Cherry Vanilla Creamer Recipe

My Cherry Vanilla Creamer recipe—a creamy, fruity twist guaranteed to elevate your coffee experience. It’s dessert and coffee all rolled into one! Plus, making this creamer from scratch means you can skip the artificial ingredients found in store-bought versions.

How to make Cherry Vanilla Creamer

Cherry Vanilla Creamer is a flavored coffee creamer that combines the taste of sweet cherries and smooth vanilla into a creamy liquid or powder you stir into coffee, tea, or other beverages.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of heavy cream (for richness)
• 1 cup of milk (whole milk works best, but you can use almond, oat, or any non-dairy alternative for a plant-based version)
• ¼ cup cherry juice (fresh or store-bought—use unsweetened if you want to control sweetness)
• 3-4 tablespoons sugar or sweetener (choose your favorite: white sugar, maple syrup, honey, or sugar alternatives like stevia)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla for the best flavor)
• Optional: ½ cup of finely chopped fresh cherries for added texture and natural flavor

Instructions

Step 1: In a small saucepan, pour the heavy cream and milk. Set to medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—but don’t let it boil! Stir frequently to prevent the milk from scorching.

Step 2: Once the milk and cream mixture is warmed, stir in the cherry juice. This will give the creamer its signature fruity flavor and slight pink tint.

Step 3: Add your sugar or preferred sweetener. Start with 3 tablespoons and adjust based on your sweetness preference. Stir until fully dissolved.

Step 4: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla balances the sweetness of the cherry and gives the creamer that smooth, rich finish.

Step 5: If you like a chunkier texture or love natural fruit flavors, toss in the finely chopped cherries and let them steep for 10 minutes in the warm mixture. You can strain them out after or let them settle for a rustic vibe.

Step 6: Allow the creamer to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container (a mason jar works great). Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

Tips for the Perfect Cherry Vanilla Creamer

• Use fresh cherries for more flavor: If you can find fresh cherries, they’ll pack a more natural and robust flavor compared to bottled cherry juice. Plus, you can adjust the tartness by choosing sweet or sour varieties.
• Adjust the sweetness to your taste: Always start with less sweetener and add more after tasting—it’s easier to add than to subtract!
• Experiment with milk alternatives: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, almond milk adds nuttiness, oat milk adds creaminess, and coconut milk brings a subtle tropical twist.
• Blend for a smoother texture: If you added fresh cherries but don’t want chunks in your creamer, blend the entire mixture after cooling to achieve a silky finish.
• Make it extra decadent: Feeling indulgent? Add a splash of almond extract to complement the cherry flavor or a pinch of salt to accentuate the sweetness.
• Don’t forget to shake before serving: Homemade creamer may separate slightly while sitting in the fridge—just give it a quick shake before adding it to your coffee to recombine the ingredients.

What to serve with

Cherry Vanilla Creamer is a decadent addition to coffee, tea, or even desserts. Its sweet cherry aroma complemented by creamy vanilla pairs beautifully with a variety of foods and drinks.

Coffee:

Add the creamer to a freshly brewed cup of coffee for a sweet treat. Try pairing it with:

• Espresso: A bold shot of espresso perfectly balances the sweetness of the cherry vanilla creamer.
• Iced coffee: Stir the creamer into chilled coffee for a refreshing drink. Add a few ice cubes and top with whipped cream for a summer treat.
• Cold brew: The smooth, rich flavor of cold brew pairs beautifully with the creamy sweetness of the creamer.
• Mocha latte: Combine the creamer with espresso and chocolate syrup for a cherry-vanilla-chocolate fusion.

Black Tea:

Add a splash to teas like Earl Grey or English Breakfast for a sophisticated flavor upgrade.

• Hot Cocoa: Cozy up on a chilly day—drizzle the creamer over a cup of rich, hot cocoa for an indulgent cherry vanilla twist.
• Milkshakes: Stir the creamer into a vanilla or chocolate milkshake for a dreamy cherry-flavored treat.

Ingredients Substitutes

Cherry Vanilla Creamer is a delightful additive to coffee, tea, or other beverages, giving a sweet and creamy flavor. If you’re looking to make this creamer at home and need ingredient substitutes due to dietary restrictions, flavor preferences, or availability, here are detailed options for substitutions:

Milk or Cream

The base for the creamer is typically heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk, which provides richness and a smooth texture.

Substitutes for Milk/Cream:

Non-Dairy Alternatives:

• Coconut Milk: Rich, creamy, and lends a slight tropical flavor.
• Almond Milk: Lighter texture but works well for those avoiding dairy. Choose unsweetened varieties.
• Oat Milk: Smooth and naturally sweet, providing a creamy consistency without dairy.
• Cashew Milk: Lesser-known but often creamier than almond milk.

Low-Fat Options:

• Skim milk or 2% milk for lower fat content, though the creamer will be less rich.
• Evaporated Milk: Great for adding a concentrated milky flavor if you don’t want to use cream.

Cherry Flavor

The distinctive cherry taste typically comes from cherry juice, puree, or cherry extract.

Substitutes for Cherry Flavor:

• Raspberry or Strawberry Syrup/Puree: Offers a rich berry sweetness that complements vanilla beautifully.
• Pomegranate Juice: Adds tangy notes similar to cherries with subtle sweetness.
• Dried or Fresh Cherries: Blend preserved cherries into a puree if cherry syrup or juice isn’t available. Maraschino cherries can also be used sparingly for a mild flavor.
• Blackberry Syrup: A slightly darker berry flavor which pairs well with vanilla and adds a rich undertone.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract gives the signature warmth and sweetness to the creamer.

Substitutes for Vanilla Extract:

• Vanilla Bean: Use the seeds scraped from a vanilla pod for a more natural and potent flavor.
• Vanilla Paste: Slightly thicker than extract, it’s a great alternative for a deeper flavor.
• Maple Syrup: A mild substitute that complements cherry and adds sweetness.
• Almond Extract: Adds a nutty undertone while blending well with cherry. Use sparingly, as it is strong.
• Honey-Vanilla Mixture: Mix raw honey with a small amount of vanilla powder; it will sweeten while adding vanilla notes.

Sweeteners

The creamer is sweetened to balance the tang of the cherries and the warmth of the vanilla, usually with sugar or sweetened condensed milk.

Substitutes for Sweeteners:

• Honey: A natural sweetener with a slightly floral note.
• Agave Syrup: Great for those needing a plant-based option.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a unique depth to the creamer.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Ideal for those avoiding added sugars. Ensure you use a variety formulated for blending into liquids.
• Coconut Sugar: A refined sugar alternative that offers mild caramel undertones.
• Date Paste: Blend soaked dates for a natural, fruity sweetness that pairs well with cherries.

Thickening Options (Optional)

Some recipes call for cornstarch or xanthan gum to thicken the creamer slightly.

Substitutes for Thickeners:

• Arrowroot Powder: Works similarly to cornstarch but is gluten-free.
• Tapioca Starch: Another gluten-free alternative for a smoother texture.
• Gelatin: Add a small amount for slight thickening if you’re not vegetarian or vegan.
• Chia Seed Gel: Blend soaked chia seeds to create a naturally creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—a dreamy, delicious Cherry Vanilla Creamer that will make every cup of coffee feel like a treat. 

More Creamer Recipes:

• International Delight Caramel Macchiato Coffee Creamer Recipe
• Homemade Chobani Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer Recipe