Turn your morning coffee into a nourishing ritual with this healthy homemade dairy-free creamer. Crafted from creamy coconut milk and lightly sweetened with maple syrup, it’s infused with warming spice notes—think cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, and a touch of citrus zest—for a comforting, clean addition to your cup.
Easy to make in just 10 minutes, this creamer is all-natural, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly, giving you control over the ingredients and sweetness. Skip the additives and processed fillers found in many store-bought creamers—and savor each sip knowing it’s homemade, wholesome, and delicious.
Whether you’re powering your morning or winding down with a latte, this creamer adds a subtle warmth and sweetness without overpowering the coffee. Plus, it doubles as a lovely addition to tea, oats, or even baking recipes—your pantry’s new versatile staple.
Make Dairy-Free Creamer at Home
Recipe Details
Yield: 2 cups
Active Time: 10 minutes
Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups Regular Coconut Milk (or preferred dairy-free milk)
- 1 orange rind (peel only), for natural citrus warmth
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 3 Whole Peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons Maple Syrup
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Allspice
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cardamom
Recipe Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a gentle simmer—watch carefully so it doesn’t boil over.
- Turn off heat and let the mixture steep until it cools to room temperature.
- Strain out the spices, orange peel, and solids.
- Refrigerate in a jar or bottle until ready to use—shake well before adding to coffee.
Dairy-Free Creamer Nutrition Facts
*Estimated per 2 tablespoons serving (recipe yields 2 cups total).
| Serving Size | 2 Tbsp |
|---|---|
| Calories | ≈ 55 kcal |
| Protein | 0.2 g |
| Carbs | ≈ 4.5 g |
| Sugar | ≈ 3.5 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Fat | ≈ 4.0 g |
Variations & Tips for Homemade Creamer
- Lower sugar option: Use 1 tsp maple syrup instead of 2 tsp to reduce sweetness and carbs.
- Alternate milk base: Use unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk in place of coconut milk for a lighter version (may reduce creaminess).
- Swap citrus: Instead of orange rind, use lemon or lime zest for a different citrus note.
- Spice tweaks: Increase or omit cloves, cinnamon, cardamom depending on your flavor preference. Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Steep time matters: Let the mixture steep until fully cooled to deepen flavor before straining.
- Shake before use: Natural separation occurs in the fridge—shake or stir well before pouring into coffee.
Where to Use Your Homemade Creamer
- Black coffee or espresso — adds a creamy, spiced warmth to your daily brew.
- Chai or masala tea — the spices in the creamer echo the warm notes in chai.
- Steel-cut oats or hot cereal — use the creamer in place of milk for a cozy, subtly spiced breakfast.
- Warm plant-based milk lattes — blend creamer + milk + coffee for a flavored latte.
- Over pancakes, waffles, or French toast — drizzle a bit into batter or on top for extra sweetness and aroma.
When to Enjoy or Show Off Your Creamer
- Daily morning coffee routines — a healthier alternative you’ll look forward to.
- Brunch gatherings — offer the homemade creamer alongside guests’ coffee bar.
- Fall or winter mornings — the warm spices make it perfect for crisp weather.
- DIY pantry gift ideas — jar up the creamer and gift to friends for the holidays.
- Cozy at-home café atmosphere — use for reading, journaling, or relaxed mornings.
Recipe credit: Angela Gaines