For many, coffee is an essential part of the morning routine. While black coffee is an option, a creamy, sweet addition can elevate the experience. Store-bought keto coffee creamers are available, but they can be expensive and often contain questionable ingredients. Fortunately, making your own keto coffee creamer at home is surprisingly easy, cost-effective, and allows you to control exactly what goes into your cup.
Why Make Your Own Keto Coffee Creamer?
- Cost-Effective: Homemade creamer is significantly cheaper than store-bought versions.
- Control Over Ingredients: You have the power to choose high-quality, whole ingredients and avoid unwanted additives.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences with various extracts and spices.
- Healthier Option: By making your own, you can avoid processed ingredients and ensure a healthier choice.
Basic Keto Coffee Creamer Recipe
This recipe provides a base for endless flavor variations.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 2-4 tablespoons Sweetener (Allulose and Swerve Confectioners combination recommended)
- 1-2 tablespoons Collagen protein powder (optional, for added nutrition and thickness)
- ¼ cup Unsweetened hemp or almond milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon Extract or flavoring (vanilla, hazelnut, etc.)
Instructions:
- Simmer the cream: Combine the cream and sweeteners in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium low.
- Add the vanilla bean (optional): Split open the vanilla bean, if using, and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds and the pod to the pan and cover. Let steep 20 minutes, then remove the pod.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Whisk in the collagen, hemp milk, and vanilla extract.
- Cool and store: Let cool completely. Then transfer to a glass jar and store in the fridge for up to a week. Shake before using.
Detailed Instructions:
- Combine and Simmer: In a medium saucepan, combine the cream (or coconut milk), and your choice of sweetener(s). Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. It’s important to simmer the cream to achieve the right consistency for the creamer. Ensure it doesn't come to a full boil, watch it carefully, and make sure it’s bubbling around the edges. Adjust the heat as needed. Simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Infuse with Vanilla (Optional): If using a vanilla bean, split it open and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the simmering cream. Cover the saucepan and let it steep for about 20 minutes to infuse the cream with vanilla flavor. After steeping, remove the vanilla pod.
- Whisk in Remaining Ingredients: Whisk in the collagen protein powder (if using), hemp milk (or almond milk), and vanilla extract. Taste the mixture and add more sweetener if desired.
- Cool and Transfer: Allow the creamer to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to a glass jar or an airtight container.
- Refrigerate and Store: Store the keto coffee creamer in the refrigerator for up to one week. Remember to shake the jar before each use.
Ingredient Spotlight
- Heavy Cream: Forms the base of the creamer, providing richness and fat. Full-fat coconut milk is an excellent dairy-free alternative.
- Sweetener: A combination of allulose and Swerve Confectioners is recommended for a syrupy texture. Other options include erythritol, stevia, and monk fruit.
- Collagen: Boosts nutrition and thickens the creamer. Glucomannan or xanthan gum can be used as alternatives.
- Hemp or Almond Milk: Adds pourability and helps the creamer mix easily into coffee.
- Extract/Flavoring: Allows for endless customization. Vanilla extract is a classic choice.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your keto coffee creamer! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Cinnamon Dolce: Add 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon in Step 3. Cinnamon flavored collagen can also be used.
- Hazelnut: Add 2 teaspoons of hazelnut extract in Step 3.
- Pumpkin Spice: Use Brown Swerve instead of the powdered version. Then add 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice in Step 3. You can also add 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, if you like.
- Salted Caramel: Use salted caramel collagen instead of plain collagen. Then add 1 to 2 teaspoons of caramel extract in Step 3.
- Mocha: Add cocoa powder and espresso powder for a mocha flavored creamer.
- Chocolate Peppermint: Combine chocolate and peppermint extract for a festive twist.
Tips and Considerations
- Sweetener Choice: Allulose provides a syrupy quality, but other sweeteners can be used. Adjust the amount to your liking. If using Swerve, opt for the powdered version for better dissolving.
- Consistency: Adjust the amount of hemp or almond milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Storage: Store the creamer in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you don't think you'll use it all in that time, make a half batch.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use full-fat canned coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
- Don't Boil: Ensure the cream simmers gently without coming to a full boil.
- Glucomannan: If you don’t want to use collagen, whisk in some glucomannan to give it the right consistency. Half a teaspoon should be sufficient. You can also use xanthan gum but it does have a tendency to clump more and to give a bit of a slimy quality.
- Allulose: Allulose caramelizes faster than other sweeteners, so watch it closely while simmering.
Serving Suggestions
- Sugar-Free Lattes: Heat ¼ cup of the creamer and use a milk frother to create foam for a sugar-free latte.
- Iced Coffee: Freeze the creamer into ice cubes to keep your iced coffee cold without watering it down.
- Keto Pumpkin Spice Latte: Use your homemade creamer to make a cozy keto pumpkin spice latte.
- Spiced Gingerbread Coffee: Add some creamer to spiced gingerbread coffee for a festive treat.
