Few drinks offer the refreshing satisfaction and creamy decadence quite like an iced coffee with heavy cream. Whether you’re starting your day with a burst of caffeine or enjoying an afternoon pick-me-up, this rich, smooth beverage hits the perfect balance between bold and silky. For coffee lovers who crave that café-style indulgence without added sugars or artificial creamers, this Iced Coffee with Heavy Cream Recipe is a go-to treat. It’s not just a thirst-quencher—it’s a full experience of aroma, flavor, and texture.
Iced coffee has been a favorite around the globe for years, and with the popularity of keto and low-carb diets, adding heavy cream instead of milk or sweetened creamers has gained traction. Heavy cream offers a velvety mouthfeel, rich taste, and a luxurious layer that elevates ordinary iced coffee into something extraordinary. Plus, it’s naturally low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for those watching their sugar intake.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to make the perfect iced coffee with heavy cream at home, from choosing the right coffee to customizing your flavors. It’s simple, quick, and customizable—and you’ll wonder why you ever paid café prices after trying this easy recipe!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 110 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 1g
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Protein: 1g
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Fat: 11g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Cholesterol: 40mg
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Sodium: 15mg
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Sugar: 0g
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Fiber: 0g
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on brand of coffee and optional add-ins.
Prep Time, Active Time, and Other Details
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Active Time: 5 minutes
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Resting Time: 10–15 minutes (for cooling coffee)
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Total Time: 20–25 minutes
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Cuisine: American
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Course: Beverage, Drink
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Servings: 1
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Calories per Serving: ~110 kcal
Equipment Needed
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Coffee maker or French press (optional: cold brew pitcher)
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Measuring cup
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Spoon or stirrer
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Tall glass or mason jar
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Ice cube tray
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Optional: milk frother or handheld blender (for foamy cream)
Ingredients
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1 cup freshly brewed coffee (strong; use double the grounds if preferred)
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1/4 cup ice cubes (more as needed)
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2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust to taste)
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Optional sweeteners:
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Stevia, erythritol, honey, or maple syrup
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Optional flavor additions:
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1/4 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of cinnamon
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Sugar-free chocolate syrup or caramel drizzle
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Instructions
Step 1: Brew Your Coffee
Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee using your preferred method. Drip coffee, French press, or pour-over all work well. If you’re planning ahead, you can also use cold brew concentrate for an even smoother finish.
Tip: Use about 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds for every 6 ounces of water for a stronger flavor that stands up to cream and ice dilution.
Step 2: Let the Coffee Cool
Once your coffee is brewed, allow it to cool to room temperature. This helps prevent melting the ice too quickly and ensures your drink doesn’t become watered down. You can speed this up by placing the coffee in the fridge for 10–15 minutes or pouring it into a shallow bowl.
Step 3: Prepare Your Glass
Fill a tall glass or mason jar halfway with ice cubes. You can also use coffee ice cubes (made by freezing leftover coffee) if you don’t want your drink to dilute as the ice melts.
Step 4: Pour the Coffee
Carefully pour the cooled coffee into your glass over the ice. Leave some space at the top for the heavy cream and optional flavor additions.
Step 5: Add Heavy Cream
Pour 2–3 tablespoons of heavy cream into the coffee. You’ll see it swirl beautifully, creating a marbled, Instagram-worthy effect. You can stir it in for a uniform blend or leave it layered for visual appeal.
Optional: Use a milk frother to whip the heavy cream slightly before pouring if you like a foamier, latte-style topping.
Step 6: Customize
Now’s the time to personalize your iced coffee:
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Sweeten it to taste with stevia, sugar, maple syrup, or agave.
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Flavor it with a few drops of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon.
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Drizzle in some sugar-free chocolate or caramel syrup for a dessert-like drink.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Give the drink a gentle stir, insert a straw, and sip your homemade creamy iced coffee perfection. For extra indulgence, top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Variations
1. Keto-Friendly Iced Coffee
Stick with heavy cream and avoid sugar—use stevia or monk fruit as a sweetener. Coffee ice cubes also keep it extra low-carb.
2. Iced Mocha Cream
Add 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder or sugar-free chocolate syrup to your coffee before chilling it.
3. Cinnamon Vanilla Latte
Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of ground cinnamon for a café-style flavor.
4. Coconut Cream Option
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative that still offers richness.
5. Bulletproof Iced Coffee
Blend in 1 teaspoon MCT oil or coconut oil and a tablespoon of unsalted butter with the coffee before cooling for a fat-fueled energy boost.
Why Use Heavy Cream?
Heavy cream not only makes the iced coffee richer, but it also enhances the mouthfeel and provides a slow-release of energy thanks to its fat content. Compared to milk or commercial creamers, it has:
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Less sugar
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Higher fat content (ideal for keto/low-carb diets)
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No additives or thickeners
Plus, a little goes a long way—2 tablespoons can make a significant difference in taste and texture without adding too many calories.
Storage Tips
If you make extra coffee:
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Store leftover brewed coffee in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Coffee ice cubes can be made in advance and stored in the freezer for weeks.
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Only add the cream right before serving for best texture and appearance.
Final Thoughts
This Iced Coffee with Heavy Cream Recipe is more than a drink—it’s a refreshing, creamy, and satisfying experience that’s incredibly simple to make at home. Whether you’re on a keto diet, avoiding sugar, or just love bold coffee with a smooth finish, this recipe hits all the right notes. With only a few ingredients and a couple of minutes, you can have a gourmet-style iced coffee without stepping into a café. Customize it your way, make it in batches, and enjoy it all year round!

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.