Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew: Your New Go-To Recipe

As I sat on my porch one sultry summer morning, the soft sunlight warming my skin and a gentle breeze tickling the leaves, I couldn’t help but crave the refreshing lift of a cold brew coffee. But not just any cold brew—no, I wanted something special. I remembered a delightful café I used to frequent, where I was captivated by their rich Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew. The memory sent shivers of excitement through me, resembling that first sip of iced coffee on a warm day: invigorating and utterly satisfying.

If you’re reading this, perhaps you relate. Maybe you’re familiar with the struggle of aiming for that café-style cold brew at home but feeling daunted by the process. Fear not! This recipe is designed with beginner cooks in mind. I’ll guide you through each step, making it simple and enjoyable. Even if it’s your first time trying to whip up something so blissfully enchanting, you’ll soon find it completely doable.

Why I Love This Recipe of Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

This Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew recipe is near and dear to my heart for many reasons. For one, there’s something undeniably cozy about crafting your own coffee creations at home. I love the way the aroma of freshly brewed cold brew fills my kitchen, welcoming the day and setting a comforting mood.

Additionally, when you make this recipe yourself, you can tailor it to your liking. Whether you prefer it sweeter, creamier, or with a stronger coffee flavor, the customization possibilities are endless. It’s not just a drink—it’s a cozy embrace in a cup. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love chilling with a delicious homemade cold brew while soaking up those sunny summer vibes?

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

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• Author: Jessica Hakan
• Total Time: 735 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and customizable cold brew coffee elevated with a rich, homemade vanilla sweet cream.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup coffee grounds (medium-coarse)
• 6 cups cold, filtered water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water (for vanilla syrup)
• 1 vanilla bean (split)
• ¾ cup half-and-half
• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons homemade vanilla syrup
• 6–7 oz. cold brew coffee
• ½ oz. homemade vanilla syrup (optional, to taste)
• 1 oz. vanilla sweet cream
• Ice (for serving)

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Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, mix coffee grounds with 6 cups of cold water and let steep overnight.
2. Prepare a fine mesh strainer lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth over a bowl.
3. Strain the cold brew mixture twice through the lined strainer.
4. Pour the strained cold brew into a sealable container and refrigerate.
5. In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar and 1 cup of water, heat until dissolved.
6. Add the split vanilla bean to the syrup and let steep for 2 hours.
7. In a bowl, mix half-and-half and heavy whipping cream, whisk in 3 tablespoons of vanilla syrup.
8. Pour the sweet cream into a mason jar and refrigerate.
9. In a glass filled with ice, pour in the cold brew, add vanilla syrup to taste, then top with the sweet cream.
10. Stir and enjoy!

Notes

If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cold brew or vanilla syrup. Adjust the sweetness and creaminess to fit your taste.

• Prep Time: 720 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Brewing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: cold brew coffee, vanilla sweet cream, homemade coffee drink, summer beverage, iced coffee

Ingredients You’ll Need for Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need. For this recipe, you can break them down into essentials, optional add-ons, and substitutions and shortcuts.

Essentials

1. 1 cup coffee grounds (medium-coarse consistency) – It’s crucial to choose the correct grind size to prevent bitterness and ensure a smooth brew.
2. 6 cups water – Here’s where the magic happens. Cold, filtered water works best to maintain clarity in flavor.
3. 1 cup granulated sugar – This adds sweetness to our vanilla syrup.
4. 1 cup water (for the vanilla syrup) – The second round of water needed just for preparing the syrup.
5. 1 vanilla bean (split) – The star ingredient giving that luxurious vanilla flavor—fresh is always best.
6. ¾ cup half-and-half – This creates a rich, creamy texture in your sweet cream.
7. ¼ cup heavy whipping cream – For added creaminess.
8. 3 tablespoons homemade vanilla syrup – Sweetness and flavor burst all in one.
9. 6-7 oz. cold brew coffee (warm or cold) – Balance here is key; adjust to your preference.
10. ½ oz. (1 tablespoon) homemade vanilla syrup, or more if you like sweeter coffee – Personalize it to your taste.
11. 1 oz. (2 tablespoons) vanilla sweet cream – The final touch!
12. Ice (for serving) – Essential for that refreshment factor.

Optional Add-Ons

• Chocolate syrup – A drizzle can create a mocha version of this coffee.
• Whipped cream – For the indulgence factor, top it off.
• Cinnamon or nutmeg – A sprinkle gives a nuanced flavor that feels harmonious.

Substitutions and Shortcuts

• If you don’t have time to make your own vanilla syrup, a store-bought option works perfectly fine.
• For the coffee, cold brew concentrate can be diluted to taste if you’re short on time.
• No vanilla bean? Vanilla extract is an acceptable substitute—use about 1 to 2 teaspoons.

How to Make Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew Step-by-Step

Now, let’s get into the fun part: making your very own Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew. Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through each step of the process, so it feels just as cozy as that summer day I mentioned.

Make Cold Brew

1. Combine Coffee Grounds with Water
   In a large pitcher, mix the coffee grounds with the 6 cups of cold water. Give it a gentle stir to combine. Cover the pitcher with a kitchen towel and let it steep overnight on your kitchen counter (or for about 12 hours). This patiently pulls out all those rich, deep flavors from the coffee.

2. Prep for Straining
   Grab a fine mesh strainer and line it with a coffee filter, cheesecloth, or even a nut milk bag if you have it handy. Place it over a large bowl or another container—this will help catch all the loose grounds when we begin the straining process.

