I love starting my day with a cup of delicious and aromatic coffee. And what makes it even better is when I can customize it to my liking. One way to do that is by adding a splash of flavored creamer. Vanilla coffee creamer is one of my favorites, but I prefer to make it at home rather than using store-bought versions that often contain condensed milk. In this article, I will share with you an easy homemade recipe to make vanilla coffee creamer without condensed milk.
Gathering the Ingredients
To make vanilla coffee creamer without condensed milk, you will need a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Milk
The base of any creamer is milk. You can choose any type of milk you prefer, whether it’s whole milk, skim milk, or a plant-based alternative like almond milk or coconut milk. Just make sure it’s fresh and unexpired to ensure the best flavor.
2. Heavy Cream
To give your homemade coffee creamer that creamy and rich consistency, you’ll also need some heavy cream. The amount of heavy cream you use will depend on how creamy you want your coffee to be. Feel free to adjust it according to your taste preferences.
3. Sugar
Vanilla coffee creamer typically has a touch of sweetness to balance out the bitterness of the coffee. You can use regular granulated sugar, or if you prefer a healthier option, you can opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
4. Vanilla Extract
Of course, the star of the show when it comes to vanilla coffee creamer is the vanilla flavor itself. Vanilla extract adds a subtle and fragrant taste to your creamer. Make sure you use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Making the Vanilla Coffee Creamer
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s move on to the actual process of making the vanilla coffee creamer without condensed milk. This recipe is super simple and can be done in just a few minutes.
Step 1: Heat the Milk and Heavy Cream
In a saucepan, pour your desired amount of milk and heavy cream. Use a ratio of around 3:1, meaning for every cup of milk, add around ¼ to ⅓ cup of heavy cream. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until the mixture is warm. Be careful not to let it boil.
Step 2: Add the Sweetener
Once the milk and heavy cream mixture is warm, it’s time to add the sweetener. Start with a tablespoon of sugar and stir well. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness according to your liking. Add more sugar, honey, or maple syrup if desired. Remember that the sweetness will slightly mellow out when added to your coffee.
Step 3: Incorporate the Vanilla Flavor
Finally, it’s time to add that delightful vanilla flavor. Measure out a teaspoon or two of vanilla extract and pour it into the milk and heavy cream mixture. Stir well to ensure it’s evenly distributed throughout the creamer.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Once all the ingredients are combined, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the vanilla coffee creamer to cool down. Once it has reached room temperature, transfer it to a clean and airtight container. You can use glass bottles or jars for storage. Make sure to refrigerate it and use within one to two weeks.
Customize Your Vanilla Coffee Creamer
Now that you know how to make vanilla coffee creamer without condensed milk, you can get creative and customize it to your taste. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Flavored Sugar Syrups
Instead of using plain sugar, you can experiment with flavored sugar syrups to add a unique twist to your creamer. Try flavors like caramel, hazelnut, or cinnamon syrup for a delightful change of taste.
2. Nut Extracts
If you enjoy a nutty flavor, consider adding a few drops of almond or hazelnut extract to your vanilla coffee creamer. This will give it an extra layer of indulgence and richness.
3. Spices
To enhance the warmth and aroma of your coffee, you can add a pinch of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to your creamer. These spices complement the vanilla flavor and create a cozy and comforting experience.
Conclusion
Making vanilla coffee creamer without condensed milk is an effortless way to elevate your morning coffee routine. By using simple and accessible ingredients, you can create a delicious and personalized creamer that suits your taste preferences. Whether you like it sweeter or less sweet, creamier or lighter, this homemade recipe allows you to customize your coffee just the way you like it. So, why not give it a try and enjoy a cup of coffee that’s truly made to perfection?