Have you seen the price of coffee lately? Especially from local coffee shops and coffee giants like Starbucks. Why pay an arm and a leg for a coffee when you can make just as good of a coffee, if not better, from home? The secret is knowing how to make tasty and delicious coffee creamers.
Coffee enthusiasts can attest to the sheer delight of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, but what can truly enhance the experience is the addition of a creamy, indulgent homemade caramel coffee creamer, and I will teach you how to make it!
Salted Caramel lattes and coffees are one of my go-tos, and with my shift to homemade foods, you know I had to make homemade caramel coffee creamers from scratch. While store-bought creamer options are readily available, there's a distinct pleasure in crafting your own homemade version, and it tastes way better.
No chemical-tasting preservatives or funky ingredients that upset your stomach later. Trust me, you can make a better coffee creamer than Starbucks and a coffee that tastes just like it, without the price tag.
In this comprehensive blog, we'll delve into the art of making homemade caramel coffee creamer, exploring the reasons why it's worth the effort, the essential ingredients and equipment needed, step-by-step instructions for creating the perfect creamer, helpful tips for success, delightful variations to customize your creamer, innovative ways to use it, and practical storage solutions. Homemade coffee creamers are a lifesaver, especially with inflation!
Why Make Your Own Caramel Coffee Creamer?
Before we dive into the recipe, let's consider the advantages of making your own caramel coffee creamer. Firstly, the flavor is incomparable. By using high-quality ingredients and adjusting the sweetness to your liking, you can create a creamer that perfectly complements your favorite coffee blend. No more too sweet or too bitter coffees, you can make the perfect tasting creamer for your taste buds.
Making your own creamer allows you to avoid the artificial flavors, preservatives, and other additives commonly found in store-bought varieties. Imagine what the preservatives do to you overtime. If you can’t pronounce the word, it is best to steer clear of allowing it into your body.
Plus, making homemade coffee creamers is surprisingly simple and cost-effective, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort. I love anything that can help lessen reliance and dependence on the grocery store.
With how many people rely on coffee to get through their days (me included) it makes sense to start transitioning to homemade coffee products to save money and time.
Ingredients for Homemade Caramel Coffee Creamer
Something I love about homemade coffee creamers is that you most likely already have the ingredients in your pantry to make them already because they are so simple. To embark on your caramel coffee creamer journey, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides the creamy base and sweetness for the creamer. You can make sweetened condensed milk from scratch if you don’t have any on hand.
- Caramel Sauce: Infuses rich caramel flavor and depth into the creamer. Infuses rich caramel flavor and depth into the creamer. You can make your own homemade caramel sauce by following my homemade caramel sauce recipe. This recipe is also made with ingredients you most likely already have in your pantry.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes. You can make your own homemade vanilla extract by following this recipe homemade vanilla extract.
- Milk or Cream: Determines the creaminess and consistency of the creamer. I like to have a super creamy creamer, so I use heavy cream. I scoop cream off of my raw milk and use directly in the recipe. You can use whatever milk type and consistency you like!
Equipment Needed
Gather the following equipment before getting started:
- Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl for combining the ingredients. Make sure it has high sides to avoid splashing out the sides.
- Whisk: Essential for blending the ingredients until smooth. I prefer to use a metal whisk over plastic or silicone. Plastic and silicone whisks can crack or chip in my experience, and I don’t want to it chip into my recipes.
- Storage Container: Choose an airtight container for storing the finished creamer. A mason jar with a tight-fitting reusable lid is an easy-to-use storage container.
Caramel Creamer
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Storage Container
Ingredients
- 1 cup (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup homemade or store-bought caramel sauce
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk or cream (use your preferred type: whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream)
Instructions
- Mixing Sweetened Condensed Milk and Caramel Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients together until smooth and well incorporated. Be careful in whisking as it can splash over the sides.
- Adding Vanilla Extract and Milk or Cream: Once the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce are combined, add the vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir in your choice of milk or cream until fully incorporated. Adjust the amount of milk or cream according to your desired consistency. I prefer a heavier creamer, so I don’t add in as much milk or cream.
- Whisking Until Smooth: Continue whisking the creamer mixture until it is smooth and homogeneous. Ensure that there are no lumps or clumps remaining and that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. If there are clumps you cant rid of, you can try to shake them out in the storage container.
