Dairy Free Coffee Creamer

This dairy free coffee creamer is so easy to make and is absolutely delicious! All you need is three ingredients and you’re good to go.

If you are dairy free, you’ve probably found breakfast and desserts to be challenging courses.

I find coffee to be challenging as well. I’ve had work arounds by using a good oat milk which works like regular milk or to use coconut milk as a flavored coffee milk.

However, if you’re the type that wants something richer, like half and half or a coffee creamer, it can sometimes be challenging.

Thankfully, due to the vegan food movement, it is getting easier to find alternatives, but I often still find having what I want a challenge.

That is why I started making my own dairy free half and half as well as my own dairy free coffee creamer.

This creamer is delicious and has only a mild coconut flavor – which I happen to love!

Types of Vanilla

Vanilla comes from a pod commonly known as a “vanilla bean”, which comes from the vanilla orchids.

Vanilla pods have been used for flavoring since the Aztecs and was introduced to Europe by a Spanish conquistador, along with cocoa.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is created by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol for some time. This is the most commonly used type of vanilla.

Vanilla Sugar

Vanilla sugar is common in Europe and some parts of the Middle East, like Israel. 

It is made from vanilla beans sitting in sugar, vanilla bean powder mixed with sugar, or sugar mixed with vanilla extract.

In some countries, like Italy, you can also find vanilla powdered sugar, which is used for confections.

Vanilla Paste

Vanilla paste is generally a specialty item.  It is a thick paste that contains a blend of the scraped-out vanilla pod seeds and vanilla extract. 

You can use it as you do vanilla extract and it will leave flakes of vanilla bean like you see in vanilla bean ice cream.

Imitation Vanilla

Imitation Vanilla, otherwise known as artificial vanilla or vanilla essence, is made from synthetic vanilla. 

This is the compound that naturally occurs in vanilla beans and gives it its flavor.

Can I use imitation vanilla?

Many will tell you that you should use high quality vanilla, just like they say you should use the best cocoa. 

However, most of us will probably not be willing to pay the hefty price that comes with exceptionally high-quality ingredients.

Overall, vanilla is very expensive, so the extract is as well. 

So, if you’re not going to get regular quality vanilla extract, you might as well use imitation vanilla.

Can vanilla extract be used as a substitute for vanilla beans?

Yes, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla beans. Use about 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for each inch of vanilla bean.

How to Store Vanilla

Pure vanilla extract and other vanilla products should be kept away from heat and light, and should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Coffee creamer vs whipped cream

The main difference is that coffee creamer is a liquid or powdered addition for creaminess in coffee, while whipped cream is a fluffy, sweet topping for drinks or desserts.

Coffee creamer or milk?

Coffee creamer has a higher fat and sugar content and gives a richer and sweeter flavor compared to milk, which waters down the coffee a little..