Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam Recipe

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Making Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam at home is a great way to save money. Ordering a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew at Starbucks costs around $5.95, while this entire recipe costs only about 85 cents. If you also factor in the cost of cold brew (around $2), the total comes to under $3, which is a significant savings compared to the $6 you would pay at a cafe.

This recipe is incredibly customizable! You can easily switch to skim or 1% milk instead of 2%, swap the vanilla syrup for cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or even maple syrup. The cold foam works perfectly as a topping for any drink you enjoy.

Our recipe tester, Elizabeth Mervosh, says the homemade cold foam is even better than the one from Starbucks, describing it as "creamy and delicious, with a texture that makes Starbucks' version taste watery by comparison."

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons 2% reduced-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
• 1 tablespoon canned pumpkin puree
• 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus extra for dusting

Directions

1. Combine heavy cream, milk, vanilla syrup, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice in a small measuring cup or jug.
2. Using a handheld milk frother, froth the mixture for about 1 minute until it becomes thick and creamy.
3. If you don't have a handheld frother, you can use a blender, immersion blender, or mini food processor. However, the results may vary, and a handheld frother will give the best results if you make cold foam often.
4. Pour the desired amount of Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam over your iced drink of choice.
5. Dust the foam with additional pumpkin pie spice.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

From the Test Kitchen

"Creamy, sweet, with warm spices and a subtle hint of pumpkin. This version is a bit less sweet than the Starbucks one, and it feels less rich (not like drinking melted ice cream), but the flavor notes are spot-on." Nicole Hopper, Recipe Developer

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Facts	Amount Per Serving
Calories	323
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	14g
Cholesterol	70mg
Sodium	32mg
Total Carbohydrate	30g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Total Sugars	30g
Protein	3g
Vitamin C	1mg
Calcium	82mg
Iron	0mg
Potassium	133mg

Note: Nutrient information is based on available data and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

The Fascinating Story Behind Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam

Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam, the decadent topping now beloved on iced coffees and lattes, has its roots in the seasonal American tradition of celebrating fall harvests. Pumpkin-flavored beverages became mainstream in the United States during the 20th century, particularly after the introduction of pumpkin spice lattes in coffee shops in the early 2000s. The pumpkin cream variant evolved as a lighter, frothier alternative to heavier pumpkin-flavored drinks, offering a creamy texture with the aromatic warmth of pumpkin pie spices.

Regional Variations and Preferences

While pumpkin cream cold foam is popular nationwide, regional preferences subtly shape its presentation. In the Northeast, it is often paired with local cold brew coffee and garnished generously with cinnamon or nutmeg. In the Midwest, pumpkin puree tends to be slightly thicker, creating a richer foam, whereas in the West Coast coffee culture, baristas favor a lighter, more airy froth with plant-based milk options. These small differences reflect broader trends in regional taste preferences and the artisanal approach to coffee beverages across the United States.

How It Differs from Similar Drinks

Unlike traditional whipped cream toppings or standard milk foam, pumpkin cream cold foam is crafted with a balance of heavy cream, milk, vanilla syrup, and pumpkin puree. This creates a smooth, velvety foam that sits atop iced drinks without immediately melting into the beverage. Unlike pumpkin lattes or pumpkin spice frappuccinos, which mix the pumpkin flavor directly into the drink, the cold foam provides a visually appealing layer and allows for a more subtle infusion of pumpkin taste as it gradually blends into the beverage.

Where Youll Typically Find It

Pumpkin cream cold foam is most commonly served in coffee shops, particularly during the fall season when pumpkin spice flavors dominate the menu. Specialty cafes often use it to top iced lattes, cold brews, or even chai teas, creating a signature seasonal experience. Beyond cafs, many home baristas have begun experimenting with this topping for homemade coffee drinks, allowing for a customized experience that rivals commercial offerings.

Interesting Facts About Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam

• The recipe is remarkably cost-effective: a homemade serving costs a fraction of what a coffeehouse version would.
• It is versatile and can be customized with different types of milk, syrups, or spices, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
• The foams texture depends heavily on the use of a handheld frother; using alternative tools like blenders or immersion mixers may slightly change the consistency.
• Pumpkin cream cold foam captures the essence of autumn without the heaviness of traditional whipped cream, making it a seasonal favorite for coffee enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
• Despite being a modern invention, it has quickly become a cultural symbol of fall coffee traditions in the U.S., appearing on social media, food blogs, and seasonal menus every year.

FAQ about Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam Recipe

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