If you’re a coffee lover, you know there’s no better coffee complement than a splash of rich and creamy coffee creamer. From oat and almond milk to traditional whole milk creamers, the options are endless. And don’t get us started on flavor variations! Oatmeal cookie, mocha, hazelnut, and of course, traditional vanilla — yum. That said, most store-bought creamers and pre-made coffee beverages are full of sneaky sugars, added oils, and shelf-stabilizing gums. Don’t worry — we’re definitely not suggesting you give up your morning splash of heaven. Instead, we’re introducing a way to enjoy all the benefits in a healthier (and even more delicious) way! Enter: homemade coffee creamer. Yep, how to make healthy coffee creamer (and delicious flavor variations) is easier than you think. Read on for a step-by-step guide and all you need to know. Get ready to elevate your mornings!
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Benefits of Making Your Own Coffee Creamer
Simply put, homemade coffee creamer is fresher, tastier, and healthier than store-bought creamer. Plus, you get to control the ingredients — meaning you can replace all those added oils and processed sugars with nutrient-dense whole foods!
However, because your ingredients are super fresh and free from preservatives, your homemade mixture will only last 4-5 days in the fridge. Some store-bought creamers last for weeks — so be mindful!
How to Make a Healthy Coffee Creamer: Step-By-Step Method
Step #1: Choose a Non-Dairy Base
First, you’ll want to pick your non-dairy base. While there are tons of non-dairy foods to choose from, some yield a creamier consistency and generally pair better with coffee.
Our top five choices include:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Coconut
- Hazelnuts
- Macadamia Nuts
Step #2: Soak Your Nuts or Seeds
This step is a must! Aside from enhancing the creamy taste, soaking your nuts or seeds reduces the phytic acid levels to yield a more digestible milk. If possible, you’ll want to soak your nuts or seeds overnight or for 24 hours, covered in cool water.
Step #3: Blend & Strain
Add your soaked and drained nuts to a high-speed blender with water and blend on high until smooth and creamy. Note: for a creamy texture, the perfect ratio is 2 parts water to 1 part nuts or seeds!
Once blended, you’ll want to strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or fine-mesh strainer.* Strain into a bowl and squeeze the nut milk bag until all of the remaining liquid has been extracted. You should now be left with a dry pulp. Save the pulp to repurpose in later recipes or discard.
*Note: If using cashews, straining is optional
Step #4: Add Your Flavor Variations
Now that you have your base coffee creamer, it’s time to customize it with flavor variations! Pour your strained liquid base back into the blender and mix with your favorite add-ins of choice.
Some of our favorite add-ins include:
- Medjool dates
- Cacao
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla bean or extract
Read on for our favorite combos!
Step #5: Enjoy & Store
Once you’ve achieved your ideal taste and consistency, store your mixture in an airtight jar or container in the fridge. The mixture should last 3-5 days. If you have leftover creamer, freeze it into ice cubes to prolong storage. Enjoy hot or cold!
5-Step Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer Base Recipe
The perfect 5-ingredient, 5-step base recipe for all your coffee creamer needs! Enjoy it as is, or customize it with any flavor variations.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw almonds or cashews (soaked, rinsed, and drained)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Medjool date or ½ tbsp sweetener of choice, optional
- Dash of sea salt, optional
Directions:
Step #1: Soak almonds (or nuts of choice) overnight, then rinse and drain. Add soaked almonds to a high-speed blender with water, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt.
Step #2: Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
Step #3: Remove the pulp by straining the liquid through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer into a jar or bowl. If using cashews, straining is not necessary; this step is optional.
Step #4: Option to add sweetener of choice (we used 1 pitted Medjool date) or any additional add-ins.
Step #5: Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days. Note: if you have extra nut milk that won’t be consumed, pour it into ice cubes and store for up to one month.
5 Coffee Creamer Flavor Variations You Need To Try
To make these mouth-watering recipes, add the following ingredients to the above base recipe. Then, simply blend, serve, and sip! Enjoy over ice for a cool and refreshing beverage, or warm it up for a creamy and comforting hot coffee drink!
Vanilla Coffee Creamer
Blend the above base recipe with:
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pitted Medjool date or sweetener of choice, to taste
Hazelnut Coffee Creamer
In the above base recipe, substitute the almonds or cashews for hazelnuts, or use equal parts hazelnuts and nuts of choice.
Follow the remaining steps as defined above, then blend the base recipe with:
- ½ – 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 pitted Medjool dates
Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer
Blend the above base recipe with:
- ¼ tsp pure peppermint extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 – 1 ½ tbsp unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder
- Sweetener of choice, to taste (such as raw honey, maple syrup, or 1 Medjool date)
Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer
Blend the above base recipe with:
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (or ⅛ tsp each of: ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice)
- ½ tbsp vanilla extract
- Sweetener of choice, to taste (such as raw honey, maple syrup, or 1 Medjool date)
- ½ – 1 tbsp unsweetened pumpkin puree, optional
Vanilla Cinnamon Coffee Creamer
Blend the above base recipe with:
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Sweetener of choice, to taste (such as raw honey, maple syrup, or 1 Medjool date)
Creamy Coffee Recipes to Enjoy At Home
If you love iced coffee or a warm cup of joe, these rich and creamy coffee creamers are calling your name. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, blending up your own healthy coffee creamer has never been easier! Skip the dairy and processed store-bought brands and treat yourself to a delicious and nutritious barista-quality cup. Give these five flavor variations a try or get creative in the kitchen and customize your own. And don’t forget to save the leftovers! Freeze any leftover creamer and add it to baked goods, stir-fries, soups, oatmeal dishes, or breakfast bowls. The possibilities are endless!
