I’ve found that recreating favorite flavors from scratch adds a special touch to every cup of coffee. Not only does it allow you to control the ingredients and make healthier choices, but it also infuses your morning routine with a personalized splash of indulgence. And trust me, once you make this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Creamer, your mornings will never be the same again!
Table of Contents
How to make Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Creamer
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Creamer is a flavored coffee creamer that tastes like — you guessed it — chocolate-covered strawberries.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious creamer:
- 1 cup heavy cream – For that rich, creamy texture.
- 1 cup milk: Use whole milk for a creamier taste or any milk alternative like almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries: The key ingredient! Wash, hull, and chop for the brightest strawberry flavor.
- 2-3 tablespoons cocoa powder – For a bold, chocolatey base.
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar (or sweetener of choice) – You can adjust based on your sweetness preference. Substitute with honey, agave syrup, or stevia for a more natural option.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – To enhance the flavor and add depth.
- Pinch of salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Instructions
Here’s how to make your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Creamer step-by-step:
- Prepare the strawberries: Add the chopped strawberries to a small saucepan with 1 tablespoon of sugar (or your chosen sweetener).
- Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and become soft (about 5–8 minutes). Mash them gently with a fork or spoon while cooking.
- Strain the strawberries: Strain the cooked strawberries through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds and pulp, leaving only the smooth strawberry syrup behind. Set this aside.
- Make the chocolate base: In another small saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, remaining sugar, and a pinch of salt with a splash of milk to create a smooth paste.
- Slowly add the rest of the milk and heavy cream, whisking to incorporate the chocolate paste evenly.
- Combine the flavors: Once the chocolate mixture has warmed through (but not come to a boil), stir in the strawberry syrup and vanilla extract. Whisk well to ensure all flavors meld together.
- Cool and store: Remove from heat and let the creamer cool to room temperature. Pour it into an airtight container or bottle and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake well before each use.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Creamer
- Fresh or frozen strawberries: Fresh strawberries are ideal for the best flavor, but if they’re out of season, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them before cooking.
- Adjust sweetness: Everyone has a different level of sweetness they enjoy, so taste as you go! Add more sugar or sweetener as needed before finalizing the recipe.
- For a deeper chocolate flavor: Try using dark cocoa powder or add 1–2 tablespoons of melted chocolate into the mix.
- Dairy-free options: Swap heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk, or choose your favorite non-dairy alternatives to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Blend for a smoother texture: If you want an extra smooth, silky creamer, use an immersion blender before straining and storing the creamer.
What to serve with
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Creamer isn’t just a simple coffee addition—it’s a decadent experience! To truly enhance your mornings, afternoons, or dessert indulgences, pair your flavorful coffee (or other beverages) enhanced by this creamer with complementary treats.
a. Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle your warm pancakes or waffles with a touch of the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Creameras a topping. Pair them with fresh strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips to amplify the chocolate-strawberry experience.
b. French Toast: A cup of coffee made with your homemade Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Creamer goes perfectly with French toast. Add a light dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar to tie everything together.
c. Croissants or Danish Pastries: Flaky pastries—especially those filled with fruit or chocolate—are the ultimate complement. The buttery richness of a croissant paired with the creamy strawberry-chocolate coffee brings bakery vibes to your table.
d. Strawberry Muffins: A freshly baked strawberry muffin intensifies the fruity aspect of the creamer. Bonus points: You could drizzle the creamer over the muffin like a glaze for an extra treat.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making your own Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Creamer at home is wonderfully versatile—you can adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs, flavor preferences, or what you have on hand.
1. Milk (1 Cup)
Milk provides the creamy base for the creamer, but it can easily be swapped depending on dietary needs or preferences:
- Almond Milk: Light in texture and subtle in flavor, almond milk works great as an alternative. Opt for unsweetened or vanilla-flavored almond milk for extra depth.
- Oat Milk: Oat milk is creamy and neutral, making it an excellent substitute for a rich, non-dairy creamer. It’s especially good for coffee-based recipes.
- Coconut Milk: Use canned coconut milk for a super creamy, slightly tropical twist, or opt for drinkable carton coconut milk for a lighter consistency.
- Soy Milk: Soy milk is thick and rich and works perfectly as a 1-to-1 substitute for dairy milk.
- Lactose-Free Milk (Dairy Option): If you’re lactose-intolerant but enjoy dairy, lactose-free whole milk or 2% milk can be used.
