Can You Use Coffee Creamer in a Milk Frother?

Ever wondered if you can use coffee creamer in a milk frother instead of milk? Read to learn more.

the person making Milk Froth
Many people have had success when using milk frother to froth their coffee creamer

If you prefer coffee creamer to traditional milk in your coffee but also like the texture of frothed milk, you may wonder if it is possible to use your favorite coffee creamer in the milk frother in place of milk for an even more decadent coffee treat, and the answer is yes.

milk frother turns milk into foam by whisking as much air into the milk as possible, creating a lighter textured, double-the-volume froth that can be added to coffee to make lattescappuccinos, and more. 

Milk frothers are traditionally used to froth cow’s milk; however, can you use coffee creamer in a milk frother? Well, many people have also had success when using them to froth their coffee creamer for a more unique serving of coffee.

Coffee Creamer Vs Milk

Adding milk to your coffee helps take away the bitter taste so it tastes better. It also makes it creamier and thicker for a more indulgent cup of coffee.

However, many people prefer coffee creamer over milk for various reasons. For instance, many creamers come in a variety of fun flavors, like caramel, mocha, and French vanilla, which makes for a more exciting cup of coffee.

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There are also seasonal flavors that enable you to savor the season with each sip. And, since they also come flavored, it also enables you to sweeten your coffee without adding sugar. Therefore, coffee creamers are often preferred over the plain flavor of milk.

Some creamers are also free of lactose, which causes adverse reactions in some individuals; however, they are still derived from milk proteins, so keep this in mind if you are vegan or allergic to milk proteins. 

Coffee creamers also lack the calcium and other nutrients of milk, so you should also keep this in mind if you are looking to get a daily dose of calcium via your cappuccino or latte.

Coffee creamer also lasts longer than milk, which means fewer trips to the store to buy more.

The Different Types Of Milk Frothers

There are basically three categories of milk frothers, automatic, manual, and electric, and which you choose to add to your kitchen comes down to personal preference. Some things to consider when purchasing one include ease of use, power source, working speed, foam quality, and the cost you are willing to pay.

1. Espresso/Cappuccino Machine Wands

If you have an espresso or cappuccino machine, then there is a frothing wand already attached to it. The frothing wand contains a nozzle at the end that pushes steam out, which provides two benefits: It both warms the cream and froths it.

Espresso/Cappuccino Machine Wand Frothing a Coffee Creamer or Milk
If you have an espresso or cappuccino machine, then there is a frothing wand already attached to it.

2. Hand-Pump Pressed Milk Frothers

Hand-pump-pressed milk frothers, such as the French Press, contain either a metal or glass body with a lid that has a hole in it, which has a plunger running through it.

To froth the creamer, you simply push the plunger up and down, which brings air into the milk, causing it to become froth in under a minute.

3. Electric Milk Frothers

The most common type of electric frothers are most likely the small electric whisks that whip the creamer around to aerate it to double its original volume. However, there are also expensive countertop models that can heat and foam the milk simultaneously. They may also take a while to heat up and require a cooling period in between batches of frothed milk.

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There are also immersion blenders that work twice as hard as other handheld frothers and also create twice the foam.

Some manufacturers make automatic milk frothers, which warms up the milk and froths it to perfection. These gadgets are probably the easiest to use out of all milk frother types because you simply pour the creamer into the jug, place the lid on, and then click the button to get the perfect foam

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They automatically shut off when they are finished, depending on the model, so you can tend to other tasks while waiting for it to froth. Most models can also be used to make hot chocolate, milkshakes, and more, so you get a lot for your money.

Frothing Coffee Creamer In A Milk Frother

Handheld Milk Frother Frothing Milk
When using coffee creamer, the foam is less thick and dense than whole milk.

When frothing milk, the thicker it is, the thicker and less airy the foam will be. For instance, skim milk creates a very airy foam, as well as a lighter flavor when frothed. Meanwhile, whole milk creates a thicker, denser foam when it is frothed. 

When using coffee creamer, the foam is less thick and dense than whole milk. Furthermore, the foam will evaporate quickly when it is frothed.

To froth coffee creamer using a milk frother, for a typical cappuccino, use one-third coffee, one-third steamed coffee creamer, and one-third coffee creamer foam. For a typical latte, add one-third coffee, two-thirds heated coffee creamer, and finish it with a layer of coffee creamer foam. These are just basic recipes, so be sure to experiment with the measurements until you find the right concoction for you.

