French vanilla has that extra richness that makes every sip feel indulgent. You’ll learn how to put together a creamy version at home without needing fancy ingredients. Keep reading for this recipe and plenty of other easy homemade creamers.
The Creamer
The smooth texture and sweet vanilla notes are what set this creamer apart. You don’t need fancy gadgets or rare ingredients—just a few basics and a couple minutes.
Equipment
No need to go out and buy anything special. Most kitchens already have what’s needed.
A whisk or even just a spoon will do for mixing. Grab a measuring cup and spoons to keep things accurate. For storage, a bottle or jar with a tight lid is perfect—Mason jars are a go-to for a lot of folks. If you’re prone to spills (aren’t we all?), a small funnel helps.
If you want to heat things up or get an ultra-smooth blend, a small saucepan or a milk frother can come in handy, but honestly, it’s optional. Oh, and keep a towel nearby—these things can get a bit messy.
Ingredients
The beauty of this creamer is how simple the ingredient list is. Most recipes stick to three or four things.
- 1 cup half-and-half or milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
Feel free to swap in almond or oat milk if you want it non-dairy. The vanilla extract is what gives it that classic flavor. Sweetness is totally up to you—some days you might want more, some days less.
Instructions
Making this creamer takes about five minutes, assuming your ingredients aren’t ice cold.
- Combine the half-and-half (or milk) and heavy cream in a mixing bowl.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- If you want it sweeter, add sugar or maple syrup.
- Whisk everything together until smooth and combined.
- Pour into a clean jar or bottle.
- Seal it up and refrigerate—it’ll keep for about a week.
- Give it a good shake before each use; separation happens.
If you’re in the mood for a warm blend, just heat the ingredients gently in a saucepan until mixed, then let cool before storing.
Tasting Notes
This creamer’s all about creamy, balanced sweetness. The vanilla is rich but doesn’t smack you in the face. Texture-wise, it’s velvety and smooth—your coffee’s going to thank you.
Homemade versions tend to taste fresher than anything you’ll buy at the store. No weird aftertaste, no surprises. You can tweak the sweetness or richness to fit your mood.
Works great in both hot and iced coffee. It blends right in—no curdling, just that clear vanilla note shining through every sip.
Quick Pro Tips
Go for high-quality pure vanilla extract if you can—nothing beats that real flavor. Artificial vanilla just doesn’t hit the same notes.
Give the bottle a good shake before pouring since the cream and milk like to separate in the fridge.
Want it to last longer? Try making smaller batches. Double-filtering through cheesecloth can make it extra silky, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Write the date on your container (trust me, you’ll forget). And always use a clean spoon, or you’ll risk ruining the whole batch.
Looking for sugar-free? Just skip the sweetened condensed milk and swap in unsweetened milk with your favorite sugar substitute. It’ll keep your coffee on the lighter side.
