add the foam right before drinking, but expect it to mix in quickly.

A sweet little wrap up before you go

If you have been craving that cafe treat at home, Strawberry Cold Foam Recipe — Starbucks Copycat is honestly one of the easiest wins. Once you get the hang of the matcha base and that creamy strawberry foam, you can make it whenever the mood hits, no line required. For more guidance and a slightly different take, check out this helpful walkthrough for a Copycat Starbucks Iced Matcha Latte with Strawberry Cold Foam and this super handy guide for Homemade Strawberry Cold Foam (2 Ways!) – Bites by Bianca. Try it once, tweak it to your taste, and do not be surprised if it becomes your new afternoon ritual.
Strawberry Cold Foam Recipe — Starbucks Copycat

Strawberry Cold Foam

This delightful Strawberry Cold Foam is an easy copycat recipe that captures the creamy, fruity essence of Starbucks’ famous drink without the high price tag.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Beverage, Snack

Cuisine: American, Cafe

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Cold Foam

2 tablespoons strawberry puree or strawberry jam Use fresh puree for a lighter taste or jam for a deeper sweetness.
3 tablespoons heavy cream This helps the foam stay fluffy.
1 tablespoon milk Any kind; adds creaminess.
1-2 teaspoons vanilla syrup or sugar Optional, adjust based on sweetness of strawberries.
1 pinch salt Enhances strawberry flavor.

For the Matcha Latte Base

1-2 teaspoons matcha powder Start with 1 teaspoon if new to matcha.
2 tablespoons warm water Not boiling; for mixing matcha.
1-2 teaspoons sweetener (simple syrup, honey, or vanilla syrup) Adjust to taste.
3/4-1 cup milk of choice Oat milk recommended for Starbucks flavor.
Ice Ice For serving.

Method

Prepare the Matcha Latte

In a small cup, whisk the matcha with warm water until smooth and foamy.
Stir in your sweetener and taste. Adjust sweetness if needed.
Fill your glass with ice, pour in the milk, and then pour the matcha mixture over it.

Make the Strawberry Cold Foam

Add the strawberry puree or jam, heavy cream, milk, vanilla syrup, and salt to a tall cup or jar.
Froth the mixture using a handheld frother for about 15 to 30 seconds until you achieve a thick, pourable foam.
Spoon or pour the foam over your iced matcha latte.

Notes

Use cold ingredients for better foaming. Adjust sweetness based on your preferences. If the foam is too thick, add a splash of milk; if too thin, add more cream.

Cold Foam Recipe — Easy 3 Ingredient Coffee Topping is the little trick I use when I want my home coffee to feel like a treat, but I do not want to leave the house or spend coffee shop money. You know those mornings when you are running on low energy and your coffee tastes kind of flat? This fixes that in about two minutes. It is creamy, lightly sweet, and sits right on top of iced coffee like a soft cloud. I started making it at home after realizing I was basically paying for foam and vibes. Now I keep the ingredients in my fridge all the time.

What is Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam?

Vanilla sweet cream cold foam is a frothy, pourable topping made from cold dairy plus a little sweetness and vanilla. It is not whipped cream and it is not a milkshake either. It is lighter than both, and it floats on top of cold coffee instead of sinking right away.

The reason people love it is the texture. You get that creamy first sip, then the coffee comes through right after. And since it is served cold, it keeps iced drinks from getting warm or heavy.

I make this Cold Foam Recipe — Easy 3 Ingredient Coffee Topping when I want something fun but still simple. No syrups collection. No fancy equipment. Just a quick mix and foam.

If you are the type who likes a sweet bite on the side with your coffee, you would probably also love something like this 4 ingredient blueberry dump cake for an easy weekend treat.

How to Make Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam

This is the part where you will feel like a genius because it is honestly so easy. I have made it half awake and it still turned out great.

What you will need

2 tablespoons heavy cream
4 tablespoons milk (any kind, but see the milk section below for the best options)
1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla syrup or simple vanilla sweetener (start small and add more if you like it sweeter)

Directions

Add heavy cream, milk, and vanilla syrup to a small cup or jar.
Foam it using a handheld milk frother for about 15 to 30 seconds.
No frother? Use a blender for 10 to 15 seconds, or shake it hard in a tightly sealed jar, then whisk the top.
Pour the foam slowly over iced coffee or cold brew and let it float.

My best tip is to keep everything really cold. Cold dairy foams up faster and holds that fluffy top longer. Also, do not overblend. If you go too long, it can turn a bit too thick and you lose that silky, pourable vibe.

“I tried this at home after spending way too much on coffee runs. It came out exactly like the coffee shop version, and my kids even wanted it on chocolate milk.”