3. Strain the Cold Brew
   Slowly pour the cold brew mixture through your lined strainer. You’ll want to do this step twice to ensure that all the grounds are eliminated. It might take some time to drain completely, and that’s okay! Gently swirling the liquid with a spoon or spatula can help speed things along.

4. Transfer to Fridge
   Once you’ve successfully strained your cold brew, pour it into a sealable container and transfer it to the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the rest.

Make the Vanilla Syrup

1. Combine Sugar and Water
   In a small saucepan, combine that cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water.

2. Heat Until Dissolved
   Heat over high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves. It creates a nice, sweet syrup that makes your cold brew shine.

3. Add Vanilla Bean
   Turn off the heat and add your split vanilla bean into the warm syrup. If you’re using vanilla extract instead, save it for the next step.

4. Let It Steep
   Allow the mixture to steep for two hours. Afterward, transfer your vanilla syrup to a mason jar for easy storage.

Make the Vanilla Sweet Cream

1. Combine the Creams
   In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the half-and-half and the heavy whipping cream.

2. Whisk in the Vanilla Syrup
   Pour in 3 tablespoons of your freshly made vanilla syrup and whisk the mixture until it’s well-combined. It should start looking creamy and luscious.

3. Transfer to a Jar
   Pour your sweet cream into a mason jar and stick it in the fridge. Let it chill until you’re ready to mix it into your cold brew.

Make the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

1. Add Ice
   Grab a glass and fill it with ice. This is key for that refreshing element as you pour in the cold brew coffee (or warm it up if you prefer).

2. Pour in the Cold Brew
   Pour in your chilled cold brew, leaving enough room for the sweet cream on top.

3. Stir in the Sweetness
   Add your desired amount of vanilla syrup and give it a gentle stir to combine the sweet notes into the rich coffee.

4. Top with Vanilla Sweet Cream
   Now, carefully pour the vanilla sweet cream over the top of your cold brew. Swirl it in and give it a taste.

5. Adjust for Sweetness
   Take a moment to taste your creation. If you like it sweeter, feel free to add more vanilla syrup or sweet cream as desired.

6. Enjoy
   This is it! Take a sip, breathe in that warm, heavenly aroma, and enjoy every moment of your homemade Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When diving into the world of cold brew, there are a few common mistakes you may encounter, especially if this is your first go at it. Knowing what to avoid can help you achieve that café-quality drink at home.

Using Incorrect Coffee Grind

One of the biggest blunders is using a coffee grind that’s too fine. This can lead to a bitter brew that isn’t your friend. Stick to medium-coarse consistency for a smooth and rich cold brew.

Skipping the Straining Process

Just like any good recipe, it’s vital to properly strain your cold brew. Skipping the straining could result in a gritty texture and a less pleasant drinking experience. So, take those extra moments to ensure you’re using a good strainer!

Rushing Steeping Time

Cold brew is all about patience. Skimping on steeping time can lead to a weak flavor. Twelve hours is the sweet spot to extract the boldness of the coffee beans.

Not Customizing

Your coffee experience should be personal. Don’t hesitate to adjust sweetness or cream levels to fit your taste. It’s your drink, make it yours!

Quick Wins for Beginner Cooks

Now, let’s explore some quick wins as a beginner cook. You’ve already taken a fantastic step in preparing this delicious recipe, but there’s even more you can do to make your cooking experience enjoyable.

Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time

Having your ingredients pre-measured and ready to go can significantly streamline the process. Save precious time and eliminate confusion when you’re blending up your coffee creations.

Use Quality Ingredients

Investing in good-quality coffee beans, fresh vanilla beans, and quality cream can elevate your Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew. The difference in taste is remarkable!

Experiment with Flavors

While vanilla is a classic, feel free to branch out. Try adding a hint of caramel syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon to discover new favorite flavor combinations.

Invite Friends Over

Cooking or brewing coffee becomes way more enjoyable when you share it with others. Hosting a coffee afternoon can be a lovely way to enjoy the fruits of your labor while learning from each other’s experiences.

Pro-Level Tips for When You’re Ready

As you gain confidence in preparing your Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, you might feel eager to experiment further. Here are a few pro-level tips that may elevate your coffee game.

Try Different Beans

Different coffee beans offer unique flavor profiles. Explore single-origin beans to discover new taste dimensions. You might find a new favorite!

Play with Brew Times

While the traditional method is overnight, feel free to experiment. Try varying steeping times to enhance specific flavors in the coffee.

Craft Your Own Coffee Drinks

Once you’ve nailed this recipe, don’t shy away from trying other coffee drinks like iced lattes or nitro cold brews. Your skills will easily translate!

Store Vanilla Syrup for Later Use

Homemade vanilla syrup can be a fantastic ingredient in various desserts, beverages, and breakfast items. Keep it handy for quick flavor boosts anytime.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of this cozy journey into the world of Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew. It truly is easier than it looks. Now you can make this delightful drink at home, customizing it to fit your unique taste.

Cozy, classic, and entirely beginner-approved, this recipe is one you’ll look forward to making again and again. So, go gather your ingredients and give it a try. I promise you; it will be worth it!

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider subscribing for more cozy cooking ideas or sharing this post with friends who are eager to embark on their coffee journey!

FAQs About Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Now that you have this cozy recipe and insightful guide, start brewing your first batch of Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew! Your summer mornings will never be the same.