Love Starbucks vanilla sweet cream but looking for a more affordable alternative? This easy recipe is just for you! Add a velvety texture to your morning coffee, iced coffee, or your homemade espresso creations! You can even froth it to make vanilla sweet cream cold foam!
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I love recreating Starbucks drinks at home, especially the pumpkin spice latte, not only because it is so easy but also because it is the perfect way to save a lot of time and money! This recipe is no exception!
Sure you can find a plethora of vanilla creamers at the grocery store, but most are filled with gums, thickeners, and artificial flavors. You'll find none of that here; just a naturally thick texture and sweet flavor, perfect for adding to your own cold brew concentrate, hot drinks, or even iced drinks right at home!
Similar to the real pumpkin you'll find in my copycat pumpkin spice sauce, this copycat Starbucks vanilla creamer also has the best flavor because we can use real vanilla extract, instead of the artificial vanilla flavor you'll find in the Starbucks version.
Recipe Notes
I have it on good authority, that the ratios used at Starbucks to make their vanilla sweet cream are as follows: 3 parts heavy cream, 2 parts milk, and 1 part vanilla syrup. Starbucks employees typically mix up this concoction in large 2 liter batches.
For our home use, we will make a much smaller 2 cup quantity. Feel free to scale the recipe to suit your needs.
Simple Ingredients
- Heavy Cream: You can also use heavy whipping cream or whipping cream.
- 2% milk: You can use whole milk if you prefer.
- Vanilla simple syrup: I have a recipe for a homemade vanilla syrup but you can use store-bought if you prefer.
*Refer to the recipe card for full ingredient information.
Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
You can make this recipe dairy-free. Simply swap the diary milks for your preferred non-dairy alternative.
For the milk: Use oat milk, coconut milk, almond milk, or soy milk. Choose your favorite based on the flavor you like. Oat milk is the creamiest of these options.
For the cream: Use a plant based cream, such as silk heavy whipping cream alternative or country crock plant cream. Coconut cream or cashew cream are also good options. Again, choose the option with the taste you prefer or you will not like the result.
How to Make Vanilla Sweet Cream
Make Vanilla Syrup
*Make the vanilla syrup and allow it to cool a bit before mixing up the vanilla sweet cream.
- In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.
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Make Vanilla Sweet Cream
- Measure and combine the heavy cream, milk, and vanilla syrup in a 2 cup measuring glass.
- Stir to combine.
- Use immediately in your desired coffee drinks or store in the refrigerator for later use.
How to Use Homemade Sweet Cream
Use vanilla sweet cream as you would any coffee creamer! Add a splash or two to any of your hot or cold coffee drinks for a touch of creaminess and sweetness.
Top Recipe Tip
Use a handheld milk frother to turn a small amount of your vanilla sweet cream into vanilla sweet cream foam! Perfect for adding a sweet, creamy touch to the top of your drink; like cold-brewed coffee, shaken espresso, or a homemade pink drink!
Add some pumpkin spice sauce and you've got Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam!
How To Store Sweet Cream
Store vanilla sweet cream in the refrigerator for about 1 week, or as long as the milk and cream are fresh.
Check the expiration dates on your original containers of milk and cream to determine the best date to use your vanilla sweet cream by.
Be sure to store in an airtight container to avoid the milk absorbing any flavors from your refrigerator.
Recipe FAQs
According to the nutritional information available on the Starbucks website, vanilla sweet cream consists of heavy cream, milk, and vanilla syrup. Vanilla syrup is a sweet liquid made by dissolving granulated sugar in water, which is then flavored with vanilla flavoring. Starbucks sweet cream does not contain sweetened condensed milk.
Vanilla sweet cream is Starbucks house-made creamer. Top any of your favorite Starbucks drinks with vanilla sweet cream for a touch of velvety smooth sweetness.
Making homemade vanilla sweet cream is quick, taking just a few minutes, and it's more cost-effective than buying store-bought creamer. Plus, you can control the taste and quality of ingredients when you make it yourself.
More Starbucks Copycat Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out more of what I've recreated! Also, my gluten-free guide to Starbucks may be helpful for you or a loved one who is gluten-free!
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Recipe
Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Recipe
Equipment
- 1 small saucepan
- 1 mason jar
Ingredients
Vanilla Simple Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Vanilla Sweet Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅔ cup 2% milk
- ⅓ cup vanilla simple syrup
Instructions
Vanilla Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.
Vanilla Sweet Cream
- Measure and combine the heavy cream, milk, and vanilla syrup in a 2 cup measuring glass.
- Stir to combine.
- Use immediately in your desired coffee drinks or store in the refrigerator for later use.
Notes
Storage
Store vanilla sweet cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 1 week, or as long as the milk and cream are fresh. Check your original containers of milk and cream to determine the date of expiration.Nutrition
* Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should be used as an estimate only. See the nutrition policy for more information.
Kathy says
My new favorite treat. Coffee with a little bit of vanilla syrup and a couple dollops of your sweet cream on top. Thanks for the recipe.