Cold Brew Coffee with Vanilla Cream Recipe

There’s something truly magical about Cold Brew Coffee with Vanilla Cream Recipe—it’s like your favorite coffee shop drink that you can whip up right at home without any fancy equipment. I love how smooth and refreshing the cold brew is, and that silky vanilla cream just takes it to a whole new level of indulgence. Whether you’re beating the afternoon slump or want a cool, elegant coffee treat on a warm day, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, so you don’t have to be a barista to get this spot-on flavor and texture. I remember the first time I made cold brew—it felt like a mini celebration with every sip. This Cold Brew Coffee with Vanilla Cream Recipe will make your morning or weekend coffee ritual feel extra special, plus you get that smooth sweetness without it being overly sugary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Cold Brew Coffee with Vanilla Cream Recipe really comes from the blend of quality coffee beans and the luscious vanilla cream. I always recommend using fresh, whole beans for the best results, and pairing them with plant-based creams if you want a lighter touch.
- Whole coffee beans: Freshly ground beans make all the difference in flavor and richness. If you can, grind them just before brewing.
- Water: Use cold or room temperature filtered water to bring out the smooth coffee notes without bitterness.
- Vegan whipping cream: This plant-based cream whips up beautifully and creates the perfect creamy texture without dairy.
- Unsweetened soy milk: Adds smoothness and balances the creaminess without extra sweetness.
- Pure vanilla extract: A tablespoon brings that warm vanilla flavor that pairs beautifully with the cold brew.
- Agave syrup: A natural sweetener that blends seamlessly—feel free to swap for maple syrup if you prefer.
- Cold water: To dilute the cold brew concentrate to a smooth, drinkable coffee.
- Ice cubes: Essential for serving cold and refreshing; plus, they won’t water down the coffee as fast thanks to the strong concentrate.
Variations
I love how adaptable this Cold Brew Coffee with Vanilla Cream Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or ingredients on hand. Sometimes I swap the soy milk for almond or oat milk depending on the vibe I’m going for.
- Non-dairy options: I’ve tried coconut cream instead of vegan whipping cream for a tropical twist—super creamy and decadent.
- Sweetener swaps: When I want less sweetness, I reduce agave syrup or use a pinch of stevia powder.
- Spiced vanilla: Adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the vanilla cream adds cozy warmth, which I adore in cooler months.
- Stronger brew: For those days when you need a bigger kick, increase the coffee beans ratio for a bolder cold brew.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee with Vanilla Cream Recipe
Step 1: Grind and Steep Your Coffee
Start by coarsely grinding 1 cup of whole coffee beans—think chunky, like breadcrumbs, not powder. This texture helps the coffee slowly release flavor while brewing without becoming bitter. Combine the grounds with 3 cups of water in a large jar or pitcher, stir gently, and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Let it steep in your fridge or on the counter for about 16–20 hours. I usually prepare mine the night before so it’s ready by the next morning—which feels like a little win before the day has even started!
Step 2: Strain Your Cold Brew Concentrate
Once the steeping time is up, strain the coffee through a fine mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a clean container. This step ensures your cold brew is silky smooth without gritty sediment. I’ve found that using a double filter makes it extra clean, but one good quality filter works just fine.
Step 3: Whip Up the Vanilla Cream
While your coffee is straining, prepare the vanilla cream by combining 1 cup of vegan whipping cream, ½ cup of unsweetened soy milk, 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of agave syrup in a chilled bowl. Whip with an electric mixer until soft peaks form—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This creamy, airy vanilla topping is the real star of the show, lending a rich but light sweetness to your cold brew.
Step 4: Assemble Your Cold Brew Coffee with Vanilla Cream
Pour 1½ cups of the cold brew concentrate into a tall glass, and dilute it with 1½ cups of cold water. Add ice cubes to chill it perfectly without watering it down too quickly. Gently spoon or swirl on a generous layer of the vanilla cream—trust me, don’t skimp! The contrast between the deep coffee and that fluffy vanilla cream is what makes this recipe unforgettable.
How to Serve Cold Brew Coffee with Vanilla Cream Recipe

Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the vanilla cream—that little extra makes it feel like a café-quality treat. Sometimes I toss in a few coffee beans as a garnish, which looks fancy but also smells amazing.
Side Dishes
This Cold Brew Coffee with Vanilla Cream Recipe pairs wonderfully with buttery croissants or almond biscotti. If you’re more of a savory fan, a soft cheese and fruit plate balances the sweet coffee notes beautifully—something I often enjoy on lazy weekend mornings.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving this cold brew in clear glasses layered with vanilla cream to highlight the beautiful contrast. Adding edible flowers or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top gives it an extra touch of elegance that’s sure to impress guests or make your morning feel luxurious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover cold brew concentrate in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. The best advice I can give is to keep the vanilla cream separate since it’s best whipped fresh. But if you have extras, it can last about 2 days refrigerated—just give it a quick whisk before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing the cold brew concentrate isn’t something I do often because it’s best fresh, but it does freeze well in ice cube trays. Then you can pop coffee cubes into any iced drink for a quick fix. I avoid freezing the vanilla cream, though, as it tends to separate and lose its texture.
