Homemade Coffee Creamer Recipes to Sweeten Your Hawaiian Coffee
The holidays in Hawaii are a time to gather with ‘ohana and friends to make memories, share a laugh, and enjoy each other’s company with a warm cup of coffee. No matter how you usually drink your coffee, this season is a great time to spruce it up with a little something extra. Store-bought creamers and syrups are always available, but homemade coffee creamer and coffee syrups are delicious and make great gifts for holiday hosts.
At Kauai Coffee Company, we believe that coffee is more than a beverage. It is our way of sharing Aloha with friends near and far. Our 100% Hawaiian Coffees are grown, roasted and packaged on our Kauai Estate. Our beans carry the distinct flavors of our island and when paired with one of these homemade coffee creamer recipes, they create moments worth savoring with the ones you love.
Skip the store bought creamer and try these festive and flavorful recipes that meld holiday cheer with a taste of paradise!
Why Make Your Own Coffee Creamer?
Unlike store-bought coffee creamers, which can contain preservatives and excess sweeteners, these homemade recipes give you complete control over the ingredients. You can keep it simple or experiment with flavors you can’t easily find in stores. Every batch you make can be customized to suit your taste and the season.
Beyond flavor, homemade creamer makes a great host or hostess gift with a personal touch. Shake up a custom creamer in a large glass jar, decorate with a ribbon, add instructions for use and storage and you have a gift made from the heart.
Base Sweet Cream Recipe
This is the foundation for all your homemade coffee creamer recipes:
Ingredients
- 2 cups half and half or 1 cup heavy cream + 1 cup milk
- 1/2 can (7 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a large glass jar or bowl
- Shake vigorously or whisk until smooth.
- Store in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 7–10 days.
This basic sweet cream coffee creamer is excellent with any coffee, but especially delicious with our 100% Hawaiian Medium Roast.
Holiday & Hawaiian-Inspired Homemade Coffee Creamer Recipes
Use the base sweet cream recipe and shake or whisk in these additions to make holiday flavors and new favorites of your own.
Peppermint White Mocha Creamer
- Add 1 tsp peppermint extract and 2 tbsp white chocolate syrup.
- Pair with: Red Catuai or Rooster Alarm
Pistachio Chocolate Creamer
- Mix 2 tbsp dark chocolate syrup with 2 tbsp pistachio paste.
- Pair with: Poipu Espresso Roast
- Optional addition: If your pistachio paste is not already sweetened, add a drizzle of maple syrup or orange simple syrup before adding it to your coffee creamer base.
Coconut Vanilla Creamer
- Replace ½ cup of the half-and-half in the base recipe with ½ cup of coconut milk, and add 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tsp coconut extract.
- Pair with: Typica
Macadamia Nut Creamer
- Mix 2 tbsp of macadamia nut butter with 1 tbsp maple syrup and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Pair with: Polihale Sunset, Kauai Sunrise
More Tips for Customizing Your Homemade Coffee Creamer
Now that you know the basic sweet cream recipe and have experimented with the above flavors and add-ins, the sky is the limit! Try honey, simple syrup, or date sugar to sweeten your creamer instead of condensed milk. You can also try spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom for more holiday flair. No matter how you jazz up your creation, make sure to store your creamer in a sealed container in the refrigerator and use it within 10 days.
Taste Paradise All Year
Each of these coffee creamer recipes offers a way to dress up your coffee for the season and enjoy it in good company, but with a little creativity and the basic sweet cream recipe, you can enhance your coffee year-round.
At Kauai Coffee Company, we are proud to offer triple-certified 100% Hawaiian Coffee grown with aloha on our island estate. Pair your favorite creamer with our Estate Reserve coffee and let each sip transport you to the warmth of Kauai whenever you need an island escape.
Shop our complete collection of 100% Hawaiian Coffees online now.
Common Questions About Homemade Coffee Creamer
What are the best 3 ingredients for coffee creamer?
The three most versatile ingredients for a delicious homemade creamer are sweetened condensed milk, half-and-half, and vanilla extract. With these ingredients, you can create a foundation for countless variations.
Is it healthier to make your own coffee creamer?
Homemade creamers allow you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives and excess sugar. You can choose natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey and adjust the texture and richness with non-dairy milk alternatives.
Can I make coffee creamer at home without condensed milk?
If you’d like to skip sweetened condensed milk, you can still create a creamy base. Combine 2 cups half and half or a mix of milk and heavy cream, then sweeten with maple syrup, honey, or cane sugar. Add vanilla extract or spices like cinnamon. This lighter version won’t be as thick as condensed milk creamers, but it’s a great alternative if you don’t have sweetened condensed milk on hand.
How long does homemade coffee creamer last?
Homemade creamers typically last 7–10 days in the refrigerator. Store them in a sealed jar and shake before each use to keep the flavors blended.
Can I make a dairy-free homemade coffee creamer?
Absolutely. Coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk can replace dairy in the base recipe. You can also find condensed non-dairy milk at natural food stores.
What flavors are best for the holidays?
Peppermint white mocha and pistachio chocolate bring festive cheer, while macadamia nut and coconut vanilla offer a taste of Hawaii year-round.