Coffee creamer comes in either liquid, which is stored in the refrigerator, or powder, which can be stored in the cabinet. However, they can both be used in the milk frother.

Ways To Froth Liquid Coffee Creamer

Using An Espresso Machine

  • Add cold liquid coffee creamer to a small, cold pitcher.
  • Insert the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the liquid
  • Tilt the pitcher at an angle.
  • Turn on the wand and allow just a bit of air in, about 2 to three seconds
  • Sink the tip of the wand all the way into the cup and, and with the pitcher still positioned at an angle, turn on the wand allow it to create a whirlpool until the creamer gets frothy and warm.
  • Add the frothed creamer to your coffee

Using A French Press

  • Heat the coffee creamer in the microwave or on the stovetop.
  • Fill the container no more than 1/3 full with heated milk.
  • Place the lid on the French press.
  • Push and pull down on the plunger until the coffee creamer becomes a smooth froth.
  • Add it to your coffee.

Using An Electric Whisk

  • Add creamer to a cup.
  • Immerse the handheld electric whisk into the cup.
  • Allow the electric whisk to run until the creamer increases in volume.
  • Add the frothed creamer to your coffee.

Using An Automatic Milk Frother

  • Add cold liquid creamer to the milk frother.
  • Set the temperature to the desired temperature.
  • Allow the machine to froth the creamer until it has increased in volume.
  • Add the frothed creamer to your coffee.

If you are using powdered coffee creamer, simply add water or milk to the powder to dilute it and then follow the same steps as above to froth it. You can also add water or milk to help thin them out for a lighter, airier froth.

The Last Word On Coffee Creamer In A Milk Frother

Any kind of creamer can be frothed, including both liquid and powdered types. To find a coffee recipe that you love, it’s important to experiment and try different things until you find something you really like.

For hot weather, try frothing creamer using a no-heat method and adding it to iced coffee or cold brew. Add a liquid sweetener like simple syrup or agave so it melts easily into the drink. Cold foam is easier to add to cold coffee without deflating than too hot coffee.

You can even try making coffee shop drinks that are usually the domain of baristas. Try recreating a macchiato with froth made of flavored creamer for a special occasion, or even just add some frothed creamer to a fresh cup from your automatic coffee maker

As long as it makes you happy, any kind of drink made with any kind of milk froth is acceptable. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover something that works for you!

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Related Questions

How Do I Know When I Have the Perfect Foam?

Microfoam bubbles, which are bubbles so small, they are barely noticeable, are said to be the best foam for creating the velvety, rich texture just perfect for a lush, smooth-textured latte. Otherwise, if the bubbles in the foam are too big, or it has a lot of big bubbles, it can create a drier foam.

How Long Should You Heat Coffee Creamer?

Whether you heat your coffee creamer in the microwave, on the stove, with an espresso steam wand, or in an automatic milk frother, it is important not to scorch or it will ruin the taste. Therefore, as a general rule, heat the creamer only as long as it takes to see small bubbles or about a few seconds. 

If you simply want hot milk or creamer to add to your coffee, be sure to stir it periodically to prevent it from boiling, and whatever you do, never leave it unattended while heating as many appliances can heat up pretty quickly and can result in scorching before you know it.

Can You Make Your Own Coffee Creamer?

It is possible to make your own creamer, which allows you to control the ingredients that go into it. It also enables you to create your own signature flavors for more customized coffee drinks

A basic recipe includes a 1:1 ratio of condensed milk or condensed coconut milk and some type of cold milkHeavy creamwhole milk, reduced-fat milkhalf and half, soy milk, almond milk, etc.
 
– Whisk or shake the two ingredients together in a jar. 

– Place the creamer into an airtight container and then store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. 

– You can also experiment with different flavors, such as vanilla extract, maple syrup, or even some store-bought coffee syrups for added taste.

Author

  • AE Inman

    A E Inman is a direct response copywriter and humor blogger. When she's not poking fun at her attempts to start a writing business, she can be found in the tea aisle of her local import store, arguing with strangers over the merits of rare tea varietals. She enjoys writing copy while consuming copious amounts of coffee and gunpowder tea.