One treat I’ve always loved during the holidays is Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. The creaminess, the subtle sweetness, and that unmistakable holiday magic wrapped up in those little cakes? Pure bliss! So, imagine my excitement when I discovered you could recreate that same flavor in a homemade Little Debbie Coffee Creamer.
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How to make Little Debbie Coffee Creamer
Little Debbie Coffee Creamer is a flavored coffee creamer inspired by the popular snack cakes made by Little Debbie. It’s a liquid creamer (sold in bottles, often found in grocery stores) that blends the taste of classic Little Debbie treats—like Oatmeal Crème Pies, Cosmic Brownies, or other signature snacks—into coffee.
Ingredients
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – 1 cup
- Whole Milk or Heavy Cream – 1 cup
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
- Almond Extract – ½ teaspoon
- Butter Extract – ½ teaspoon
- Maple Syrup or Corn Syrup – 1 tablespoon
- Pinch of Ground Nutmeg or Cinnamon (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Combine the Liquids: In a medium-sized mixing bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and whole milk (or heavy cream) until well combined.
- Add the Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and butter extract. Be sure to mix well so the flavors are distributed evenly throughout the creamer.
- Sweeten It Just Right: Whisk in the maple syrup or corn syrup. Taste the mixture to see if the sweetness matches your preference – you can adjust by adding a little more syrup if needed.
- Optional Spices: If you want to add a cozy holiday twist, sprinkle in a small pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon and mix thoroughly.
- Store the Creamer: Transfer the creamer to a clean, airtight container or bottle. A mason jar works perfectly! Keep the creamer in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days. Shake well before each use, as the ingredients may settle.
Tips for the Best Results
- Adjust Sweetness & Creaminess: You can play with the sweetness and creaminess by adjusting the ratio of sweetened condensed milk to regular milk/heavy cream. Want it less sweet? Use more whole milk. Prefer it richer? Go for heavy cream.
- DIY Christmas Vibes: Pair your Little Debbie Coffee Creamer with a sprinkle of red and green holiday sprinkles on your coffee foam for that extra Little Debbie vibe!
- Test It Hot and Iced: This Little Debbie Coffee Creamer works wonderfully in both hot and iced coffee. For iced coffee, it also pairs beautifully with cold brew.
- Gift It: This creamer makes for a thoughtful homemade holiday gift! Pour it into small, decorative bottles, tie a festive ribbon around the neck, and label it as “Homemade Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Coffee Creamer.”
Ingredients Substitutes
If you’re excited to make your own Little Debbie-inspired coffee creamer but don’t have all the ingredients on hand—or if you have dietary preferences—no worries!
1. Sweetened Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk adds that essential sweetness and creamy base to your creamer. If you need to substitute it:
Alternatives:
- Coconut Milk + Sweetener: Use canned full-fat coconut milk mixed with 2–3 tablespoons of sugar (or a sugar substitute like stevia, monk fruit, or maple syrup). Heat it slightly and stir to combine.
- Evaporated Milk + Sugar: Combine evaporated milk with ¼ cup of sugar per cup of liquid, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. This keeps the richness while making it closer to the original.
- Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk: Simmer milk (or plant-based milk) with sugar on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by half, creating a thick, sweetened base.
2. Whole Milk or Heavy Cream
To balance the sweetness and create a velvety texture, the recipe uses whole milk or heavy cream. Here’s how to adjust:
Alternatives:
- Dairy-Free Milks: Use almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, or soy milk as a substitute for a plant-based creamer. Oat milk or cashew milk is recommended for its naturally creamy texture.
- Half-and-Half: If you have half-and-half available, it works as a perfect substitute for whole milk or heavy cream, hitting a middle ground between the two.
- Low-Fat Milk: For a lighter option, 2% or 1% milk can be used, although the creamer will be less rich. Add an extra splash of sweetened condensed milk to enhance the creaminess.
3. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is essential for capturing the cake-like essence. If you’re low on vanilla or looking for a different twist:
Alternatives:
- Vanilla Bean or Paste: Substitute with 1 teaspoon of vanilla paste or seeds scraped from a vanilla bean pod for a more intense, authentic flavor.
- Imitation Vanilla Flavoring: While not as robust as pure vanilla, this works in a pinch. Use the same quantity as vanilla extract.
- Vanilla Almond Milk: If you’re using almond milk, opt for the vanilla-flavored variety to naturally intensify the flavor.
4. Almond Extract
Almond extract adds a nutty undertone that mimics the iconic cake flavor profile. Here’s how to replace it:
Alternatives:
- Amaretto (Non-Alcoholic Option): Swap almond extract with a splash of almond syrup or amaretto syrup (like the type used in lattes). This is available in most grocery or coffee specialty stores.
- Leave It Out: If almond flavor isn’t your thing, you can skip this ingredient altogether. The creamer will still taste wonderful, just slightly less cake-like.
5. Butter Extract (Optional)
Butter extract brings that subtle “buttery cake” flavor to the mix. If you don’t have it or prefer an alternative:
Alternatives:
- Melted Unsalted Butter (Tiny Amount): Whisk in 1 teaspoon of very soft, melted unsalted butter into the creamer mix for a touch of buttery richness. Just don’t overdo it, or it may affect the texture.
- Buttery Vegan Spreads: For a plant-based option, you can add a tiny bit of melted vegan butter like Earth Balance for a similar effect.
- Skip It: Butter extract is optional, so feel free to leave it out. The other ingredients will still shine on their own.
6. Maple Syrup or Corn Syrup
This ingredient replicates the sweet glaze and icing found on Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. If you don’t have it on hand:
Alternatives:
- Honey: A natural sweetener that adds warmth and richness, honey can be used as a substitute for sugar. Use the same quantity as the syrup in the recipe.
- Agave Syrup: Agave has a neutral sweetness and works especially well in coffee creamers.
- Brown Sugar Syrup: Simmer equal parts brown sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. This creates a molasses-like sweetness that complements holiday flavors.
- Granulated Sugar: If you don’t have syrup, regular sugar can work if fully dissolved. Be sure to stir the mixture very well.
7. Ground Nutmeg or Cinnamon (Optional)
The gentle spices tie everything together with a festive flair. If you need substitutes:
Alternatives:
- Pumpkin Spice Mix: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves will create a similar warm, holiday vibe.
- Allspice: Use sparingly, as it’s stronger than nutmeg but has a similar profile.
- Leave It Plain: If you prefer not to have spiced flavors, you can skip this altogether and let the other flavors take center stage.
Final Thoughts
This Little Debbie Coffee Creamer recipe isn’t just a treat for your taste buds — it’s a slice of holiday nostalgia that you can enjoy with each cup of coffee.
More Creamer Recipes:
Ingredients
- Sweetened Condensed Milk - 1 cup
- Whole Milk or Heavy Cream - 1 cup
- Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
- Almond Extract - ½ teaspoon
- Butter Extract - ½ teaspoon
- Maple Syrup or Corn Syrup - 1 tablespoon
- Pinch of Ground Nutmeg
Instructions
- Combine the Liquids: In a medium-sized mixing bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and whole milk (or heavy cream) until well combined.
- Add the Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and butter extract. Be sure to mix well so the flavors are distributed evenly throughout the creamer.
- Sweeten It Just Right: Whisk in the maple syrup or corn syrup. Taste the mixture to see if the sweetness matches your preference – you can adjust by adding a little more syrup if needed.
- Optional Spices: If you want to add a cozy holiday twist, sprinkle in a small pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon and mix thoroughly.
- Store the Creamer: Transfer the creamer to a clean, airtight container or bottle. A mason jar works perfectly! Keep the creamer in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days. Shake well before each use, as the ingredients may settle.
