5 Must-Try Homemade Flavored Coffee Creamer Recipes
Homemade coffee creamers offer many benefits compared to store-bought varieties. When you make your own, you can control the ingredients to create a healthier option without artificial flavors or sweeteners. Homemade also allows you to fully customize the flavors to your taste. Plus, whipping up a batch is inexpensive compared to constantly buying creamers.
This article will share recipes for five delightful homemade flavored coffee creamers to try. Read on to discover how easy it is to make these creamers right in your own kitchen.
1. Vanilla Coffee Creamer
Ingredients:
- Half-and-half or a blend of whole milk and heavy cream
- Pure vanilla extract
- Granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Start by pouring 1 1⁄2 cups of half-and-half and 1⁄2 cup of heavy whipping cream into a medium-sized saucepan. Then add 1 cup of granulated sugar. Using a whisk, blend these three ingredients together well.
2. Place the saucepan over a burner set to medium-low heat. Gently stir the mixture continuously with the whisk, dissolving the sugar completely into the dairy liquids. Allow the mixture to warm up until steam starts rising from the surface. But be careful not to let it come to a boil, which could curdle the dairy.
3. Once all the sugar granules have fully dissolved and the half-and-half mixture is steaming hot, remove the saucepan from the heat source. Then add in 3 tablespoons of pure vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds to thoroughly incorporate the vanilla.
Note:For an even more distinct flavor, consider using a splash of Lifeboost’s Vanilla Coffee in your creamer mixture to deepen the vanilla notes without artificial additives.
4. Let the finished vanilla creamer rest for approximately 10 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to mingle and the temperature to reduce to a safe level before refrigeration.
5. Finally, carefully pour the cooled vanilla coffee creamer into a mason jar or another storage container with an airtight lid. Seal and refrigerate for up to 7 days. Give the creamer a brief stir or shake before adding to your morning coffee.
Serving Suggestions:
Vanilla creamer goes well with nearly any type of coffee. For ultimate enjoyment, try it with:
- Dark roasts like French or Italian to let the vanilla notes shine
- Cold brew or iced coffee for a cooling, creamy treat
- Lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso drinks
- Add a splash to your morning drip coffee
2. Hazelnut Coffee Creamer
Ingredients:
- Half-and-half
- Hazelnut extract
- Sugar or sugar alternatives
Instructions:
1. Pour 1 1⁄2 cups of half-and-half and 1⁄2 cup of heavy cream into a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar or your preferred sugar substitute. Whisk vigorously to fully blend the ingredients.
2. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat on the stovetop, while continuously stirring with the whisk. Heat just until the creamer starts steaming and the sugar fully dissolves, about 5 minutes. Don’t allow it to boil.
3. Once the sugar has completely dissolved into the hot half-and-half and heavy cream mixture, remove the saucepan from the heat source. Next add 2 tablespoons of hazelnut extract. For a richer hazelnut flavor, infuse the cream with a few grounds of Lifeboost’s Hazelnut Coffee during the heating process. Strain out the grounds before adding the extract for a cleaner texture and enhanced nuttiness.
4. Transfer the finished hazelnut creamer into a heat-safe container and let it cool for 10 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to develop.
5. Finally, pour the hazelnut coffee creamer into a storage jar or bottle with an airtight lid. Seal and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Shake or stir the chilled creamer before adding to coffee drinks.
Serving Suggestions:
The sweet, nutty flavor of hazelnut creamer pairs deliciously with:
- Nutty coffee roasts like Brazilian or Colombian
- Iced coffees for a cooler, nuttier twist
- Frothy cappuccinos or lattes
- Stir a splash into your regular morning coffee
3. Mocha Coffee Creamer
Ingredients:
- Half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Sugar or a healthier substitute
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1⁄2 cups of half-and-half with 1⁄2 cup heavy cream and 1 cup granulated sugar. Whisk thoroughly to dissolve any lumps in the cocoa powder or sugar.
2. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, allowing the sugar and cocoa to fully dissolve without letting the creamer come to a boil. Take care not to scorch or curdle the creamer.
3. Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot and steamy but not boiling, remove the pan from the heat.
4. Add 3 tablespoons of unsweetened natural cocoa powder. Whisk vigorously for about 60 seconds to fully incorporate the cocoa powder. Make sure no lumps remain.
5. Allow the mocha creamer to cool for 10-15 minutes, whisking occasionally to release excess heat.
6. Transfer the finished mocha creamer to an airtight glass jar or bottle for storage and refrigerate for up to 7 days. Shake or stir before adding to your morning coffee.
Serving Suggestions:
Rich mocha creamer takes any coffee experience up a notch. Enjoy it in:
- Iced or blended coffee drinks
- Sweetened espresso beverages
- Add a splash to your morning mug
- Use as a base for homemade lattes
4. Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer
Ingredients:
- Half-and-half
- Pure pumpkin puree
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Maple extract or syrup
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the half-and-half, heavy cream, sugar, 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree and 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice until smooth and uniform.
2. Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking it gently, allowing the sugar to fully dissolve without letting the creamer boil.
3. Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot, remove it from the heat.
4. Stir in 1 tablespoon maple syrup, whisking vigorously to incorporate.
5. Transfer the finished pumpkin spice creamer to a clean airtight jar or bottle and refrigerate. Enjoy within 7 days.
Serving Suggestions:
Pumpkin spice creamer helps make any coffee feel like fall. Enjoy it in:
- Hot coffee when the weather turns cool
- Sweetened lattes and cappuccinos
- Cold brew or iced coffee for a cold weather pick-me-up
- Stir some into your regular morning mug
5. Caramel Coffee Creamer
Ingredients:
- Heavy cream or a non-dairy base
- Caramel extract (discussion on homemade vs. store-bought caramel)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, thoroughly mix together 1 1⁄2 cups half-and-half, 1⁄2 cup heavy cream and 1 cup sugar.
2. Warm the mixture gently over medium-low heat, whisking periodically, allowing the sugar to fully dissolve without boiling.
3. Once the sugar has dissolved and the liquid is hot, remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons of caramel extract or swirl in homemade caramel sauce to taste.
4. Whisk vigorously for 60 seconds to evenly distribute the caramel flavor.
5. Transfer finished caramel creamer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Enjoy within 7 days.
Serving Suggestions:
Salted caramel creamer enhances any coffee beverage including:
- Iced coffees on hot days
- Sweet lattes and cappuccinos
- Use it to make easy caramel macchiatos
- Stir some into your regular morning mug
Additional Tips for Homemade Creamers
Variations:
There are endless ways to adapt these recipes:
- For lactose-free versions, use lactose-free milk and dairy products.
- To make them vegan, swap the dairy for non-dairy milks like almond, oat or coconut.
- For sugar-free creamers, replace the sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia.
Storage and Shelf Life:
- Store homemade creamers in airtight jars or bottles in the refrigerator.
- Properly stored, they will last for up to 1 week.
- For longer shelf life, consider freezing creamers in freezer-safe bags.
Creative Uses:
Homemade coffee creamers can be used creatively beyond coffee:
- Add to milkshakes, smoothies or ice cream
- Flavor desserts like cakes, cookies or puddings
- Mix into cocktails, especially sweet liqueur drinks
Conclusion
Whipping up homemade coffee creamers is simple, fast and affordable. With full control over the ingredients, you can create healthier, tastier and more customized creamers than store-bought versions. Experiment with different flavors, adapt recipes to your dietary needs, get creative with uses and enjoy enhanced, elevated cups of coffee.
FAQs
What are some key ingredients used in homemade coffee creamers?
Typical ingredients include dairy products like half-and-half, heavy cream or milk, sweeteners like sugar or honey and flavorings like vanilla, caramel or hazelnut extracts. Some recipes also incorporate cocoa powder, pumpkin puree or alternative milks.
Is homemade coffee creamer better for you than store-bought varieties?
Yes, homemade coffee creamers made with simple, natural ingredients are often healthier than store-bought brands made with oils, stabilizers and artificial flavors. You control what goes in homemade creamers.
How long does homemade coffee creamer last?
Properly stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, homemade coffee creamers will last up to 1 week before spoiling. For longer shelf life, consider freezing creamers.
What can I use instead of dairy to make these recipes vegan?
To adapt the recipes to be dairy-free or vegan, replace the half-and-half and heavy cream with non-dairy milks like almond, coconut, oat, soy or rice milk. Just check the labels to ensure your milk of choice is unsweetened.
Do I need special equipment to make my own coffee creamer?
Nope! All you need is a medium saucepan, a whisk and jars or bottles for storage. No special equipment required.
Can I double or halve the homemade coffee creamer recipes?
Yes, the recipes can easily be doubled to make a larger batch for gifting or halved for a smaller yield. Just adjust all ingredient amounts proportionally up or down as needed.
What's the best way to flavor homemade coffee creamers?
For flavoring, high-quality extracts like vanilla, almond and peppermint work wonderfully. Cocoa powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and instant espresso powder also infuse lovely flavors. Get creative with combinations!