Skip the store-bought stuff and make your own homemade coffee creamer with just three simple ingredients. This customizable and creamy addition to your morning brew is ready in just minutes and is free from unnecessary additives, oils, and preservatives. Whether you prefer a rich vanilla flavor or want to experiment with other variations, this coffee creamer is a must-try for any coffee lover.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade coffee creamer is an easy and delicious upgrade to your daily cup of coffee. It’s:
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Made with clean, simple ingredients
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Customizable to your desired sweetness and flavor
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Quick to prepare (takes just minutes)
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More economical than many store-bought versions
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Free of preservatives and artificial flavors
If you enjoy a rich and creamy cup of coffee, this recipe puts you in full control over the ingredients and flavor, and it stores well for up to two weeks.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Half & Half (or equal parts milk and heavy cream)
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Sweetened condensed milk
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Vanilla extract
Directions
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Combine Ingredients
In a 32-ounce mason jar or a mixing bowl, combine the half & half, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. -
Mix
Seal the jar and shake vigorously until the mixture is well combined, or whisk together in a bowl until smooth. -
Store
Pour the finished creamer into a sealed container and refrigerate. Shake or stir before each use.
Servings and timing
Servings: 52 (1 tablespoon per serving)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
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Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk, or any milk alternative in place of half & half. Use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk or add a tablespoon of your favorite sweetener instead.
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Sweetener Substitutes: Try maple syrup, brown sugar, honey, or agave in place of sweetened condensed milk for a lighter sweetness.
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Flavor Swaps: Replace vanilla extract with hazelnut, almond, peppermint, or even coconut extract for variety.
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Spiced Creamer: Add a dash of cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or nutmeg for a seasonal twist.
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Mocha Creamer: Stir in 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder or hot chocolate mix for a chocolatey finish.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration:
Store the homemade creamer in an airtight container in the back of the fridge, where it stays coldest. Use within 2 weeks or by the “sell by” date on your Half & Half, whichever is sooner.
Freezing:
Not recommended, as dairy doesn’t freeze well and may separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of half & half?
Yes, you can use any milk from skim to whole, or even combine it with cream to adjust the creaminess to your preference.
What’s the best non-dairy option?
Full-fat canned coconut milk works well for richness, or you can use almond, oat, or soy milk with a dairy-free sweetener.
Can I make a sugar-free version?
Yes. Substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free alternative or sweeten to taste with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.
How long does homemade coffee creamer last?
It lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, or until the earliest expiration date on any of the ingredients used.
Can I use flavored extracts?
Absolutely. Try peppermint, almond, hazelnut, or any other extract to create your favorite flavored creamer.
Is it safe to store in a mason jar?
Yes, just make sure it’s tightly sealed and always stored in the refrigerator.
Can I use this creamer in cold brew?
Yes, it’s great in both hot and cold coffee drinks, including iced coffee and cold brew.
Can I froth this creamer?
It may not froth well due to the thickness of the sweetened condensed milk, but you can try using a frother with skim milk for better foam.
Can I make this in a blender?
Yes, blending can ensure an ultra-smooth mixture, especially if you’re adding cocoa powder or spices.
Does it taste like store-bought creamer?
It’s smoother, richer, and less sweet than most store-bought options, and you can tweak it to match your favorite flavor profile.
Conclusion
This homemade coffee creamer is the perfect way to enhance your daily coffee with a touch of sweetness and creaminess—no mystery ingredients required. It’s incredibly quick to make, stores well, and offers endless flavor variations to suit your tastes. Once you try it, you might never go back to store-bought creamer again
PrintHomemade Coffee Creamer
This Homemade Coffee Creamer is a creamy, flavorful alternative to store-bought creamers. Made with just three ingredients, it’s customizable, quick to prepare, and free from additives or preservatives.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 52 servings (1 Tbsp each)
- Category: Condiments
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups Half & Half (or equal parts milk and heavy cream)
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the Half & Half, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract to a quart-sized mason jar or mixing bowl.
- Seal with a lid and shake well, or whisk until fully combined.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or until the ‘sell by’ date on the Half & Half.
Notes
- Customize the flavor with different extracts like almond, peppermint, or hazelnut.
- Make it dairy-free by using almond, oat, or coconut milk and a non-dairy condensed milk or sweetener.
- For a lower-calorie option, substitute Half & Half with milk.
- Use within 2 weeks or before the dairy expiration date, whichever is sooner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Tbsp
- Calories: 36
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg