This Homemade Coffee Creamer is made with just 3 simple ingredients: half and half, brown sugar, and vanilla extract! No sweetened condensed milk needed.
Jump to:
Why This Recipe Works
If you are like me and you are looking forward to your morning cup of coffee with sweet creamer, you may be shocked to learn that there is no creamer in the store-bought coffee creamer. That's true! You can check the ingredients on the label. Lots of oil and fillers, no creamer in sight. Time to make it at home, with simple pantry staples and lots of flavor variation possibilities!
I make my creamer without sweetened condensed milk for two reasons: it is made with cow's milk and if you want to use non-dairy milk to make your creamer, you don't want to use condensed milk. Second, the stuff in the can contains an additive to thicken it (it also emulsifies and preserves). If we are making a homemade coffee creamer without bad ingredients, why use this product? I prefer brown sugar or coconut sugar. The creamer is still sweet and delicious!
Ingredients:
- half and half: a mixture of equal parts of milk and cream; you can find it in the dairy section.
- brown sugar: start with ¼ cup and add to adjust to your preferences. You can use coconut sugar as well!
- vanilla extract: this is for a base recipe; use different extracts to make different flavors!
How to make homemade coffee creamer?
- Combine all ingredients in a glass measuring cup.
- Whisk until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour into a carafe or a glass jar. Chill until ready to use.
Non-dairy coffee creamer:
Use any nut milk or non-dairy milk you like: almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk. Oat milk makes a delicious coffee creamer. Combine with sugar and vanilla and enjoy!
Why is this recipe better?
Store-bought coffee creamer is made with corn syrup, oil, and sugar among other bad for you ingredients. If you are looking for a healthier alternative, this homemade version made with half and half (which is a mixture of equal parts of milk and cream), brown sugar, and vanilla extract is a delicious option! You can use coconut sugar and any extract you like! You can use nut milks or oat milk for a non-dairy version and different extracts. Play with this recipe to make your ultimate coffee creamer!
Homemade coffee creamer variations:
- French vanilla: use vanilla beans or vanilla beans paste for the maximum vanilla flavor
- Pumpkin Spice: I have a recipe with pumpkin puree and spices that is absolutely delicious; check out my Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer recipe!
- Chocolate: add chocolate syrup to the mix or heat up half and half, sugar and cocoa powder;
- Almond coffee cake: use almond extract instead of vanilla;
- Caramel Macchiato: add caramel syrup or ice cream topping;
- Peppermint: use peppermint extract instead of vanilla; to make peppermint mocha, add chocolate syrup;
- Chocolate hazelnut: add chocolate syrup and hazelnut extract to half and half;
- Eggnog: add 1 teaspoon of rum extract, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How long does coffee creamer last in the fridge?
Your creamer is as good as the half and half. Check the expiration date before use and write it down on the bottle. In general, homemade coffee creamer lasts up to a week in the fridge.
More drink recipes:
If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!
Homemade Coffee Creamer
Ingredients
- 2 cups half and half
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large glass measuring cup or a mason jar, combine half and half and sugar. Stir or shake until sugar dissolves.
- Add vanilla and stir in.
- Chill creamer in the fridge until ready to use.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use any nut milk or non-dairy milk you like: almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk. Oat milk makes a delicious coffee creamer.
- In general, homemade coffee creamer lasts up to a week in the fridge. If your half and half expires soon, make note on the bottle.
- Half and half is a mixture of equal parts of milk and cream; you can find it in the dairy section. In United Kingdom, it is known as half cream.
- Serving size is 2 tablespoons. This is just a suggestion.
- Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.
Peyton says
I used milk rather than Half and half and jus added more Bonilla and sugar and it was fantastic! Will be using again
Joan says
Finally can stop buying coffemate! And no corn syrup or other bad ingredients! Love.
Donna Batrone says
Hands down, the best coffee creamer. I won't buy it at the store again. I am shocked that my picky husband loved it too!
Anna says
Same! I am so glad you both enjoyed it! Thank you, Donna!
Toni says
Homemade is really the best! Thanks for the easy to follow recipe!
Anna says
Agreed! Thanks, Toni!
Allyssa says
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It's really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
Anna says
Thank you so much, Allyssa!