How to Make Your Own Coffee Creamer

I love coffee-flavored things (think ice cream, candy and frosting), but ironically enough, when I’m mug in hand, I love flavored things in my coffee. I’m talkin’ creamer. I’ve dabbled in the basics, such as French vanilla and sweet cream. And I’ve even ventured out into creme brûlée and Coffee-Mate’s Rice Krispies creamer. (Here are our Test Kitchen’s favorite coffee creamers.)

But ever since I discovered how simple and cost-effective it is to make homemade coffee creamer, I’m officially off the store-bought stuff. And thankfully, I don’t even need to sacrifice on fun flavors. Yes, I can have my birthday cake-flavored creamer (homemade, of course) and eat it, too!

If you’re like me and black coffee isn’t what you crave, read on for why and how to make the sweet treat from scratch.

Why You Should Make Homemade Coffee Creamer

Well, aside from the fact that homemade coffee creamer tastes really dang good, there are two other valid reasons to stir it up yourself.

First off, homemade varieties are much healthier than what you’re getting from leading brands. You might have noticed that most creamers are labeled as non-dairy products and thought, huh? This labeling is because although coffee creamers do contain milk protein, there’s typically no actual milk or cream in them.

Instead, they’re made liquid by adding water and vegetable oil. The high-oleic oils in store-bought creamers contain a fair amount of saturated fat. (Learn the difference between “good” and “bad” fats.) And that’s not to mention all the sugar, often in the form of corn syrup, as well as the emulsifiers and artificial flavorings also in these products.

Secondly, homemade coffee creamers can be pretty thrifty. Most people purchase store-bought creamers and whatever dairy products (or non-dairy alternatives) they prefer. If you make your creamer at home, however, you can put a portion of the dairy product that’s already on your list toward the sweet coffee essential.

Sticking with store-bought creamers? Here are some healthy-ish selections.

How to Make Homemade Coffee Creamer

Unlike their store-bought counterparts, from-scratch coffee creamers typically start with half-and-half, milk or heavy whipping cream. (Do you know the differences between heavy cream and whipping cream?)

These items are then typically joined by condensed or evaporated milk and flavored extracts and sweeteners (think honey, sugar or vanilla extract). More often than not, these ingredients are then heated so that the flavors can mingle, and then the mixture is cooled.

When it comes to homemade coffee creamers, the flavor possibilities are as endless as those on your grocery store shelves. Scroll down for some inspired flavors.

If you’re looking for recipes with coffee creamer, try this coffee creamer ice cream.

Homemade Coffee Creamer Flavors

Vanilla coffee creamer

Ingredients

• 1 vanilla bean
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup half-and-half cream, 2% milk or heavy whipping cream
• Dash salt

Directions

Split the vanilla bean lengthwise. Using the tip of a sharp knife, scrape the seeds from the center into a small saucepan; add bean. Add remaining ingredients to pan; cook and stir over medium heat until heated through, around 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand, covered for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Discard the vanilla bean.

Pumpkin Pie Spice coffee creamer

TMB Studio

Ingredients

• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cinnamon stick

Directions

In a small saucepan, whisk the first four ingredients until they’re blended. Add the cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.

Mocha coffee creamer

TMB Studio

Ingredients

• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1-1/2 teaspoons coffee granules
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

In a small saucepan, heat milk until bubbles form around the sides of pan, then remove it from the heat. Whisk in coffee granules until dissolved. Cool completely. Transfer to a small pitcher. Stir in sweetened condensed milk, heavy whipping cream, chocolate syrup and vanilla.

Tres Leches coffee creamer

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon rum extract

Directions

In a small pitcher, whisk heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract and rum extract until blended.

Go even bolder with more homemade coffee creamer recipes.

How to Store Homemade Coffee Creamer

Our preferred way to store homemade coffee creamer is in a glass bottle with a built-in stopper. These keep the creamers fresh, allow for easy access and prevent spillage. Once your creamer is prepped, fill ‘er up, then store the bottle in the fridge for up to four days. Simply stir or shake before serving.

Find more ideas for further rounding out your coffee bar!