Copycat Trader Joe’s Creamer Recipe

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If you’ve ever meandered through the aisles of Trader Joe’s, you’ll know that one of its hidden gems is the assortment of creamers that can elevate a simple cup of coffee or tea into a gourmet experience right at home. I’ve set out to make a homemade version of Trader Joe’s creamer that not only rivals the store-bought delight but also adds a personal touch that can’t be replicated on the shelves.

How to make Trader Joe’s Creamer

Trader Joe’s Creamer is a line of coffee creamers sold by the grocery store chain Trader Joe’s. They offer several varieties, including dairy-based and non-dairy options.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats (for oat creamer) or 1 cup unsweetened coconut shreds (for coconut creamer)
• 4 cups filtered water
• 2 to 4 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• A dash of salt (to enhance flavors)
• Optional Ingredients for Customization:
• Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (for a spiced creamer)
• Almond extract (for a nutty flavor)
• Cocoa powder (for a chocolate twist)
• Maple syrup or agave (for alternative sweeteners)

Instructions:

1. Blend the Base: For an oat creamer, start by soaking 1 cup of rolled oats in water for about 30 minutes, then drain and rinse. For a coconut creamer, skip the soaking and proceed to blend. Combine your base ingredient (oats or coconut) with 4 cups of filtered water in a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain the Mixture: Use a nut milk bag or a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth to strain the mixture into a large bowl, extracting as much liquid as possible. Compost or discard the pulp.
3. Add Sweetness and Flavor: Pour the strained liquid back into the blender. Add brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a dash of salt. Blend again to combine all ingredients thoroughly. If you’re adding any optional ingredients for customization, do so at this step.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste your creamer and adjust sweetness or flavoring as necessary. If you desire a thinner consistency, you can add more water.
5. Bottle and Chill: Transfer your homemade creamer to an airtight bottle or jar and refrigerate. Let it chill before using for the flavors to meld together.
6. Enjoy!: Give your creamer a good shake before each use as natural separation may occur. Pour into coffee or tea and enjoy your homemade Trader Joe’s creamer.

Tips:

• Freshness: Homemade creamer is best enjoyed within 5-7 days. Always smell and taste before use to ensure freshness.
• Creaminess: For a creamier texture, you could add a tablespoon of coconut oil to the blend and emulsify it well.
• Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness level to your preference. For a less processed option, you could replace brown sugar with dates; just make sure they are well blended.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different extract flavors or spices to replicate seasonal creamers that Trader Joe’s might offer throughout the year.

What to serve with

Your delightful homemade Trader Joe’s creamer isn’t just a companion to coffee or tea; it’s a versatile player in the arena of treats and eats!

Coffee & Tea Combinations:

• Classic Brewed Coffee: Enhance your morning cup of joe by stirring in your homemade creamer to add richness and sweetness.
• Espresso Drinks: Use the creamer in a homemade latte or cappuccino to give that velvety finish at a café.
• Iced Coffee or Cold Brew: Elevate your chilled coffee by adding a splash of the creamer for a decadent summer treat.
• Tea: Whether it’s black, green, chai, or herbal, the creamer can add a smooth texture and a hint of sweetness to your favorite tea.
• Matcha or Golden Milk Latte: Mix the creamer with matcha powder or turmeric blend for an indulgent, healthful latte.

Breakfast Delicacies:

• Oatmeal or Porridge: Drizzle your creamer over a hot bowl of oats with fresh fruits and nuts for a creamy and sweet breakfast.
• Pancakes or Waffles: Swap out some of the milk in your recipe with the creamer for a nuanced flavor, or serve it as a pour-over topping.
• French Toast: To add flavor to classic French toast, incorporate the creamer into the egg mixture before soaking your bread.
• Smoothies or Smoothie Bowls: Add a dash of the creamer to your blended fruits for a smoother texture and a hint of sweetness.

Dessert Applications:

• Fresh Baked Goods: Pair your freshly baked cookies, scones, or muffins with a cup of coffee or tea featuring your homemade creamer.
• Cakes and Cupcakes: Use creamer instead of milk in your frosting recipe for a subtly flavored and creamy topping.
• Puddings or Custards: Enrich these desserts by replacing some of the milk with your creamer.
• Fruit Salad: Toss your favorite fruits with a little of the creamer for a sweet and creamy dressing.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of Trader Joe’s creamer allows for customization and experimentation, particularly if you aim to adapt it based on dietary restrictions or preferences or simply to work with the ingredients you have on hand.

Base Liquid

Original: Heavy Cream

Substitutes:

• Coconut cream is a vegan and lactose-free option.
• Half-and-half for a less fatty alternative.
• Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk are dairy-free and vegan versions, though these will be less creamy.

Original: Whole Milk

Substitutes:

• Skim or 2% milk for lower fat content.
• Any plant-based milk (almond, cashew, soy, oat) for a dairy-free version.

Sweeteners

Original: Sugar

Substitutes:

• Honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener version.
• Stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie, sugar-free option. Adjust the quantity as these sweeteners tend to be sweeter than sugar.
• Agave syrup, ideal for vegan recipes.

Original: Condensed Milk

Substitutes:

• For a vegan version, use coconut condensed milk.
• To reduce sugar, simmer your choice of milk and a sweetener of your choice until thickened.

Flavors & Spices

Vanilla Extract

Substitute with vanilla bean paste or the seeds from a vanilla pod for a more intense flavor.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Make your own by combining ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

Cocoa Powder

For a chocolatey touch without bitterness, opt for a sweetened cocoa mix or even a dash of melted chocolate.

Cinnamon/Nutmeg

Swap with allspice or cardamom for a different spice profile.

Final Thoughts

Your homemade Trader Joe’s creamer is more than just a coffee addition; it’s an all-around culinary fairy dust that adds magic to many recipes and delights both the sweet and savory palates.

More Creamer Recipes:

• Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer Recipe
• Pistachio Cream Recipe
• Costco Pistachio Cream Recipe
• Wedding Cake Creamer Recipe
• Chocolate Covered Strawberry Creamer Recipe