Homemade Coffee Creamer Is Healthier, Tastier + So Easy to Make With Just 3 Ingredients

We all know the magic of coffee creamer – it's convenient and comes in so many delicious flavors. Adding it to coffee makes for a creamy, caramel-colored sip that’s just what we need to start the day. While it may be easy to grab a container from the store, homemade coffee creamer is a fresher alternative that tastes better and won’t have you worrying about the nutrition label. Even better: It's surprisingly simple to make using only 3 ingredients! Keep reading for the homemade coffee creamer recipe that is sure to brighten your morning.

What is coffee creamer?

Believe it or not, coffee creamer contains neither milk nor cream. In fact, most of the time coffee creamer is dairy-free. Instead, the main ingredients include a combination of vegetable oil, water and sugar. Most store-bought coffee creamers are also processed with thickening agents like carrageenan and cellulose gum, preservatives and artificial flavorings. Walk down any coffee creamer section at the grocery store and you’ll see a variety of flavors in either liquid or powdered form, from classic French Vanilla to the trendier Pumpkin Spice. Coffee creamer is especially popular with those who are vegan or lactose intolerant. And since it doesn’t contain dairy, it has a much longer shelf life.

The benefits of making homemade coffee creamer

While you can always enjoy your favorite store-bought coffee creamer brand in moderation, it’s important to know what you’re consuming, especially if you drink coffee regularly. Homemade coffee creamer helps you feel good about what’s in your cup. How? You’re in control of what you put in. “You [can] choose healthier options and avoid artificial additives,” says Erica Thomas, lifestyle tastemaker and founder of Eating with Erica. This includes non-dairy or low-fat milk and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Thomas adds that, “Homemade creamer can also be more cost-effective in the long run compared to buying commercial options, especially if you use ingredients you already have.” Plus , it’s always fun adding a personalized touch to your morning routine.

Related: 5 Ways To Elevate Your At-Home Coffee Experience (Because You Deserve It)

3-ingredient homemade coffee creamer recipe

Making homemade coffee creamer might sound complicated, but it's actually surprisingly easy. In fact, most coffee creamers require only 3 ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, a dairy base like milk (or non-dairy product like oat milk) and flavorings. Justine at The Typical Mom blog shares this easy homemade coffee creamer recipe with a sweet vanilla flavor.

Homemade vanilla coffee creamer

Ingredients:

• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1¾ cup milk, any variety

• 2 tsp. vanilla extract (or other flavorings)

Directions:

Yield: 12 servings

1. Combine sweetened condensed milk and milk into 1 (32 oz.) air-tight container or 2 (16 oz.) mason jars, for storage.

2. Add vanilla extract and stir.

3. Close container tightly and shake thoroughly until mixture is well-combined.

4. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate.

Note: Every ingredient can be adjusted and replaced to individual liking

Pro tips for the best homemade coffee creamer

To ensure every batch of homemade coffee creamer comes out tasting great, you’ll want to remember a couple things. First, how to adjust sweetness: “You can adjust the sweetness by [gradually] adding more sweetener,” says Thomas. It’s best to start slow and taste as you go (you can always add more). If it’s too sweet? Thomas notes that mixing in unsweetened cream, milk or non-dairy product can help, as well as flavor extracts.

Once you’re finished prepping, you’ll want to store it correctly so that your creamer doesn’t spoil too soon. “You can make it in bulk and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks,” says Johny Morrison, founder and content creator at Coffee About. Be sure to shake or stir your creamer before each use.

Want to make your homemade coffee creamer entirely non-dairy? It's just as easy! You can substitute sweetened condensed milk with any non-dairy milk. We recommend soy or full-fat coconut milk for a creamier texture.

How to customize homemade coffee creamer

Homemade coffee creamer can have as much variety as the bottles on the shelves. Take it from Morrison: “I like to dissolve cocoa powder or instant espresso in the dairy [milk] for mochas or stir in pumpkin pie spice or hazelnut extract for nutty flavors.” Sip on happiness with these fun homemade coffee creamer flavor variations.

1. Hazelnut

An intense sweet and nutty flavor. Use 2 tsp. hazelnut extract.

2. Caramel

Enjoy that familiar buttery and creamy taste with 2 tsp. caramel extract.

3. Chocolate

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Combine 2 Tbs. chocolate syrup with 1 tsp. vanilla extract.

4. Strawberry cheesecake

Your favorite cake in your creamer. Add 1 Tbs. strawberry milk powder and ¼ tsp. cinnamon.

5. Cinnamon roll

Sprinkle some sugary spice with 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1 Tbs. vanilla extract and 1 tsp. almond extract.

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