Dutch Bros’ soft top is all about creating a delicious, beautiful, sip-worthy experience. 

This delicate dollop of luscious sweetness elevates the taste and texture of even my most favorite drinks.  

But what exactly is the soft top and why do I prefer it to regular whipped cream? 

I’m going to cover all the ins-and-outs, along with a homemade soft top recipe to enjoy without having to leave the house.

  • The Dutch Bros Soft Top is a dense, sweet cream topping.
  • It boosts the flavor and texture of many DB drinks.
  • Take a look at my copycat Dutch Bros soft top recipe below.
  • Find out which DB drink is the best to add a soft top to.

What Exactly Is A Dutch Bros Soft Top?

The Dutch Bros Soft Top is a creamy cross between a cold foam and marshmallow fluff that adds sweetness and a creamier texture to DB drinks.

This topping is created by whipping buttermilk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract or vanilla syrup together until fluffy.[1]

Dutch Bros Sugar Free Cookie Iced Breve Soft top

Taste

Dutch Bros’ sweet drink topper is sweet and fluffy with an airy texture. I think of it like a thicker meringue with a subtle sweetness and underlying notes of vanilla.

If I had to describe it, I’d say it tastes like the cream filling inside of a Twinkie.

It’s mildly-sweet, pourable, drinkable, with a light texture perfect for layering on top of everything from espresso to Rebel energy drinks.

Rather than overpowering the coffee taste, the soft top’s smooth and delicate sweetness complements bold espresso.

The velvety mouthfeel with every sip is super indulgent and satisfying, too!

Appearance

A soft top coffee topping looks like a little 2 oz. cloud of soft-yet-dense cream with a fluffy, white appearance.

However, rather than melting into your drink like whipped cream, the soft top is thick enough to sit and float on top of it, supporting drizzles, exemplified on drinks like the Dutch Bros Golden Eagle.

The well-defined white layer contrasts beautifully against espresso-based and fruity drinks, alike, making it too pretty to not take a photo!

Nutritional Information

The sweet soft topping comes in at around 50 calories per serving, 4 grams of fat, and 2 grams of sugar.

While it may not make for a Dutch Bros keto drink, it’s actually not too bad in terms of sugar. 

Most of the calories in a soft top come from fat, so it likely wouldn’t even spike blood sugar. 

When used as a treat rather than a daily addition, it’s not going to make a big difference in a diet or general nutrition.

Dutch Bros Iced SF cookie latte with non fat milk & a soft top

What Drinks Does a Soft Top Go Best With?

This simple extra layer of perfection is so good, but it goes better with some drinks over others.

Here are some of my personal favorites:

  • Iced coffee
  • Hot chocolate
  • Coffee
  • Cold brew
  • Smoothies (especially strawberry)

My number one absolute favorite drink to add a soft top to is the Pumpkin Pie Cold Brew, as it tastes like a slice of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving with the creaminess of the soft top!

It’s also great with a regular Nitro Cold Brew with pumpkin sauce added.

My second-favorite drink to add the soft top to is the Kicker!

The Irish cream syrup and espresso blend create a smooth canvas of flavor that the velvety, vanilla soft top combines seamlessly with. 

Barista HQ Tip

It is possible to try the soft top with every item on the Dutch Bros menu, so I’ve gotten a bit experimental...with discretion. Whether it’s a frost, iced or hot coffee, or a Rebel, it tastes amazing. 

How to Make A DB Soft Top at Home

It took me an embarrassingly long amount of time to figure out the exact way to make a soft top dense enough that it sits on top of the drink.

However, I’ve finally got it down! 

This copycat Dutch Bros soft top recipe brings quite the joy to my life when I don’t feel like hopping in my car to get a drink. 

DIY Dutch Bros Soft Top At Home

Equipment:

  • Blender or milk frother
  • Metal milk frother pitcher or pyrex measuring jug
  • Mug
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients:

  • Ingredients for iced coffees or other base drinks of choice
  • ½ cup of heavy whipping cream or heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons of buttermilk
  • A splash of vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons of icing sugar or ½ cup of marshmallow syrup

Instructions:

  • 1
    Place jug or pitcher into the freezer for a few minutes beforehand until cold.
  • 2
    Put ingredients into jug or blender.
  • 3
    If using a milk frother, froth the mixture for 30 seconds or so, keeping frother just below the surface to create that foam. If using a blender, blend at medium speed for 30 seconds to a minute until foamy.
  • 4
    The desired effect is for the mixture to have soft loose peaks and to have doubled in size.
  • 5
    Prepare coffee or other drink of choice.
  • 6
    The final step is to carefully spoon the mixture on top in a thick layer.
  • 7
    Place any excess into a mixing bowl or other container and place it in the fridge to chill. I recommend using it the same day to avoid the whip from becoming too thin.

Tips:

  • Add another syrup flavor aside from the vanilla to create other fun flavors, like pumpkin or apple.
  • Some recipes suggest using caster sugar instead of icing sugar or adding a small amount of gelatin and cold water to a microwave-safe bowl.
  • To try this version of the recipe, prepare a couple of teaspoons of gelatin according to box instructions in a mixing bowl and add it to the blender while the whip is loose. When the gelatin is set, microwave it for 10-20 seconds until it is liquid again.
  • Try subbing out the buttermilk or heavy cream with vegan or dairy-free options.
Dutch Bros marshmallow-y sweet foam Soft Top

Commonly Asked Dutch Bros Soft Top Questions

Can you buy Dutch Bros soft top for home use?

Yes, you can buy Dutch Bros Soft Top for home use. This isn’t exactly advertised, but Rich's Soft Top is what DB Broistas use. [2]

Is there an upcharge for adding Dutch Bros soft top?

The soft top does have an upcharge (usually around 25 cents) when added to drinks. 

Does Starbucks have a soft top?

Starbucks does not have a soft top exactly, but they do have cold foam available. This foam is popular and is often paired with Starbucks cold brew, nitro coffee, or iced lattes.[3]


Try Adding A Soft Top To Your Drink!

For a more sweet-tempered espresso or a creamier Rebel energy drink, the Dutch Bros soft top is my customization of choice. 

Enhancing flavor, texture, and aesthetic appeal, it’s well worth the few extra calories and cents if you ask me! 

References:

1. https://www.dutchbros.com/menu/extras
2. https://www.richsusa.com/products/toppings-creams/on-top-whipped-topping/09229/
3. https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2018/introducing-cold-foam-at-starbucks/

Chloe Page

Author

Chloe Page
A lifelong mocha fan, Chloe is an award-winning writer with over eight years’ experience weaving words. Her journey in the coffee industry is highlighted by extensive research and interviews with coffee experts. In her moments of relaxation, you'll often find her sipping on Bird and Blend tea, thoughtfully scribbling in her notebook.

My favorite drink? I'd go with... Bird and Blend Co Tea

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1 thought on “What Is A Dutch Bros Soft Top? (Ingredients & Recipe)”

  1. As a native Southern Oregon, I remember when Dutch Brothers first opened in Grants Pass. They soon opened a drive threw in Medford Or. Both my sister and I would stop by every day on our way to work.
    They were just developing their drink menu and would often write the regular customers name next to their drink order on the drop down wood panels.

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