Want to learn how to make dairy free cold foam at home? I don’t blame you – this has been one of my favorite ways to decorate my coffee for a while now (and it’s so easy to do).
What is cold foam?
Simply put, cold foam is milk that’s been frothed into a firm and fluffy foam without using heat. It’s similar to steamed milk that sits on top of cappuccinos but it’s a much cooler temperature.
Typically cold foam is made with whole milk and/or heavy whipping cream, but I wanted to make a dairy-free version (as I’m not typically the biggest dairy fan)!
I’m pleased to say that I’ve cracked the code and dairy is 100% not needed at all.
Different methods to make dairy free cold foam
There are quite a few ways to make dairy free cold foam at home! Let’s talk about them.
Use a milk frother. This is my go-to way to make homemade cold foam. I’ve had the Zulay Milk Frother for a few years now and it’s never let me down! All you have to do is place your heavy whipping cream and milk into a glass, submerge the milk frother, and whip for 20 seconds or until it’s stabilized. It’s fast and incredibly efficient.
Use a french press. I absolutely love my french press and when I found out I could make cold foam with it I was shocked. If I’m making cold foam for friends and family, I’ll use my french press (as you’re able to make more cold foam at once). Place the heavy whipping cream and oat milk into your french press and plunge the lever back and forth until whipped.
Use an immersion blender. I’ve done this once and while it does work, I don’t really think I’d do it again unless it was the only tool that I had to make cold foam. It’s a great method, but not a favorite of mine! For this method, place your heavy whipping cream and milk into a large glass and immerse your immersion blender into the liquid. Blend on low speed until a creamy, soft foam forms.
Shake it in a mason jar. This is one of my least favorite ways to make cold foam purely because it takes so long to do! Place your heavy whipping cream and oat milk into a glass mason jar with a lid and shake vigorously for 5-7 minutes or until it’s foamy!
Ingredients
- Dairy free heavy whipping cream
- Oat milk
It’s crazy how these two simple ingredients can transform your coffee. If you’d like, you can add simple syrup to the heavy whipping cream and oat milk before you froth it to make a flavored cold foam!
I’ve been making french vanilla cold foam lattes lately and they’re to die for. I use a few pumps of the Torani French Vanilla syrup (which I’d argue is the best syrup to use).
You could also purchase the french vanilla syrup from the Starbucks Company if you’d like to make an identical vanilla cold foam syrup!
Or, make your own syrups! I’ve paired my homemade caramel sauce with this dairy free cold foam a few times and it’s so freaking good together!
How to make dairy free cold foam
As I said above, my favorite method is using a milk frother! For that reason alone, that’s what I’ll talk about more in-depth here.
To make your dairy free cold foam, simply pour the heavy whipping cream and oat milk into a glass. Then, place your milk frother into the glass and froth for at least 20 seconds or until stabilized.
Pour over your cold brew or espresso and enjoy!
Here’s a quick video of my dairy free cold foam coming together:
This recipe is incredibly straightforward – anyone could make it!
Frequently asked questions
If you have a question that isn’t answered below, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll do my best to answer!
Is cold foam just whipped cream?
So many people think that cold foam is identical to whipped cream and are surprised to find out that they’re two totally different things!
Whipped cream is made from heavy cream that is whipped by a whisk (or mixer) until it’s a light, creamy consistency whereas cold foam is milk that’s made by whipping air into milk.
How long should you froth cold foam?
Ideally, you’d want to froth the milk for at least 20 seconds or until the cold foam is nice, thick, and stabilized.
Is heavy cream or half and half better for cold foam?
Both are great!
The more fat you have, the more your air bubbles with condense. Using equal parts milk and heavy cream (or half and half) will make the most velvety cold foam at home.
How to Make Dairy Free Cold Foam
This homemade dairy free cold foam has quickly become one of my favorite ways to jazz up my morning cup of coffee!
- Prep Time: 2 Minutes
- Total Time: 2 Minutes
- Yield: 1 Serving 1x
Ingredients
- 3 TBSP dairy free heavy whipping cream
- 3 TBSP oat milk
- Double shot of espresso or cold brew iced coffee
- Ice
- Optional: 1-2 pumps flavoring of choice
Instructions
- Pour the heavy whipping cream and oat milk into a glass.
- With the end of a milk frother, froth the milk for 20 seconds or until stabilized.
- Top over your cold brew or espresso and enjoy!
Notes
If you’d like to add a flavor to your cold foam, add it in before frothing!
A new staple in our household for my lactose intolerant self!!