Coffee Mate French Vanilla Creamer Recipe

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What if I told you you could recreate this store-bought favorite right at home? Imagine having the freedom to tweak the sweetness, play with the vanilla intensity, or even opt for your preferred milk base, all while keeping the essence of what makes the Coffee Mate French Vanilla Creamer so irresistible.

How to make Coffee Mate French Vanilla Creamer

Coffee Mate French Vanilla Creamer is a non-dairy liquid creamer designed to add flavor and creaminess to coffee and other beverages. It has a sweet, rich vanilla flavor and a smooth texture, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a hint of sweetness in their coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamier texture (for a lighter version, you can use whole milk or any plant-based milk like almond, soy, or coconut milk).
• 1 cup of whole milk (substitute with any plant-based milk if you prefer).
• 2-4 tablespoons of sugar, depending on how sweet you like your creamer. You can also opt for a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a low-calorie option.
• 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract for that signature French Vanilla flavor (adjust according to your preference).
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste or the seeds from one vanilla bean for a richer vanilla flavor and those beautiful vanilla specks in your creamer.

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix the heavy cream (or half-and-half), milk, and sugar over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar has completely dissolved. This should take about 5 minutes. Make sure the mixture does not boil; you just want it warm enough to dissolve the sugar.
2. Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract (and vanilla bean paste or seeds, if using). The warmth will help the vanilla flavor infuse throughout the creamer.
3. Cool Down: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. This will thicken it slightly, making it the perfect consistency for a creamer.
4. Store: Transfer the creamer to a glass bottle or airtight container and refrigerate. The creamer should be used within 7-10 days.
5. Serve: Shake well before use. Pour your homemade French Vanilla Creamer into your coffee and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Creamer

• Customization: Feel free to adjust the ratios of milk to cream or the type of milk used depending on your dietary preferences or desired creaminess.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar or sugar substitute based on how sweet you like your creamer. You can always add more if needed.
• Storage: Always store your homemade creamer in the refrigerator, and try to use it within a week for the best flavor.
• Serving Suggestion: For an iced coffee version, add your creamer to cold brew coffee and ice for a refreshing summer beverage.

What to serve with

Serving something delightful alongside your coffee enriched with homemade Coffee Mate French Vanilla Creamer can transform a simple coffee break into a luxurious treat.

Classic Breakfast Items

• Buttery Croissants: The light, flaky layers of a warm, buttery croissant complement the creamy sweetness of French Vanilla Creamer-infused coffee.
• Belgian Waffles: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a delightful morning feast that pairs wonderfully with the smooth richness of your coffee.
• French Toast: A classic choice, especially when made with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla in the batter, echoing the vanilla in your coffee.

Sweet Treats

• Vanilla Bean Scones: These offer a subtle sweetness and a tender crumb, making them an ideal companion for your vanilla-flavored coffee.
• Dark Chocolate Brownies: The intense flavor of dark chocolate creates a perfect balance with the sweet, creamy undertones of your coffee, enhancing the vanilla essence.
• Almond Biscotti: The crunch and nuttiness of almond biscotti dipped in your French Vanilla Creamer coffee is a match made in heaven, blending textures and flavors beautifully.

Fresh Fruits

• Berries: A bowl of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) provides a fresh, slightly tart contrast to the sweetness of your coffee, refreshing your palate.
• Peach Slices: Especially delightful in summer, the sweet juiciness of fresh peaches complements the creamy vanilla flavor in your coffee.
• Baked Apples: Simple baked apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon can carry the warm, comforting flavors into the colder months, pairing wonderfully with your warming beverage.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of Coffee Mate French Vanilla Creamer gives you control over the ingredients and allows you to make substitutions based on dietary preferences, health concerns, or simply to work with what you have on hand.

Base Ingredients

• Milk: The base of many creamer recipes can be whole milk, but you can substitute lower-fat options such as 2% or skim milk if you’re watching your fat intake. For a non-dairy alternative, consider almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or cashew milk.
• Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the creamer. You can substitute it with half-and-half to reduce fat content or use full-fat coconut cream or a rich cashew cream for a vegan option.

Sweeteners

• Sugar: White granulated sugar is often used, but you can substitute it with other sweeteners like raw sugar, brown sugar for a deeper flavor, honey, or maple syrup. For a low-calorie option, consider stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener.
• Vanilla Syrup: Alternatively, if you prefer not to use sugar, vanilla syrup can sweeten and flavor your coffee creamer simultaneously. There are also sugar-free versions of vanilla syrup available.

Flavoring

• Vanilla Extract: This is essential for the French Vanilla taste. You can opt for imitation vanilla flavor if you’re on a budget, but pure vanilla extract is preferable for the best flavor. Vanilla bean paste or the seeds scraped from a vanilla pod also make luxurious alternatives.
• French Vanilla Flavoring: If available, a specific French Vanilla flavoring can be used instead of or in addition to vanilla extract to enhance the profile.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own Coffee Mate French Vanilla Creamer at home is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It not only adds a personal touch to your morning ritual but also allows you to indulge in the creamy, vanilla goodness with a sense of accomplishment.

More Crema Recipes:

• Copycat Lavazza Super Crema Recipe