If one flavor could make an ordinary coffee cup like a café treat, then it’s caramel, as it goes beautifully in coffee. So, instead of going out for a fancy drink every morning, why not make your own caramel coffee creamer at home? We’ve been making and testing versions of it for weeks, and honestly, this last one tastes so smooth that it feels like dessert in a cup. No store-bought bottle can match the comfort.
Our barista says, “Good coffee shouldn’t be complicated, just balanced.” This caramel coffee creamer made at home is just that: creamy and balanced.
Do Caramel and Coffee Go Together?

Yes. Because caramel has a sweet flavor that balances the bitterness of coffee, when we combine caramel with drip coffee, the flavor of caramel doesn’t overwhelm; rather gives a lot more depth. Even if you go for a dark roast, caramel offers a cup that has a cozy twist.
Our barista says that always go for medium roast coffee with caramel creamer, as it gives the nuttiness of the roast and the sweetness of the caramel.
Caramel Coffee Creamer Calories
Let’s get real because we all love a treat, but it’s nice to know what we’re sipping. Here’s a calorie breakdown comparing our homemade version with some popular store-bought ones:
| Version | Serving Size (2 tbsp) | Calories | Sugar (g) | Fat (g) | Notes |
| Hershey’s Chocolate Caramel Coffee Creamer | 2 tbsp | 70 | 11 | 1.5 | Chocolate + caramel mix, sweeter profile |
| Starbucks Caramel Creamer | 2 tbsp | 80 | 12 | 3 | Rich, sweet, heavy texture |
| Dunkin Salted Caramel Coffee Creamer | 2 tbsp | 75 | 10 | 2 | Slightly salty, creamy balance |
| Our Homemade Caramel Coffee Creamer | 2 tbsp | 55 | 7 | 2 | Light, smooth, and naturally sweet |
Our homemade recipe uses real caramel and milk instead of artificial sweeteners or gums.
How to Make Caramel Coffee Creamer?
This is the best part as it fills your kitchen with the dreamiest aroma:
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Half cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp of butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Steps
- First step is to take a small saucepan, and on low heat melt the butter
- Then add the brown sugar and mix until it dissolves and turns syrupy for about 3–4 minutes
- After that, while mixing continuously, pour in the milk and cream
- Then add the vanilla and salt
- At last, for 5 minutes, let it simmer gently, then cool before storing
There you have a homemade caramel coffee creamer that is café-worthy.
Do not overcook the caramel because when it gets golden and smells nutty, it’s ready, so if you push it a lot, it’ll get bitter.
Caramel Coffee Creamer Powder
Now, this one’s a fun twist; great if you travel or want to get something shelf-stable:
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Half cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup of caramel sauce
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
The first step is to start by mixing: dry milk powder, brown sugar, along instant caramel flavoring or powdered caramel. It mixes fast in hot coffee; great option for super busy mornings.
We made one with coconut milk powder once, and it delivers a lovely toffee-like note that is highly recommended trying if you like dairy-free!
How to Make Caramel Coffee Creamer Sugar Free
If you’re cutting back on sugar but still crave that sweet, buttery flavor, don’t worry because you can make it sugar-free easily:
Ingredients for Sugar-Free Version
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 cup cream
- 3 tbsp or erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- Caramel extract
For 5–7 minutes: just simmer the mix until it thickens a little and you’re good to go.
| Version | Calories 2 tbsp | Sugar g | Sweetener Used |
| Regular | 55 | 7 | Brown sugar |
| Sugar-Free | 30 | 0 | Erythritol/Monk fruit |
Our barista recommends erythritol as it melts more smoothly than stevia and doesn’t leave that metallic aftertaste.
Homemade Caramel Coffee Creamer without Condensed Milk
Not everyone is a big fan of the sweetness of condensed milk. Here’s a lighter version that still gives that rich texture, and you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 1 cup half-and-half
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp butter
- Half tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Just heat everything gently when the sugar melts, and you’ve got a creamer that’s naturally rich without being cloying. Making it great for those who want a subtle sweetness.
Caramel Coffee Creamer with Condensed Milk
Those who prefer an ultra-creamy and sweet finish, this one’s for you:
Ingredients
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp of caramel sauce
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Shake it up or whisk it until smooth. It’s thick, sweet, and ideal for strong black coffee because a small spoonful goes a long way.
Our barista says that “If you want that dessert-like coffee vibe, this version wins every time.”
How to Store Caramel Coffee Creamer
To store it, keep your creamer in the fridge in a glass jar because it keeps for up to 7 days. Remember to shake it before using because natural ingredients may separate:
| Type | Storage | Shelf Life |
| Homemade (liquid) | Refrigerator | 7 days |
| Powdered | Airtight jar, dry place | 3 weeks |
| Sugar-free | Refrigerator | 5–6 days |
What’s the Difference Between Caramel and Caramel Macchiato?
These two can get mixed up. Here is the easy short version:
- Caramel coffee creamer is a flavor enhancer that you mix into your normal coffee
- Caramel macchiato, on the other hand, is an espresso drink made of vanilla syrup, milk, and caramel drizzle
Our homemade creamer gives that same rich caramel flavor but allows you to control the sweetness, plus, it costs a fraction of what a coffee shop drink does.
How to Use Our Homemade Caramel Coffee Creamer?
There’s so much you can do with it beyond your morning brew. Here are a few fun ideas straight from our barista’s notebook:
- Iced Coffee Upgrade – Try with 2 tbsp of creamer into cold brew and top with whipped cream.
- Caramel Latte – To have a café-style drink, try with steamed milk and add 2 tbsp creamer along with the espresso
- Dessert Drizzle – Over vanilla ice cream or pancakes, add a spoonful
- Baking Magic – Try it in muffins or bread pudding to get that twist of caramel
Our barista recommends trying it with sea salt; just a bit makes your cup taste like a caramel candy, as it’s simple and ridiculously good.
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