Reheating
This cold brew is meant to be enjoyed cold, but if you want a warm vanilla coffee, add hot water instead of cold in the dilution step. Be sure to whip a fresh batch of vanilla cream or use a bit of warmed plant milk with vanilla extract for that cozy flavor.
FAQs
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How long does it take to make Cold Brew Coffee with Vanilla Cream Recipe?
Most of the process is hands-off steeping—the coffee grounds need about 16 to 20 hours to brew at room temperature or in the fridge. The vanilla cream takes just a few minutes to whip. So, plan ahead, ideally starting the cold brew the night before for the best flavor.
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Can I use dairy milk and cream instead of vegan options?
Absolutely! If you prefer dairy, substitute vegan whipping cream with heavy cream and soy milk with any milk you like. The texture and taste will be richer and creamier—just as delightful.
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Is agave syrup the only sweetener I can use?
Nope! Agave syrup provides a mild sweetness and blends well, but maple syrup, honey (if not vegan), or simple syrup all work great depending on your taste preference.
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How strong is the cold brew concentrate?
The concentrate is quite strong since it’s brewed with a high coffee-to-water ratio. Diluting it with cold water before serving balances the flavor and makes it smooth without bitterness, perfect for sipping over ice with vanilla cream!
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Can I make this recipe without an electric mixer?
Yes! You can whisk the vanilla cream by hand, but be prepared to put in a bit more elbow grease until soft peaks form. Using a chilled bowl helps speed up the whipping process.
Final Thoughts
This Cold Brew Coffee with Vanilla Cream Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to coffee treats, especially during warmer months or whenever I need a little pick-me-up with flair. It’s simple, delicious, and customizable to fit whatever mood you’re in, which I think makes it stand out from the typical cup of coffee. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’re going to love how easy it is to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share it with you. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and let’s get brewing!
PrintCold Brew Coffee with Vanilla Cream Recipe
This Cold Brew Coffee with Vanilla Cream recipe delivers a smooth, rich coffee concentrate brewed slowly with whole coffee beans and water, complemented by a luscious vegan vanilla cream topping. Perfect for refreshing, iced coffee lovers who enjoy a dairy-free treat with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 to 24 hours steeping
- Total Time: 12 hours 15 minutes to 24 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Cold Brew Concentrate
- 1 cup (80g) whole coffee beans
- 3 cups (720ml) water, room temperature or cold
Vanilla Cream
- 1 cup (240ml) vegan whipping cream†
- ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened soy milk
- 1 Tbsp (15ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp (15ml) agave syrup
Final Touches
- 1½ cups (360ml) cold water
- 1¼ cups (140g) ice cubes
Instructions
- Grind Coffee Beans: Begin by coarsely grinding 1 cup (80g) of whole coffee beans to preserve the flavor and prevent over-extraction during brewing.
- Mix Coffee with Water: In a large jar or pitcher, combine the coarsely ground coffee with 3 cups (720ml) of room temperature or cold water. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are fully saturated.
- Steep for Cold Brew Concentrate: Cover the jar with a lid or plastic wrap and let it steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours to extract a rich coffee concentrate.
- Strain the Coffee: After steeping, strain the coffee mixture through a fine mesh sieve or a coffee filter to remove grounds, yielding a smooth cold brew concentrate.
- Prepare Vanilla Cream: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup (240ml) of vegan whipping cream, ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened soy milk, 1 tablespoon (15ml) pure vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon (15ml) agave syrup until soft peaks form and the mixture is light and creamy.
- Assemble the Cold Brew Drink: In serving glasses, dilute the cold brew concentrate with 1½ cups (360ml) of cold water and add 1¼ cups (140g) of ice cubes for a refreshing finish.
- Top with Vanilla Cream: Spoon the prepared vanilla cream generously over the iced cold brew coffee and serve immediately for a delightful and creamy cold brew experience.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use less water when diluting the concentrate.
- Steeping times can be adjusted to personal taste; longer steeping results in bolder flavor.
- Use vegan whipping cream to maintain a dairy-free and vegan-friendly recipe.
- Store leftover cold brew concentrate in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Agave syrup can be substituted with another liquid sweetener like maple syrup or simple syrup if preferred.
Keywords: cold brew coffee, vegan vanilla cream, iced coffee, dairy-free coffee, vegan coffee recipe