I know it’s probably cliché now to be obsessed with coffee, but it’s just who I am. It has gotten me through the good times and the bad. Coffee has been there for me at three in the morning when I am headed to the bakery, and during the lazy Sunday afternoons when I am hanging with my sisters.
This is my favorite cold brew recipe; it is simple to make ahead, it is just sweet enough, and it is so incredibly smooth. I make this recipe in bulk for the bakery and have gotten some great feedback on it! So let’s get into it…
Simple Sweet Cream Cold Brew: Steep your grounds
Similar to how you brew your hot coffee, you are letting your coffee grinds steep. In this cold-water environment, it is a longer steep, anywhere from 18-24 hrs. The simplest way I have found is to use a cheesecloth as your filter. I start by scooping my coffee into the center of my cheesecloth. I then gather my cheesecloth together so that none of the grounds will escape in the cold water. You can use kitchen twine or a rubber band to secure it around the coffee grounds.
I like to make one quart at a time if it’s just for me at home. Keep in mind that once you add the water, you still need room for your cheesecloth to sit inside. I recommend at least a six-cup container or larger. This one from Amazon is a nice size for small or large amounts.
The grounds should steep at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator. I just make sure it is covered properly and let it sit in my kitchen.
Simple Sweet Cream Cold Brew: Remove Grounds
Once your grounds have steeped for 18 to 24 hours remove your coffee pack. Give it a good squeeze to make sure you are getting all of the cold brew you can. If you notice your coffee is not as dark as you would like, then all you need to do is give it more time to steep. The longer it steeps, the stronger the coffee!
Simple Sweet Cream Cold Brew: Add Your Sweet Cream
The sweet cream base is a mixture of heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk. I usually mix the two together and add it to my cold brew until it is to my liking. You can start with 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream to a quart of black coffee brew. You will learn as you make it what the “sweet spot” is for you! Some people like cream with their coffee, and some like coffee with their cream. For me, it depends on the day.
Some people like cream with their coffee, and some like coffee with their cream.
Simple Sweet Cream Cold Brew: Pour over Ice
Obviously, this is best served over a glass filled with ice. See how simple that was?! From here you can store your Simple Sweet Cream Cold Brew for up to five days in the refrigerator. If you want to serve this for a party, it’s a wonderful task to do ahead of time.
Sweet Cream Cold Brew: Troubleshooting
- What if I do not have a cheesecloth?
- You can actually put the grounds directly into the water and let steep for the same amount of time. Then when you are ready to remove the grounds, strain them into a different container with a paper towel.
- This is how I used to make my cold brew exclusively, however I have found that since using the cheesecloth pouch my cold brew is smoother.
- What if I want my coffee stronger?
- You can do one of two things; add more grounds to steep, or steep for a longer period of time.
- What if I want my coffee weaker?
- You can do one of two things; decrease the amount of grounds you use in the beginning, or steep for a shorter amount of time.
- Can I drink it without the sweet cream?
- Without the sweet cream this is a great cold brew recipe. You can drink it black or add a cream and sweetener of your choosing.
- Can I make this Keto?
- This is actually simple to make keto. Just forgo the sweetened condensed milk. You can also then add a sugar free sweetener with your heavy cream.
Simple Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of your favorite coffee grounds (I use Maxwell House Breakfast Blend).
- 1 quart of cold water (4 cups)
- 1/2 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Directions
- Fill a container with 4 cups of cold water.
- Add your grounds to a cheesecloth. Tie the cheesecloth so that no grounds escape in the cold water.
- Place your cheesecloth of coffee into the water and let it steep for 18-24 hours. Make sure all of your cloth is in your jar.
- Remove grounds and squeeze any excess cold brew into your cold brew container. Your cold brew should be dark and clear of grounds. If it is not as dark as you want it to be, let it continue to steep.
- Add your sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream directly into your cold brew and whisk it in. You can also shake it if in a container that allows you to do so.
- Pour over ice and enjoy!
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Enjoy!
This recipe has been a true favorite. I have used it for several different occasions: wedding showers and birthday parties, when I have friends coming to visit, or just when I want something extra special for the week. Let me know if you try this recipe and how you like it. Feel free to mix it up with some spices and syrups. Can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!
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Lily here! Being a young mom and young business owner has given me the unique experience of having to learn so many important things at once. As I discover new recipes that make my life easier, or new budget friendly decorating styles, or even ways that make it easier to run a business and be a mom; I will be sure to share it with you. My hope is that we can learn and grow together. I hope this article adds a little more joy to your day!
