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Homemade vanilla and brown sugar coffee creamer is rich, cozy, and the easiest way to elevate your morning cuppa. Made with simple ingredients, it comes together in just 5 minutes or less. You’ll never sit in the coffee shop drive-thru line again!
Table of Contents
I really don’t think I could survive without coffee. For many years, I made the mistake of getting coffee at coffee shops daily.
But when I looked at my bank statement, I knew I needed to chill out with the drive-thru coffees. Luckily, I did, and I haven’t looked back since discovering how delicious homemade coffee creamer is.
This easy homemade coffee creamer uses simple ingredients and pantry staples to make a rich and decadent cup of coffee.
Sometimes, when I want a fancier cup of coffee, I make a latte or even an egg yolk coffee.
But often, I don’t have time for that. What I like about making my own coffee creamer is that it’s an easy way to elevate your coffee on a busy morning.
I usually make a batch during a quick Sunday reset, then use it up throughout the week.
On slower mornings, I enjoy sipping coffee with brown sugar creamer and savoring a sourdough sweet treat, such as a sourdough donut, peach pie, pumpkin cinnamon roll, or peach cobbler.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor: This homemade brown sugar coffee creamer is rich, cozy, and so much better than anything you’ll find at the grocery store.
Budget-Friendly: Making your own coffee creamer is often cheaper than buying store-bought. It’s a great old-fashioned way to save money.
Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Simple Ingredients: Homemade coffee creamer doesn’t contain any additives or questionable ingredients.
Year-Round Flavor: This creamer is great for iced coffees in the summer (paired with strawberry ice cream) and for a cozy hot cuppa on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Milk: I use whole milk, but you can also use any reduced-fat milk you have on hand.
Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and flavor. You can also opt for half-and-half or skip the cream and use all milk instead.
Vanilla: I prefer homemade vanilla with bourbon. However, any vanilla extract in the pantry will do.
Brown Sugar: Use dark or light brown sugar. Dark brown sugar is my go-to in most recipes.
Get the full list of ingredients and measurements on the printable recipe card below.
Tools You May Need
Bowl: Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl or a large measuring cup.
Whisk: A whisk helps mix the brown sugar into the milk and cream.
Mason Jar: I used a pint-sized mason jar with a reusable lid to store my homemade creamer. Any container with a tight-fitting lid will work.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together the heavy cream and milk.
Step 2: Add the brown sugar and whisk until it has thoroughly dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Pour in the vanilla and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
At this point, I recommend tasting the creamer and making any adjustments to the flavor you prefer.
Step 4: Transfer the creamer to a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the fridge.
Tips for Success
- If you use homemade vanilla and want to cook out the alcohol, bring your creamer to a simmer on the stove for a few minutes.
- Use good quality vanilla for the best flavor.
- Taste as you go. Add more brown sugar for a sweeter creamer or more cream for a richer flavor.
- If the sugar won’t dissolve right away, just let it rest for 5-10 minutes and give it another stir. Eventually, the sugar will dissolve.
Storage Tips
- The shelf life of your brown sugar coffee creamer in the fridge depends on the expiration dates of your milk and cream. Take note of when they expire.
- Give your creamer a shake before each use.
- Label and date the jar to show when you made it and when the milk and cream expire.
- I recommend storing your creamer in a jar or other container that you can easily pour from.
How To Use Brown Sugar Coffee Creamer
Coffee: This goes without saying, of course. But in hot coffee, I like to add 1 or 2 tablespoons. And in an iced coffee, I usually top off my glass with homemade coffee creamer:
Froth: You can froth this brown sugar coffee creamer just like any other milk. Then, pour it over espresso for an easy latte or cappuccino.
Tea: Stir a little into black tea or chai for a cozy, sweet twist.
Oatmeal: This is delicious in carrot cake overnight oats or drizzled over breakfast millet.
French Toast: Drizzle brown sugar coffee creamer over French toast made with sourdough bread. Or use it in an overnight French toast bake..
FAQs
Dairy alternatives such as oat, almond, or coconut milk will definitely work in this recipe.
When using fresh milk and cream, homemade coffee creamer should last 7-10 days in the fridge. However, it really depends on when the milk and cream expire. Be sure to check the dates.
Definitely! You can add a pinch of cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or your other favorite spices.
Let’s Connect!
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Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
Vanilla and Brown Sugar Coffee Creamer
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, (or more or less to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract, (or more or less to taste)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together the heavy cream and milk.1 cup (236.59 ml) heavy cream, 1 cup (236.59 ml) milk
- Add the brown sugar and whisk until it has thoroughly dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.1/2 cup (118.29 ml) brown sugar
- Pour in the vanilla and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine. At this point, I recommend tasting the creamer and making any adjustments to the flavor you prefer.2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- Transfer the creamer to a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the fridge.
Notes
- If you use homemade vanilla and want to cook out the alcohol, bring your creamer to a simmer on the stove for a few minutes.
- Taste as you go. Add more brown sugar for a sweeter creamer or more cream for a richer flavor.
- If the sugar won’t dissolve right away, just let it rest for 5-10 minutes and give it another stir. Eventually, the sugar will dissolve.
- The shelf life of your brown sugar coffee creamer in the fridge depends on the expiration dates of your milk and cream. Take note of when they expire.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is auto-calculated and may not reflect your final product. Please verify independently if needed.
My favorite way to use this creamer is in an iced coffee. So good!