Random side note, if you are on a cozy cooking kick lately, this easy crockpot lasagna soup is the kind of low effort comfort food that makes weeknights feel calmer.

Uses of Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam

Once you make it the first time, you start finding excuses to put it on everything. The obvious one is iced coffee, but it is not the only move.

Here are my favorite ways to use this Cold Foam Recipe — Easy 3 Ingredient Coffee Topping:

Cold brew with a splash of caramel or cinnamon in the coffee
Iced latte, especially with vanilla or hazelnut
Iced chai if you want that creamy top layer without heavy whipped cream
Matcha if you like a sweeter, softer finish
Hot coffee, yes it can work, but it melts faster so add it right before drinking
Chocolate milk for a fun dessert drink moment

I also like it when I am serving a little snack spread and want the drinks to feel special. If you are making party bites, these easy air fryer fried pickles are a salty, crunchy match with sweet coffee drinks.

Best Milk for Cold Foam

If you want the short answer, a little fat helps. You need some creaminess to trap the tiny air bubbles and give you that smooth foam top.

Here is what I have tested at home:

Whole milk: Great everyday choice. Foams nicely and tastes balanced.

2 percent milk: Still works, just a little less rich.

Skim milk: It can foam a lot, but it is more “bubbly” and less creamy, so the texture is not as dreamy.

Half and half: Very rich and stable. Use a smaller splash if you do not want it too heavy.

Non dairy milks: Oat milk barista blends foam best in my experience. Almond milk can foam but tends to be thinner. Coconut milk can be tasty but separates sometimes.

My go to combo is heavy cream plus whole milk because it hits that sweet spot. That is why this Cold Foam Recipe — Easy 3 Ingredient Coffee Topping is only three ingredients but still feels legit.

Cold Foam vs. Whipped Cream

They look kind of similar from far away, but they are not the same thing.

Cold foam is lighter, pourable, and made to sit on cold drinks. It gives you a creamy sip without feeling like dessert overload. It is also quick and does not require stabilizers or anything fancy.

Whipped cream is thicker, sweeter most of the time, and it is meant to hold peaks. It is amazing on hot chocolate and pies, but on iced coffee it can feel heavy and it melts in a different way.

If you want that coffee shop feel with a cleaner, lighter finish, cold foam wins. If you want a full on dessert drink, whipped cream is your friend.

Common Questions

1. Can I make vanilla sweet cream cold foam without a frother?
Yes. A blender works fast, or shake it hard in a jar and then whisk the top. A frother is easiest, but not required.

2. How long does it last in the fridge?
It is best right after making it, but you can store the sweet cream mixture (before foaming) for 2 to 3 days. Foam it when you are ready to drink.

3. Why is my foam sinking right away?
Usually the milk is too warm or too low fat. Use cold ingredients and add a little heavy cream for stability.

4. Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla syrup?
You can, but you will need to add sugar too. Try 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar plus a tiny splash of vanilla extract. Syrup blends more smoothly.

5. Is this the same as Starbucks cold foam?
It is a close homemade version. Starbucks has specific ratios and equipment, but at home you can get a very similar taste and texture with this method.

A quick pep talk to go make it

If you try this Cold Foam Recipe — Easy 3 Ingredient Coffee Topping once, you will probably start making it on autopilot. Keep it cold, do not overmix, and tweak the sweetness until it feels right for you. If you want more guidance and a slightly different take, I like this resource on Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam (A Copycat Starbucks Recipe) and this helpful version from Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam – My Baking Addiction. Now go grab your iced coffee, give it that fluffy top, and enjoy that first creamy sip at home.

Delicious Cold Foam Recipe - Easy 3 Ingredient Coffee Topping

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam

A creamy and lightly sweet coffee topping that transforms your iced coffee experience in just two minutes with only three ingredients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2

Total Time 2

Servings: 1 serving

Course: Beverage, Coffee

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Cold Foam Ingredients

2 tablespoons heavy cream Use cold for the best texture.
4 tablespoons milk Any kind; whole milk is recommended for creaminess.
1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla syrup or simple vanilla sweetener Adjust to your taste preference.

Method

Preparation

Add heavy cream, milk, and vanilla syrup to a small cup or jar.
Foam it using a handheld milk frother for about 15 to 30 seconds.
If no frother is available, use a blender for 10 to 15 seconds, or shake it hard in a tightly sealed jar, then whisk the top.
Pour the foam slowly over iced coffee or cold brew and let it float.

Notes

Keep everything really cold for best foaming results. Do not overblend, as it can become too thick. Store the sweet cream mixture in the fridge for 2 to 3 days before foaming as needed.