Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 10 min | No cooking needed!
Hey there, coffee lovers ☕🍌
Okay, hear me out: banana + cold brew = heaven in a cup.
I first tried a banana-flavored iced coffee at a little café downtown and couldn’t stop thinking about it.
So I made this version at home, and honestly? It’s even better.
You get rich cold brew, creamy banana sweet cream, and a hint of natural banana syrup…
it’s refreshing, sweet but not too sweet, and just a little fancy without being hard to make.
If you love trying new coffee flavors and want something a little tropical, this one’s for you.
🍌 Why I Love This Recipe
I make this at least once a week when I want my coffee to feel special but still easy.
- It’s creamy, cold, and super smooth
- Banana flavor + coffee is surprisingly perfect
- The banana sweet cream is so fluffy, better than any coffee shop
- You can prep the syrup and cream ahead to make mornings fast
- No fancy tools—just a blender and a jar
🍌 What You’ll Need
For the Banana Syrup:
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Banana Sweet Cream:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp milk (any kind)
- 1 tbsp banana syrup (from above)
For the Cold Brew:
- 3/4 cup cold brew coffee (homemade or store-bought)
- Ice
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Let the banana syrup cool before using in the cream—hot syrup will deflate your cream.
- Froth your banana cream until thick but still pourable.
- Use overripe bananas for the best banana flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less syrup to your cold brew.
- Cold brew concentrate works best for a stronger coffee flavor.
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Blender or milk frother
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mason jar or tall glass
- Spoon
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Use oat milk or almond milk for dairy-free cream.
- Try maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a caramel-y banana flavor.
- Use vanilla cold brew for extra flavor.
- Add cinnamon to the syrup for a banana bread vibe.
⏱️ Make Ahead Tips
- Banana syrup: Make 1 week ahead and store in the fridge.
- Banana sweet cream: Whip the night before and store sealed in the fridge; give it a quick froth before using.
📜 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Banana Syrup
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine mashed banana, brown sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer and stir constantly until sugar dissolves (about 3-5 minutes). Stir in vanilla extract and remove from heat. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a jar to remove banana solids. Let it cool.
Step 2: Make the Banana Sweet Cream
In a blender or using a milk frother, combine heavy cream, milk, and 1 tbsp of cooled banana syrup. Blend until thick and fluffy but still pourable—about 20 seconds.
Step 3: Assemble the Drink
Fill a tall glass halfway with ice. Pour cold brew coffee over the ice. Add 1-2 tbsp banana syrup to the coffee and stir. Slowly pour the banana sweet cream over the top so it floats.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
Optional: drizzle a little extra banana syrup on top. Stick in a reusable straw and enjoy right away!
🍽️ Leftovers & Storage
- Banana syrup: Store in the fridge in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.
- Banana sweet cream: Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for 1-2 days, re-froth before using.
- Assembled drink: Best enjoyed fresh!
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Banana + coffee = balance: Banana’s natural sugars and vanilla smooth out the cold brew’s bitterness.
- Sweet cream floats on top: Fat from the cream is less dense than coffee, so you get that dreamy layer.
- Homemade syrup = real banana flavor: Way better than store-bought banana flavoring.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using banana extract instead of real banana syrup—totally different taste!
- Frothing the cream too much until it turns into whipped cream (you want it pourable).
- Adding hot banana syrup to the cold brew—it’ll melt your ice fast.
🍪 What to Serve With
- A buttery croissant
- Banana muffins (obviously!)
- Yogurt parfait with honey and granola
- Peanut butter toast
❓ FAQ
Can I use instant coffee instead of cold brew?
Yes, but it won’t have the same smooth flavor. Chill your coffee first.
Can I skip the banana syrup and just use sweet cream?
Sure! But you’ll miss that banana flavor magic.
Can I make this vegan?
Totally—use oat milk for both the cream and the milk, and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
How sweet is this?
Medium-sweet. Add less syrup if you like it more coffee-forward.
🌟 Wrap-Up
I seriously hope you try this Banana Cream Cold Brew—it’s one of those little homemade treats that makes your whole day better. When you make it, come back and tell me how it turned out! Have questions? Drop them below and let’s chat coffee.
