Sometimes you grab a carton of French vanilla coffee creamer for your morning coffee and then realize you’re only using it for that single purpose. But here’s the thing—there’s so much more you can do with it beyond your cup of joe. French vanilla coffee creamer has a rich, smooth texture that makes it a versatile ingredient for plenty of sweet (and even a few savory) dishes.
Incorporating it into your cooking and baking isn’t complicated, and it’s a great way to avoid food waste if you find yourself with leftover creamer at the end of the week. From breakfasts to desserts, there’s no shortage of ways you can use it. Plus, it’s already flavored and sweetened, which means you’re cutting down on additional ingredients.
French Vanilla Coffee Creamer in Your Pancakes
Starting your morning off with pancakes or waffles? Swap out some of the milk in your batter for French vanilla coffee creamer. This little change brings an extra layer of flavor that milk just can’t offer. The result? A slightly sweeter, richer pancake or waffle that pairs perfectly with maple syrup or fresh fruit. And because coffee creamer is already sweetened, you might find you don’t need as much sugar in your recipe. It’s also great if you’re running low on milk and need a quick substitute that won’t mess with the consistency of your batter.
If you want to get creative, you can match the flavors in your creamer with other ingredients. For example, if you’re using French vanilla creamer, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the vanilla flavor. Or, if it’s the fall season, mix in some pumpkin puree and a little pumpkin pie spice for a cozy breakfast treat. The creamer not only adds flavor but gives your pancakes and waffles a deliciously soft texture.
Use It to Make Creamy Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a breakfast staple, but let’s be honest—it can get a little boring. A splash of French vanilla coffee creamer is a quick fix for that. When cooking your oats, swap out part of the water or milk for some creamer. You don’t need a lot; just a few tablespoons will do. The result is a creamier, richer oatmeal with a hint of sweetness. It’s an easy way to add flavor without needing extra sugar or syrups. And let’s face it, vanilla goes well with almost anything, so you can top your oatmeal with fruits, nuts, or even a drizzle of honey, knowing the flavors will mesh beautifully.
For overnight oats, this hack works just as well. Mix your oats, liquid, and French vanilla coffee creamer the night before, and you’ll wake up to an indulgent, flavorful breakfast that requires zero effort in the morning. It’s perfect for busy days when you need something quick but satisfying.
French Toast Just Got Better
If you’ve never thought of adding French vanilla coffee creamer to your French toast batter, you’re missing out. The creamer adds both sweetness and richness to the egg mixture, giving the toast a beautifully caramelized exterior when cooked. It’s as simple as whisking the creamer into your eggs before dipping the bread. Whether you’re using a classic white loaf or something a bit fancier like brioche, the French vanilla flavor gives the dish an extra layer of decadence.
This method is especially great if you’re aiming for a subtly flavored French toast without the need for added sugar or vanilla extract. The creamer does all the work for you. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with other flavored creamers, but French vanilla is a safe bet that works with just about any bread and topping combination.
Elevate Your Pudding Recipes
Pudding might not be a dessert you make often, but it’s one of the easiest treats to enhance with French vanilla coffee creamer. Whether you’re making a classic stovetop pudding or rice pudding, replacing some of the milk with creamer adds depth and a smooth vanilla flavor that complements the natural creaminess of the dessert. It’s an easy way to upgrade store-bought pudding mix as well—just mix in a splash of creamer along with your milk, and suddenly you’ve got a dessert that tastes a little more gourmet.
For rice pudding, French vanilla coffee creamer can replace part of the liquid, giving the rice an even creamier texture. Add some cinnamon or raisins, and you’ve got a dessert (or breakfast) that feels both luxurious and comforting. Plus, since creamer is already sweetened, you can adjust the sugar in the recipe to suit your taste.
Make Your Hot Chocolate Extra Creamy
Wintertime calls for cozy drinks, and nothing beats a good cup of hot chocolate. But if you really want to take it up a notch, adding a splash of French vanilla coffee creamer can do the trick. Once your hot chocolate is made, stir in a bit of creamer to make it richer and more indulgent. The French vanilla flavor blends beautifully with chocolate, creating a velvety drink that feels a little more special than your average cup.
You can also make your own hot chocolate mix by combining a rich cocoa powder (such as Dutch-processed cocoa powder), sugar, dry milk, and powdered French vanilla coffee creamer. Store it in a jar, and you’ve got a quick, homemade mix ready to go whenever the craving strikes. It’s also a great homemade gift idea during the holidays.
Use It in Frostings and Glazes
If you’re baking a cake or some cookies and want to make the frosting or glaze a little more exciting, French vanilla coffee creamer is your friend. Instead of using milk or cream, mix in the coffee creamer for an added vanilla punch. This works particularly well with buttercream frosting or simple glazes for donuts, cinnamon rolls, or cupcakes. The creamer adds a rich, smooth consistency and enhances the sweetness without being overpowering.
For glazes, just whisk together powdered sugar and a bit of French vanilla coffee creamer until it reaches your desired consistency. It’s a great way to create a simple, flavorful glaze without needing a ton of ingredients. And since the creamer is already flavored, you won’t need to add any vanilla extract or extra sweeteners.