Keto Cold Brew with Vanilla Cream
Cold brew is not iced coffee made from hot coffee poured over ice; it is coffee that steeps for 12 to 16 hours in cold water. The result is milder, less acidic and more full-bodied than any hot-brewed coffee, which makes it the perfect base for a creamy keto version. Topped with homemade vanilla cream, it becomes an elegant summer coffee with only 2 g of net carbs per glass. Café cold brews with vanilla syrup, by contrast, often clock in at 25 g of sugar.
Key facts at a glance
- Prep time: 2 minutes plus 12 hours of steeping for the cold brew.
- Approx. 2 g net carbs, 14 g fat, 150 kcal per glass.
- Ingredients: cold brew, cream, vanilla, erythritol.
- Low-acid, satisfying and cold, perfect for hot days.
Ingredients
One glass as a refreshment or energy boost.
| Amount | Ingredient | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cold brew concentrate | - | |||
| heavy whipping cream | - | |||
| ground vanilla | pinch | |||
| pinch | ||||
| erythritol | - | |||
| ice cubes | - | |||
| coarsely ground coffee | for the concentrate (5 servings) | |||
| for the concentrate (5 servings) | ||||
| cold water | for the concentrate | |||
| for the concentrate | ||||
Preparation
-
Steep the cold brew
12 to 16 hours50 g coarsely ground coffee for the concentrate (5 servings) 500 ml cold water for the concentrate Combine coffee and water, then steep in the fridge.
-
Whip & serve
approx. 2 minutes150 ml cold brew concentrate 50 ml heavy whipping cream 1 ground vanilla pinch Pour the concentrate over ice, whip the vanilla cream and finish the glass.
You did it! Enjoy every delicious bite.
Tips for foolproof cold brew
- Grind size: coarse, like French press coffee. Too fine and the brew turns cloudy and bitter.
- Coffee-to-water ratio: 1:10 produces a concentrate that you dilute with water or milk.
- A high-quality light roast with fruity notes really shines in cold brew.
- Whip the cream only to soft peaks, otherwise it will not pour evenly over the coffee.
- Do not water down the cold brew itself. If you want a lighter drink, dilute with ice-cold water or almond milk.
Why this cold brew works for keto
Black coffee, whether hot or cold brewed, has 0 g of carbs and is essentially keto-neutral. Heavy whipping cream (32% fat) delivers about 14 g of fat and 1.5 g of carbs per 50 ml. Real vanilla seeds or sugar-free vanilla extracts add no measurable carbs. Be careful with ready-made vanilla syrups (e.g. Monin): standard versions contain 50 g of sugar per 100 ml. Only syrups explicitly labelled "sugar-free" are keto-compatible.
Source: USDA FoodData Central, Coffee, brewed , USDA FoodData Central, Cream, heavy whipping
How can I vary the cold brew?
With MCT oil: add 1 tsp of MCT oil to the cream and blend briefly for a cold bulletproof version. Nitro style: pour the concentrate into a cream whipper, charge with an N₂O cartridge and dispense over ice for a creamy, café-style foam. Chocolate version: stir 1 tsp of unsweetened cocoa powder into the cream along with the erythritol. Coconut: swap the cream for 50 ml of chilled full-fat canned coconut milk for a summery twist. Iced mocha: mix the cold brew with 1 tbsp of homemade keto chocolate syrup (water, cocoa and erythritol reduced on the stove) plus cream.
Nutrition values
| Nutrient | Per glass (approx. 250 ml) | Keto rating |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | approx. 150 kcal | Light snack coffee. |
| Light snack coffee. | ||
| Fat | approx. 14 g | From cream. |
| From cream. | ||
| Net carbs | approx. 2 g | Very low. |
| Very low. | ||
| Protein | approx. 1 g | Negligible. |
| Negligible. | ||
| Caffeine | approx. 200 mg | Higher than filter coffee due to the concentrate. |
| Higher than filter coffee due to the concentrate. | ||
| Salt | 0 g | Salt-free. |
| Salt-free. | ||
Note: Nutrition values are estimated averages per 100 g and per serving and may vary depending on ingredients, brands, portion size, and preparation. They do not replace individual nutrition or medical advice.
FAQ
Does cold brew have more caffeine than filter coffee?
In concentrate form, yes, up to twice as much per glass. Once diluted with water or ice, a finished serving lands around 150 to 200 mg, comparable to a strong filter coffee.
Doesn't cold brew taste watery?
It does if you simply pour hot-brewed coffee over ice. Real cold brew steeps for 12 to 16 hours and develops full aromas without the acidity of hot brewing. The result is rounded, chocolatey and barely bitter.
Can I cold-brew using coffee bags?
Yes, cold brew bags exist (with a coarser filter). They are handy for the carafe: no straining needed, just lift the bag out after 12 hours.
Does cold brew with cream fit a keto weight-loss plan?
It fits the carbs easily at 2 g per glass, but the cream carries 14 g of fat, so 150 kcal is closer to a snack than a drink. If you have two or three a day, halve the cream rather than switching to milk.