- Storing the Caramel Coffee Creamer: Transfer the finished caramel coffee creamer to a clean, airtight container for storage. Place the container in the refrigerator and use as needed to enhance your morning coffee. I personally use a glass mason jar to hold my creamer because it is easy to shake and pour from. I use a leak-proof, air-tight lid for the lid, and they are wonderful!
Tips for Success
To ensure the best results with your homemade caramel coffee creamer, keep these tips in mind:
- Ingredient Quality: Opt for high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture. If you can, try to source your ingredients like milk, locally. It makes such a difference if the milk doesn’t have to sit long on the shelves or travel and go through extra processes. I feel like I taste the difference when I try my best to source quality. This goes along for making your own homemade caramel sauce or using homemade vanilla for this recipe too instead of store-bought.
- Adjusting Sweetness and Flavor: Taste the creamer as you go and adjust the sweetness and flavorings to your preference. This is one of the perks of making your own creamers, you get to adjust the taste to your preferred preference.
- Storage Tips: Store the creamer in an airtight container in the refrigerator and shake well before each use to ensure proper consistency. Like mentioned, I prefer to store in a mason jar with a reusable lid for ease of use.
Variations and Additions
Get creative with your homemade caramel coffee creamer by experimenting with different flavors and additions:
- Hazelnut Caramel Creamer: Add a splash of hazelnut extract or liqueur for a nutty twist on classic caramel. I love the flavor of hazelnut with my caramel if I am feeling a mix-up and I feel like these flavors mesh well.
- Salted Caramel Creamer: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt into the creamer mixture for a delightful sweet-and-salty flavor combination. It is fun to sprinkle some sugar into the bottom of your latte or coffee and just a pinch of salt into the drink. This gives a delightful sweet and salty caramel coffee.
- Spiced Caramel Creamer: Infuse the creamer with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a cozy, seasonal treat. I love to add in cinnamon around the holidays when I am making holiday-themed coffees.
Using Homemade Caramel Coffee Creamer
Homemade caramel coffee creamer is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways:
- Coffee Enhancer: Stir into your morning coffee for a creamy, indulgent treat that elevates your caffeine fix to new heights. I love splashing this into my lattes. This helps save money by not having to run to the nearest espresso shop to get a coffee.
- Dessert Topping: Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream for a decadent finishing touch. You can mix this with syrup to give a creamy, caramel syrup.
- Gift Idea: Package homemade caramel coffee creamer in a decorative bottle or jar and give as a thoughtful homemade gift to friends and family. This could be a perfect homemade gift paired with my homemade caramel sauce.
Storing Homemade Caramel Coffee Creamer
To preserve the freshness and flavor of your homemade caramel coffee creamer:
- Refrigeration: Store the creamer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Because it doesn’t have any preservatives and has dairy products that expire, it will spoil the longer it sits. This will help you see how much creamer you use, and you can adjust the recipe to fit your coffee-consuming schedule.
- Freezing: For longer storage, portion the creamer into ice cube trays and freeze. Transfer the frozen cubes to a resealable plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw individual cubes as needed. Keep in mind, this will water down the creamer a little bit but not terribly.
Go indulge yourself
Homemade caramel coffee creamer is a delightful indulgence that adds a touch of luxury to your morning routine. Save time and money by making your own coffee at home. Truly, with some practice and the right ingredients, you can make coffees that taste as good as the local coffee shop.
Crafting your own homemade caramel creamer helps you get used to the coffee-making process and helps you get more comfortable making your own. Whether stirred into your favorite brew, drizzled over desserts, or given as a thoughtful gift, homemade caramel coffee creamer is sure to delight your taste buds and bring joy to your day.
FAQs
How long does homemade caramel coffee creamer last?
Homemade caramel coffee creamer can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Can I use low-fat milk in homemade caramel coffee creamer?
Yes, you can use low-fat milk or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or oat milk to make a lighter version of caramel coffee creamer.
Can I make dairy-free caramel coffee creamer?
Absolutely! Substitute coconut milk, almond milk, or another non-dairy milk alternative for the milk or cream in the recipe.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of homemade?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you're short on time or prefer the convenience. Just make sure to choose a high-quality sauce for the best flavor.
Can I adjust the sweetness of homemade caramel coffee creamer?
Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of caramel sauce or sweetened condensed milk to suit your taste preferences. Add more for a sweeter creamer or less for a milder flavor.
