We’ve always loved experimenting with unique twists on classic coffee toppings, and our Lavender Cream Cold Foam Recipe is a fragrant favorite. Drawing from the lavender fields of Provence, this creamy delight infuses a subtle floral note that elevates your favorite drinks with a touch of elegance.
It’s the perfect way to add a refreshing, barista-style foam to your lattes or iced coffees. We’ll guide you through creating this simple yet sophisticated recipe, so you can bring a bit of herbal magic to your daily routine.
Ingredients
To create our Lavender Cream Cold Foam Recipe, we gather fresh, high-quality ingredients that infuse a delicate floral essence into your coffee. Below, we list them in the order they are used, with precise measurements and any necessary prep notes for accuracy.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup, chilled to ensure it whips up light and airy)
- Whole milk (1/2 cup, cold for the perfect foam consistency)
- Dried lavender flowers (1 teaspoon, culinary grade—steep these briefly to extract their subtle, aromatic flavor without overpowering the cream)
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons, or substitute with honey for a natural sweetness that complements the lavender notes)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, pure variety to enhance the overall floral and creamy profile)
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients, we guide you through the straightforward steps to craft our aromatic Lavender Cream Cold Foam at home.
Prepare the Lavender Infusion
First, we create the heart of the flavor by infusing culinary-grade dried lavender flowers into the base. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of cold whole milk with 2 tablespoons of dried lavender flowers. Gently heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a simmer—about 5 minutes—then remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes to extract the subtle floral essence. After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove the lavender solids, yielding a fragrant infusion that adds a delicate, herbaceous note to our foam.
Mix the Cream Foam
Next, we blend the infused milk with the remaining ingredients to achieve a light, airy texture. In a large mixing bowl, pour the strained lavender infusion and add 1 cup of chilled heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar (or honey for a natural twist), and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, whip the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it forms soft peaks—ensuring the foam is velvety and holds its shape while capturing the soothing lavender aroma that elevates your coffee experience.
Chill and Serve
Finally, we ensure our foam is perfectly chilled and ready to enhance your drinks. Transfer the whipped foam to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and intensify the flavors. When serving, spoon the chilled Lavender Cream Cold Foam generously over iced coffee or lattes, allowing the cool, creamy texture to mingle with the coffee’s warmth for a refreshing, elegant finish.
Tools and Equipment
To craft our Lavender Cream Cold Foam with precision and ease, we rely on a few key tools and equipment that streamline the process and ensure optimal results. These items help us achieve the perfect light, airy texture and subtle floral infusion without complications.
Below, we list the essential tools, organized by their role in the recipe for clarity:
- Saucepan (medium-sized): We use this to gently simmer the dried lavender flowers in cold whole milk, allowing the flavors to infuse evenly and extract that delicate herbal essence.
- Fine-mesh strainer: Critical for straining the lavender-infused milk, it removes any solids to create a smooth base, preventing any grittiness in our final foam.
- Mixing bowl (large, preferably glass or stainless steel): Here, we combine the infused milk with heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract, providing ample space for whipping without spills.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk: We recommend an electric mixer for efficiency, as it quickly whips the mixture to soft peaks, ensuring a velvety consistency; a hand whisk works for smaller batches but requires more effort.
- Refrigerator: Essential for chilling the prepared foam, which enhances its refreshing flavors and stabilizes the texture before topping our lattes or iced coffees.
- Measuring cups and spoons (set): Accuracy is key in our recipe, so we use these to measure ingredients precisely, like 1 cup of heavy whipping cream or 2 tablespoons of sugar, for consistent results every time.
| Tool | Primary Function | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| Saucepan | Simmering infusion | Ensures even heating for flavor extraction |
| Fine-mesh strainer | Straining solids | Guarantees a smooth, professional finish |
| Mixing bowl | Combining ingredients | Provides stability and room for whipping |
| Electric mixer | Whipping to peaks | Delivers airy texture with minimal effort |
| Refrigerator | Chilling the foam | Enhances flavor and texture for serving |
| Measuring cups/spoons | Precise measuring | Maintains recipe accuracy and consistency |
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Lavender Cream Cold Foam even more convenient, we recommend preparing it in advance. This allows the floral notes from the lavender infusion to deepen and meld, creating a more aromatic and velvety topping for your lattes or iced coffees. Follow these simple steps to ensure your foam stays fresh and flawless for up to 48 hours.
