PSL season is upon us, and we can’t seem to escape that spiced squash flavor, no matter where we turn. So if you love the changing leaves and cooling temps, but hate pumpkin spice (or just tired of it), what’s the special seasonal coffee for you?
We humbly submit five new contenders for King of All Fall Lattes.
Actually, these are all DIY coffee creamers, so you can make one batch and enjoy it all week long. It’s cheaper than going to a coffee shop, and with real dairy, you’ll get high quality protein and essential nutrients and vitamins.
Make Your Own Coffee Creamer – 5 Ways
Each of these recipes makes about 4 cups of creamer, which can be stored in jars in your refrigerator.
- Add the creamer to regular coffee, or heat and froth it to mix with espresso like a proper latte.
- The creamer will be good through the expiration date listed on the milk/cream you use – or longer if you freeze some of it.
- As always, experiment until you get the flavor you prefer: e.g., if you prefer less sugar, reduce the amount of condensed milk, syrup or other sweetener and substitute with cream.
Orange Mocha Coffee Creamer
Chocolate coffee meets spiced citrus. Perfect hot drink to transition to the chillier weather.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- Zest of two oranges
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Add milk and orange zest to a small saucepan. Bring just to a simmer over medium heat.
- Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 30 minutes.
- Strain out orange zest.
- Add condensed milk, cocoa powder and vanilla and stir or blend until well combined.
Gingerbread Coffee Creamer
Some people might say it’s a little early in the season for gingerbread – some people are wrong.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1¾ cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Directions
Mix all ingredients until well combined.
Maple Pecan Coffee Creamer
Slightly smoky sweetness of maple with the nuttiness of pecan will be a dream in your latte.
Ingredients
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup crushed pecans
- 2 cups milk
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Add maple syrup and pecans to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes over medium heat.
- Strain out the pecan pieces and set aside if you’d like to use them as a garnish.
- Mix the maple syrup with the milk, cream and vanilla.
Caramel Apple Coffee Creamer
Apples are arguably more delicious than pumpkins, and apple butter also goes great on peanut butter sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup apple butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions
Mix all ingredients until well combined.
Chai Coffee Creamer
A classic – with similar spices to the pumpkin spice, but without the pumpkin.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons cloves
- 2 teaspoons allspice
Directions
Mix all ingredients until well combined.
Thirsty for more cozy recipes?
- 11 Ways to Flavor Coffee Without Fake Creamer
- 5 Festive Hot Chocolates for the Holidays
- Budget-Friendly Homemade Chai Coffee