Vanilla coffee creamer can elevate even the most boring of brews. This simple creamer recipe requires just four ingredients and only takes 10 to 15 minutes to make.
Read on to learn how to make deliciously indulgent vanilla coffee creamer and how to use it…
Recipe Summary: Vanilla Coffee Creamer
- Dissect a vanilla pod.
- Heat a 50:50 mix of whole milk and heavy cream.
- Stir in maple syrup and vanilla.
- Heat and stir for 15 minutes.
- Cool for 30 minutes.
- Pour into a jug and refrigerate.
What You Need to Make Vanilla Coffee Creamer
Making vanilla coffee creamer is easy. This recipe requires just four ingredients and a few pieces of equipment.
Here's what you need to make vanilla coffee creamer:
Equipment
- Small Pan — You'll need a small pan to combine and heat the ingredients.
- Fine Whisk — Use a fine whisk to thoroughly combine the ingredients.
- Sharp Knife — You'll need a sharp knife to process the vanilla pod (if using fresh vanilla.
- Measuring Cups — Use measuring cups to accurately measure the ingredients.
- Glass Jug — A glass jug or jar is needed to store the finished creamer.
Ingredients
- Whole Milk — You'll need around 100 mL (3 oz) of fresh, whole milk.
- Heavy Cream — You'll need around 100 mL (3 oz) of heavy cream.
- Vanilla — Use one Madagascan vanilla pod for the best flavor or a few drops of vanilla extract.
- Maple Syrup — Use two to three tablespoons of maple syrup to sweeten.
How to Make Vanilla Coffee Creamer: Step-by-Step
This vanilla coffee creamer is extremely quick and easy to make.
Follow this simple recipe to make vanilla coffee creamer in minutes:
1. Prepare the Vanilla Pod
First, prepare your vanilla pod. Using a sharp knife, slice open the pod and scrape out the minuscule seeds. Set aside the seeds and pod — you'll need these soon.
Skip this step if you're using vanilla extract.
2. Heat the Cream and Milk
In a small stovetop pan, add the milk and cream. Gently heat on low until warm.
3. Add the Maple Syrup and Vanilla
Add two to three tablespoons of maple syrup to the creamer, followed by the seeds and beans of the vanilla pod. Add a few drops of vanilla extract (if used in place of the pod).
4. Heat and Stir
Leave the heat on low and stir gradually with a fine whisk until the creamer develops light, small bubbles on the surface. This will take around 15 minutes.
5. Allow to Cool
After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for around 30 minutes.
6. Store and Use
Remove the vanilla pod from the creamer and carefully pour it into a sealable jug or jar. This creamer will stay fresh in the fridge for a few days.
To use, simply add a small amount to freshly brewed coffee, stir, and enjoy.
What Can You Use Vanilla Coffee Creamer For?
You can use vanilla creamer to make several different types of coffee.
Here are a few different ideas:
1. Regular White Coffee
You can add vanilla coffee creamer to regular black coffee. Drip coffee, Chemex pour-over, and moka pot coffee can be used to make delicious white vanilla-flavored coffee.
Simply pour chilled creamer into hot, black coffee to create a creamy, aromatic beverage.
2. Espresso-Based Drinks
You can use vanilla creamer in place of milk in coffee lattes, cappuccino coffee, flat whites, mocha coffee, and cortado coffee.
To use vanilla creamer for espresso-based drinks simply fill a pitcher with creamer and steam as normal to the required consistency.
3. Iced Coffee
Vanilla iced coffee is easy to make with this coffee creamer.
To make vanilla iced coffee, simply brew a concentrated shot of coffee using an espresso maker, moka pot, or Aeropress. Cool the shot, pour over ice in a tall glass, and top up with the creamer. Stir the brew and enjoy it cold.
FAQs: Vanilla Coffee Creamer
Do you want to learn more about vanilla coffee creamer and other ways to enhance your coffee?
Check out the answers to the frequently asked questions below:
1. How Long Does Vanilla Coffee Creamer Last?
The vanilla coffee creamer made using the recipe above will last for two to three days in the refrigerator. It may last longer if made with long-life dairy or if it's stored in an extra-cold fridge.
2. Can You Steam Vanilla Coffee Creamer?
Yes. You can steam vanilla coffee creamer using the steam wand on your espresso machine. This creamer will become thick and velvety when steamed. You can also create microfoam with it for lattes and flat whites.
3. Can You Use Vanilla Coffee Creamer in Iced Coffee?
Yes. Vanilla creamer makes the perfect vanilla-flavored iced coffee.
To make vanilla iced coffee with our creamer, simply brew a concentrated shot of coffee using a drip coffee maker, French press, or moka pot. Cool the coffee shot, pour over ice, and add the creamer. Stir to combine and drink while cold.
4. What’s the Best Coffee to Pair With Vanilla?
Vanilla pairs well with most coffees. A sweet and milky creamer mellows the strong, bitter profile of robusta coffee and enhances the naturally sweet, smooth flavors of arabica coffee.
5. Can You Make Vanilla Creamer With Extract?
Yes. If you don't want to use fresh vanilla, or pods are out of your budget, you can use vanilla essence or extract in its place. To use vanilla extract, follow the steps above (removing step one) and add a few drops of vanilla extract with the maple syrup. Take care not to overheat the creamer — this can burn off the flavor of the extract.
6. How Do You Sweeten Coffee Creamer Without Using Sugar?
We recommend using maple syrup instead of sugar to make coffee creamer. Maple syrup provides natural sweetness and adds caramel-like qualities to the creamer. If you want to avoid glucose altogether, you can opt for a natural sweetener such as stevia.
7. Can You Make Dairy-Free Vanilla Coffee Creamer?
Yes. You can make a dairy-free vanilla creamer by switching out the milk and cream for vegan alternatives. Using oat milk and oat cream is our favorite alternative. These dairy-free alternatives provide the rich creaminess and thick texture that's often lacking in other dairy-free products.
8. Why Does Creamer Separate When I Add It to Coffee?
Acidic coffee can cause coffee creamer to split. A creamer that's close to its use-by date is also prone to splitting when added to hot coffee. If you're having problems with creamer separating after adding it to coffee, check the freshness of the creamer first. If your creamer is fresh, opt for a coffee with a lower acidity.
9. What’s the Difference Between Latte and White Coffee?
A latte is an espresso-based drink that's made by adding steamed milk to espresso coffee. It's rich, velvety, and has a fine microfoam on top. White coffee is made by adding milk or creamer to simple black coffee. You can use drip coffee, French press coffee, pour-over, and most other brews to make white coffee.
10. What Flavors Pair Well With Coffee?
Several flavors pair well with coffee. Vanilla is a firm favorite among coffee lovers, along with caramel.
Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness and subtle, natural, caramel-like flavors. Cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice can also enhance and elevate the flavors of coffee.