Preparing the Infusion Ahead
We start by focusing on the lavender infusion, as it’s the heart of the recipe. Begin by simmering the dried lavender flowers in cold whole milk as outlined in the main instructions. Once strained, let the infused milk cool completely to room temperature. This step can be done up to 24 hours in advance, giving the flavors time to intensify for a more pronounced herbal essence.
Whipping and Storing the Foam
After preparing the infusion, combine it with heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract in your mixing bowl. Whip the mixture until soft peaks form, just as described earlier. For make-ahead purposes, we advise:
- Transferring to an airtight container: Immediately spoon the whipped foam into a clean, airtight container to preserve its light, airy texture and prevent any absorption of odors from the refrigerator.
- Chilling properly: Refrigerate the foam for at least 1 hour before use, but no longer than 48 hours. In our experience, this chilling period enhances the subtle floral aroma, making it even more refreshing when added to your drinks.
Storage Tips and Best Practices
To maintain the foam’s delicate consistency and flavor, follow these guidelines:
| Aspect | Recommendation | Duration/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Store in the coldest part of the fridge | Up to 48 hours for optimal freshness |
| Texture Maintenance | Avoid stirring or re-whipping once chilled, as it may deflate the foam | If separation occurs, gently fold it back together before serving |
| Quality Check | Always taste before using; if the flavor has faded, refresh with a dash of vanilla | Discard after 48 hours to ensure safety and taste |
By preparing our Lavender Cream Cold Foam ahead, you’ll enjoy a sophisticated, effortless addition to your coffee routine that saves time without sacrificing elegance.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this Lavender Cream Cold Foam to bring a touch of elegance into your coffee routine. It’s a simple way to elevate everyday drinks with subtle floral notes that delight the senses.
By trying this recipe, you’ll discover how easy it is to add a sophisticated twist to your favorites. Let’s make our coffee moments even more memorable and share the joy of homemade flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lavender Cream Cold Foam?
Lavender Cream Cold Foam is a light, airy topping inspired by Provence’s lavender fields. It adds a subtle floral note to lattes and iced coffees, enhancing their elegance with a velvety texture. This simple recipe infuses everyday coffee with herbal magic for a sophisticated twist.
What ingredients are needed for Lavender Cream Cold Foam?
You’ll need chilled heavy whipping cream, cold whole milk, culinary-grade dried lavender flowers, granulated sugar (or honey), and pure vanilla extract. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures a delicate floral essence and perfect foam consistency for an elevated coffee experience.
How do you make Lavender Cream Cold Foam?
Start by simmering dried lavender in cold whole milk to create an infusion, then strain it. Combine the infused milk with heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract, and whip until soft peaks form. Chill the mixture before serving it over iced coffee or lattes for a refreshing, elegant finish.
What tools are required to make Lavender Cream Cold Foam?
Essential tools include a medium-sized saucepan for infusing lavender, a fine-mesh strainer for smoothing the mixture, a large mixing bowl, an electric mixer for whipping, a refrigerator for chilling, and measuring cups and spoons. These ensure precise, professional results with ease.
Can I prepare Lavender Cream Cold Foam in advance?
Yes, make the lavender infusion ahead of time to deepen flavors. After straining and cooling, whip with other ingredients and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. This allows for convenient, fresh foam whenever you need it for your coffee routine.
How should I store Lavender Cream Cold Foam?
Store the whipped foam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours to maintain its light texture and flavor. Avoid exposing it to air to prevent deflation, and give it a gentle stir before use for the best results on your lattes or iced coffees.
Are there any substitutions for the ingredients?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with honey for a natural sweetener, or use a non-dairy milk alternative if preferred, though it may alter the texture slightly. Stick to culinary-grade lavender for safety and flavor, and adjust vanilla extract based on taste for a personalized twist.