Name: Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 cup of oat milk; 1 cup of heavy cream; 1/4 cup of brown sugar; Two teaspoons of pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon; Optional: 1 espresso shot

Gone are the days when your morning brew was merely a means to wake up. Now, it’s a portal to your own personal café, nestled in the corner of your home, waiting to delight your senses with every sip. Discovering the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer recipe was akin to uncovering a hidden treasure.

Table of Contents

How to make Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer

Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer is a flavored cream that combines brown sugar and other ingredients to create a sweet, rich flavor. It is typically used to enhance coffee or espresso drinks. The term “shaken” likely refers to the process of mixing the creamer with ice or espresso to create a frothy, blended texture.

Ingredients:

1 cup of oat milk: Its creamy texture and slight sweetness make it a perfect base.
1 cup of heavy cream: Adds richness and body to the creamer.
1/4 cup of brown sugar: Imparts a deep, caramel-like sweetness, which is the star of the creamer.
Two teaspoons of pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon: Gives a spicy warmth, complementing the sweetness of brown sugar.
Optional: 1 espresso shot: For an authentic coffee-infused flavor, include a shot of strong espresso. This will bring that distinctly bold coffee tone right into your creamer.

Instructions:

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the oat milk, heavy cream, and brown sugar. Place the pan over medium heat.
Heat the Mixture: Stir the mixture continuously until the brown sugar has completely dissolved. Do not bring it to a boil to prevent the cream from separating.
Simmer: Once the sugar is dissolved, boil the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally. The mixture should thicken slightly.
Add Flavors: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and the espresso shot (if using). Mix everything well to combine it thoroughly.
Cool Down: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Strain (Optional): For a smoother texture, strain the creamer through a fine mesh sieve to remove any undissolved spices or excess foam.
Store: Transfer your homemade creamer into a clean, airtight bottle or jar. Refrigerate it.

Tips for Perfect Creamer Every Time:

Choose Your Base Wisely: While oat milk and heavy cream are suggested for a rich texture, you can substitute these with almond milk, coconut milk, or any other milk of your choice. Just keep in mind that the creaminess and flavor profile might change depending on your choice.
Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference for sweetness, adjust the amount of brown sugar. You can start with less and gradually add more if needed.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with other flavors. Maple syrup can be a good substitute for brown sugar, or add nutmeg for an extra layer of spice.
Shake Before Use: Since homemade creamer can sometimes separate when stored, always give it a good shake before pouring it into your coffee.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer offers the satisfaction of brewing up something uniquely yours and allows for customization based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.

1. Brown Sugar

Coconut Sugar: An excellent one-to-one substitute, coconut sugar offers a similar caramel-like flavor with a lower glycemic index.
Maple Syrup: If liquid sweetener doesn’t bother you, maple syrup can be a great alternative, offering rich, complex flavors. Start with a little less than the amount of brown sugar called for, as its liquid nature could slightly alter the creamer’s consistency.
Honey: Like maple syrup, honey is sweeter than brown sugar, so you might want to use less. It provides a distinct flavor that complements the espresso well.

2. Cream/Milk

Non-Dairy Milk: For lactose intolerance or vegan preferences, almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk can be used. Each has a unique flavor—oat milk, for example, is naturally sweet and creamy, making it a great option.
Half-and-Half Substitute: Mixing ¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) with ¼ cup melted unsalted butter can mimic half-and-half. This might be helpful if you’re looking to achieve the creaminess of half-and-half but only have milk and butter on hand.

3. Espresso

Strong-brewed coffee: While not identical, a very strong-brewed coffee can substitute for espresso in a pinch. Aim for a dark roast to emulate the rich flavor of espresso.
Instant Espresso Powder: If you don’t have an espresso machine, instant espresso powder can be a quick and easy alternative that delivers a similar flavor profile.

4. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla Bean Paste: If you’re out of extract but have vanilla bean paste, you can use it as a one-to-one substitute. It’ll add a rich, pure vanilla flavor and tiny specks of vanilla bean, which can be aesthetically pleasing.
Almond Extract: In a different direction, almond extract can offer an interesting twist. It’s much stronger than vanilla, so start with just a half or a quarter of the amount called for and adjust to taste.

5. Spices

Cinnamon or Nutmeg: If the recipe calls for spices that you don’t have or you simply want to experiment with flavors, both cinnamon and nutmeg can complement the caramel notes of the brown sugar well. Start with a small amount and adjust according to taste.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy this homemade Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer in your next coffee, and watch it transform your usual cup into a special treat.

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