2. Heavy Cream (1 Cup)
Heavy cream adds richness and thickness, but the following options can work as substitutions:
- Half-and-Half: A lighter alternative to heavy cream while still maintaining the creamy texture.
- Coconut Cream: If you’re cutting out dairy, coconut cream (skimmed from the top of a can of full-fat coconut milk) offers a thick, luscious texture, similar to heavy cream.
- Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water or unsweetened plant-based milk to create a creamy, dairy-free alternative. This works particularly well for coffee creamer recipes.
- Evaporated Milk: If you want a slightly lighter version but still dairy-based, canned evaporated milk is a great substitute.
3. Fresh Strawberries (1/2 Cup)
Strawberries lend the sweet, fruity flavor essential to the recipe. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, here are some great substitutes:
- Frozen Strawberries: Thawed, frozen strawberries will work just as well as fresh. Just ensure you cook and strain them to separate the syrup from the pulp.
- Strawberry Jam or Preserves: Use about 3 tablespoons of good-quality strawberry jam or preserves in place of fresh strawberries. You’ll achieve the same fruity flavor without the need to cook them down. This also makes the process quicker!
- Strawberry Syrup: Ready-made store-bought syrups, like those for ice cream or drinks, can be used. Add to taste, as these are often very sweet.
- Strawberry Powder: Freeze-dried strawberry powder is a convenient option. Add 2–3 teaspoons to the mix for a concentrated strawberry flavor without needing to cook and strain fresh fruit.
4. Cocoa Powder (2-3 Tablespoons)
Cocoa powder delivers the rich, chocolaty taste, but substitutes are depending on your flavor preference or pantry stock:
- Dark Cocoa Powder: For a bolder, less sweet flavor, dark cocoa powder makes an excellent replacement. Use sparingly, as it can be intense.
- Melted Chocolate: Use 2–3 tablespoons of melted semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate for an indulgent version of your creamer. Ensure you whisk thoroughly to incorporate.
- Chocolate Syrup: Store-bought chocolate syrup works as a quick substitute, offering sweetness and chocolate flavor simultaneously. Use 2 tablespoons and adjust based on taste.
- Carob Powder: If you’re avoiding chocolate, carob powder offers a naturally sweet, caffeine-free alternative that mimics the flavor of cocoa.
5. Sweetener (2-3 Tablespoons Sugar)
Sweetness balances the chocolate and strawberry flavors. Here are substitutes to cater to different tastes and diets:
Natural Sweeteners:
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Use 2 tablespoons, since honey is sweeter than sugar.
- Maple Syrup: A vegan-friendly alternative to honey with a slightly earthy taste. Works best in moderation (2–3 tablespoons).
- Agave Syrup: A mild, neutral liquid sweetener that dissolves easily into the mix. Use the same ratio as sugar.
Low-Calorie Sweeteners:
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: These are great for reducing sugar levels. Start with 1–2 teaspoons and adjust based on taste.
- Erythritol or Allulose: Granulated sugar substitutes with a similar texture and sweetness level to sugar can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
- Simple Syrup: If you want a smoother texture with evenly distributed sweetness, replace sugar with homemade simple syrup (1 part sugar, 1 part water, dissolved over low heat).
6. Vanilla Extract (1 Teaspoon)
Vanilla enhances and ties together the chocolate and strawberry flavors. If you don’t have vanilla extract, here’s what you can use instead:
- Vanilla Bean Paste or Fresh Vanilla Beans: These provide a more intense vanilla flavor. Use ½ teaspoon of paste or scrape the seeds from half a vanilla bean pod.
- Imitation Vanilla: While not as rich in flavor as pure vanilla extract, it works as an affordable substitute. Use the same amount (1 teaspoon).
- Almond Extract: For a slightly nutty, complementary flavor, use ¼ teaspoon almond extract—it’s much stronger than vanilla.
7. Pinch of Salt
Salt is often overlooked in dessert-based recipes, but it’s essential to balance the sweetness. However, for substitutes:
- Sea Salt or Pink Himalayan Salt: Use these in the same quantity as table salt for added depth of flavor.
- Salt-Free Option: If you’re on a low-sodium diet, you can omit the salt altogether, and the creamer will still taste great—it just won’t have as much flavor contrast.
Final Thoughts
Almost every ingredient in the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Creamer can be swapped out for something that accommodates your preferences, dietary needs, or what’s in your pantry.
More Chocolate Recipes:
- Swiss Miss Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Copycat Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate Drink Recipe
- Copycat Trader joe’s Hot Chocolate Recipe
[penci_recipe]
