Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Personalized Coffee Creamer
I've played around with this quite a bit, and it's become a fun little weekend project. So here's how to make your personalized coffee creamer from scratch.
Small Saucepan:
Whisk or spoon for stirring
A jar or bottle with a lid (to store the creamer in the fridge)
Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cup of milk: You can use whole milk, skim, or even a non-dairy option like almond or oat milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream: For a rich, thick texture.
- 2-3 tablespoons of sweetener: Regular sugar works, but you can experiment with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute.
- 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract: Or another flavor, like hazelnut or caramel extract—this is where you can get creative!
- Pinch of salt: Just a tiny bit to balance the sweetness.
Combine the Milk and Heavy Cream: In a small saucepan, pour in the milk and heavy cream. Place the pan over medium heat and let the mixture warm up. You don't want it to boil; just heat it until it's hot and not bubbling. Then stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
Sweeten the Mixture: Add your sweetener of choice once your milk and cream are hot. I love using honey when I want a more natural flavor. But regular sugar works just as well. Just stir it in until it completely dissolves. If you're a fan of flavored creamers, this is the point to add your vanilla extract (or any other flavorings). Add a Pinch of Salt: This may sound odd, but trust me—it makes a difference. Just a tiny pinch of salt will balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors even more.
Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 15-20 minutes. Once it's at room temperature, pour it into your jar or bottle and pop it in the fridge. Your homemade coffee creamer will be kept for about a week. Though I find mine usually doesn't last that long!
Bonus Tip:
If you're feeling adventurous, you can play around with different flavor combinations. Try adding a cinnamon stick while heating the milk for a warm, spiced creamer, or a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder for a mocha twist. The possibilities are endless!
Once you've made your own creamer, you'll see how easy it is to tweak the recipe to match your preferences, and it's a great way to elevate your daily cup of coffee.