- Keto Chai Tea: Mix with chai tea for a creamy and comforting beverage.
Keto Diet and Creamer
- Can I have cream in my coffee on keto? Yes, you can have cream in your coffee on the keto diet. Just make sure you do not use any types of creamers that have added sugar in them. Full-fat cream is okay on the keto diet!
- Can I have coffee with milk on keto? It's best to stay away from dairy milk on the keto diet. One cup of whole milk has almost 13 grams of carbs.
- Are sugar-free creamers from the store keto-friendly? My biggest tip would be to take a good look at the ingredients before you buy the creamer. Can you understand what they are? If the sugar-free coffee creamer is made with whole ingredients, then it's probably okay to buy and use. One of my favorite creamers from the store is NutPods. Even so, I prefer to make my own creamer because I know exactly what is in it. It's always healthier to consume whole ingredients like coconut milk and almond milk than processed ingredients.
- Can I add this creamer to Bulletproof coffee? Bulletproof coffee is another popular way to drink coffee on a low-carb or keto diet. A cup of bulletproof coffee is made with butter (or ghee) and/or MCT oil instead of creamer. My homemade creamer is not to be served with bulletproof coffee.
Storing Your Keto Coffee Creamer
To maintain the quality and freshness of your homemade keto coffee creamer, proper storage is essential. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Use a Clean Glass Jar or Bottle: Transfer the cooled creamer to a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Glass is preferable as it doesn't impart any flavors or odors to the creamer. Mason jars work great for this purpose.
- Refrigerate Promptly: As soon as the creamer has cooled down, refrigerate it immediately. Do not leave it at room temperature for an extended period, as this can promote bacterial growth and spoilage.
- Optimal Temperature: Store the creamer in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally between 35°F (1.7°C) and 40°F (4.4°C).
- Shelf Life: Homemade keto coffee creamer typically lasts for up to one week when stored properly in the refrigerator. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in smell, color, or texture, before using. If you notice any of these signs, discard the creamer immediately.
- Shake Before Use: Before each use, shake the jar or bottle well to ensure that the ingredients are properly combined. This is especially important if the creamer has been sitting in the refrigerator for a few days, as some separation may occur.
- Freezing (Not Recommended): While it's technically possible to freeze keto coffee creamer, it's generally not recommended. Freezing can alter the texture and consistency of the creamer, making it less appealing when thawed. Additionally, the ingredients may separate during the freezing process, resulting in a grainy or clumpy texture.
If you find that you have made a large batch of creamer and are unable to use it all within the week, consider making a smaller batch next time to avoid waste.
Read also: Homemade Honey Facial
Additional Tips
- Experiment with Spices: In addition to extracts, you can also experiment with various spices to create unique flavor profiles for your keto coffee creamer. Some popular spices to try include nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
- Add a Pinch of Salt: Adding a tiny pinch of salt to your creamer can help enhance the flavors and balance out the sweetness.
- Use a Milk Frother: For an extra-creamy and frothy coffee experience, use a milk frother to whip your keto coffee creamer before adding it to your coffee.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Taste the creamer as you are making it and adjust the amount of sweetener to your liking. Keep in mind that some sweeteners are more potent than others, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Consider Flavored Extracts: There are many different flavored extracts available that can add a unique twist to your keto coffee creamer. Some popular options include almond extract, peppermint extract, and butter extract.
- Use Sugar-Free Syrups: If you prefer a sweeter creamer, you can add a sugar-free syrup to your homemade keto coffee creamer. There are many different flavors of sugar-free syrups available, so you can experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
- Add Cocoa Powder: For a chocolatey twist, add a tablespoon or two of unsweetened cocoa powder to your keto coffee creamer recipe. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Make a Double Batch: If you find yourself using keto coffee creamer frequently, consider making a double batch to save time and effort. Simply double all of the ingredients in the recipe and store the extra creamer in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Use a High-Quality Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is a key ingredient in many keto coffee creamer recipes, so be sure to use a high-quality extract for the best flavor. Look for pure vanilla extract that is made with real vanilla beans.
- Consider Adding a Pinch of Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt can help enhance the flavors of your keto coffee creamer and balance out the sweetness.
- Use a Glass Jar for Storage: Store your homemade keto coffee creamer in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Glass jars are non-reactive and won't leach any unwanted flavors or chemicals into your creamer.
- Experiment with Different Milks: In addition to almond milk and coconut milk, you can also experiment with other types of milk, such as macadamia nut milk, cashew milk, or flax milk. Just be sure to choose an unsweetened variety to keep the carb count low.
- Add a Dash of Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon can add warmth and flavor to your keto coffee creamer. You can also use other spices, such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger.
- Use a Hand Blender: If you want to ensure that your keto coffee creamer is perfectly smooth and creamy, use a hand blender to blend all of the ingredients together. This will help to break down any clumps and create a velvety texture.
Read also: Ultimate Keto Marinara
Read also: Delicious Keto Protein Bars