Salted Caramel Cold Foam Recipe

There’s just something about salted caramel cold foam that makes an ordinary iced coffee feel like a treat.

It’s rich, creamy, and hits that perfect sweet-salty note that I crave, especially during warmer months.

Once I realized I could make it at home, I stopped paying $6+ every time I needed a caramel fix. And honestly? I think mine tastes better.

I’m going to walk you through exactly how I make it, plus all the tips I’ve picked up along the way, from the best milk-to-cream ratio to how to get that silky texture without a fancy frother.

Why Salted Caramel Cold Foam is Worth Making at Home

If you’ve never made cold foam at home, it’s easier than it sounds.

All you really need is a way to froth (more on that in a second) and a few fridge staples. And the best part? You get to control the sweetness, saltiness, and how thick you want it.

When I make this cold foam, I like to pour it over cold brew or an iced latte. It floats on top like a little cloud, then slowly melts in as I sip.

It’s not overly sugary like some coffee shop versions, and I can tweak the saltiness depending on my mood (yes, that’s a thing now).

Tools You Can Use to Froth the Foam

You don’t need an espresso machine or an expensive milk frother to make cold foam. Here are a few options I’ve tried:

• Electric handheld frother: My go-to. It takes about 15–30 seconds to get the texture just right.
• French press: Just pump it up and down for about a minute.
• Jar with a lid: Shake it like crazy. This works in a pinch, but the foam will be a little looser.
• Blender: Works great for bigger batches, but more dishes (which I try to avoid).

Pro tip: If you’re going for the thick Starbucks-style cold foam that sits on top like a soft layer, I’d recommend either a frother or a French press.

What to Use in the Cold Foam

This is where the fun begins. You can totally customize this, but here’s the base that works best for me.

1. Milk and Cream Combo

You want a balance between creamy and light so it whips up but doesn’t turn into whipped cream. I usually go with:

• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 2 tbsp 2% or whole milk

This ratio froths into a silky, pourable foam.

2. Caramel Flavor

You can use:

• Store-bought caramel syrup (like Torani or Starbucks brand)
• Homemade caramel sauce (if you want it richer)
• Salted caramel sauce (if you want to combine both flavors in one step)

I usually add about 1–2 teaspoons of caramel syrup depending on how sweet I want it.

3. Salt

It sounds weird to add salt to your coffee topping, but it balances everything. I use a pinch of fine sea salt (¼ tsp max).

If your caramel sauce is already salted, you can skip this or go lighter.

4. Optional: Vanilla Extract

Sometimes I add just a drop of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor. It makes it feel more like a dessert drink.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Salted Caramel Cold Foam

Here’s my exact process:

1. In a small cup or frothing pitcher, add 2 tbsp heavy cream, 2 tbsp milk, 1–2 tsp caramel syrup, and a pinch of salt.
2. Use a handheld frother to whip the mixture until it thickens and doubles in volume. It should still be pourable.
3. Pour it gently over iced coffee or cold brew. It should float like a cloud.
4. Drizzle extra caramel on top if you’re feeling fancy.

That’s it. It takes maybe 2 minutes and makes your drink look like something out of a coffee shop.

What to Pour It On

This cold foam pairs well with almost anything:

• Cold brew – My personal favorite. The strong coffee flavor stands up to the sweetness.
• Iced Americano – If you like things less sweet but still want that creamy top layer.
• Iced lattes – Works great on caramel or vanilla iced lattes.
• Espresso over ice – It feels indulgent, even if you’re using a double shot.

Tips for Next-Level Results

• Use cold ingredients: Cold cream and milk whip up faster and hold better.
• Don’t over-froth: If it’s too thick, it won’t pour. Aim for creamy, not whipped cream.
• Adjust the salt: Start with a pinch. You can always add more, but too much will overpower the drink.
• Make it ahead: You can froth a batch and store it in the fridge for a few hours. Just give it a quick stir before using.

Check out more cold foam recipes:

• Lavender Cold Foam Recipe
• Matcha Cold Foam Recipe
• Pistachio Cream Cold Foam Cold Brew Recipe
• Strawberry Cold Foam Iced Coffee Recipe