Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Coffee Creamer 🎄
This homemade creamer tastes just like the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes — sweet, creamy vanilla snack cake flavor with buttery frosting and a hint of almond. It’s rich, nostalgic, and downright magical in your morning coffee! ☕✨
💖 Why You’ll Love This Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Coffee Creamer Recipe
It’s like sipping holiday nostalgia! This creamer perfectly mimics the flavor of Little Debbie’s Christmas Tree Cakes with notes of buttery vanilla cake, sweet frosting, and creamy white chocolate — but it’s made from real ingredients, no artificial aftertaste.
🛒 Ingredient Notes
- Heavy Cream: Adds body and luxurious texture.
- Whole Milk: Balances richness. Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: For that thick, frosting-like sweetness.
- White Chocolate Chips: Give the creamy icing flavor base.
- LorAnn Cake Batter Extract: The secret to that signature “snack cake” flavor.
- Butter Vanilla Emulsion: Creates that frosted cake note found in commercial creamers.
- Almond Extract: A tiny hint replicates the bakery undertone.
- Imitation Vanilla Extract: Provides the nostalgic boxed-cake taste.
- Ethyl Maltol (optional): Enhances sweetness & aroma — the “magic” frosting sugar note.
👩🍳 How to Make Christmas Tree Cake Coffee Creamer
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup milk, and 2–3 tbsp sugar. Heat over medium-low until sugar dissolves (do not boil).
- Add 2 tbsp white chocolate chips and whisk until smooth and melted.
- Remove from heat and whisk in:
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- ¾ tsp LorAnn Cake Batter Extract
- ½ tsp Butter Vanilla Emulsion
- ¼ tsp Almond Extract
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- If using, add ⅛ tsp Ethyl Maltol while warm. Stir until dissolved.
- Cool completely. Pour into a sealed bottle or jar and refrigerate up to 10 days. Shake before each use.
💸 Budget101® Price Breakdown: Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Coffee Creamer
| Ingredient | Amount Used | Package Size | Full Cost | Used Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup | 1 pint (16 oz) | $2.68 | $1.34 |
| Whole Milk | 1 cup | 1 gallon | $3.89 | $0.24 |
| Sweetened Condensed Milk | 2 tbsp | 14 oz can | $1.84 | $0.33 |
| White Chocolate Chips | 2 tbsp | 12 oz bag | $2.74 | $0.34 |
| Cake Batter Extract | ¾ tsp | 1 oz | $5.99 | $0.45 |
| Butter Vanilla Emulsion | ½ tsp | 4 oz | $7.99 | $0.25 |
| Almond Extract | ¼ tsp | 2 oz | $3.49 | $0.06 |
| Imitation Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | 2 oz | $1.98 | $0.10 |
| Ethyl Maltol (optional) | ⅛ tsp | 4 oz | $8.99 | $0.05 |
| Sugar | 2 tbsp | 4 lb bag | $3.49 | $0.04 |
| 🧾 Total Recipe Cost: | $3.20 | |||
| 👨👩👧👦 Cost Per Serving (16 servings): | $0.20 | |||
☕ Love making your own flavored coffee creamers? Don’t miss our complete guide to Homemade Dairy & Non-Dairy Coffee Creamers in 25 Flavors — from sweet holiday blends to everyday favorites!
💡 Expert Tips
- Shake well before using — real dairy separates naturally.
- For a stronger flavor, let the creamer sit overnight before first use.
- To match the ultra-sweet store version, increase sugar by 1 tablespoon.
- Use Butter Vanilla Emulsion instead of extract — it’s heat-stable and creamier in taste.
🎨 Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Chocolate Tree Version: Add 1 tsp cocoa powder + ¼ tsp instant espresso powder.
- Keto-Friendly: Replace sugar with allulose or monk fruit and condensed milk with 1 tbsp allulose syrup + 2 tbsp heavy cream.
- Sugar Cookie Twist: Swap almond extract for hazelnut extract.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Add 1–2 tablespoons to hot or iced coffee for a sweet, frosted cake flavor. For a festive touch, top your drink with whipped cream and crushed Little Debbie snack cake crumbs. Perfect for holiday mornings or cozy winter nights!
📦 Storage Tips
Store in a sealed glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Shake before each use. Do not freeze — the texture will separate.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Coffee Creamer taste like?
It tastes like a sweet blend of vanilla snack cake and buttery frosting, with a touch of almond and creamy white chocolate. It’s smooth, festive, and tastes just like the iconic holiday treat!
How long does homemade coffee creamer last in the fridge?
This homemade Christmas Tree Cake Coffee Creamer lasts up to 10 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Shake well before each use as real dairy can naturally separate.
Can I make this coffee creamer dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream, almond or oat milk for whole milk, and sweetened condensed coconut milk instead of regular condensed milk. The flavor will still be deliciously festive!
Where can I find cake batter extract or butter vanilla emulsion?
Both are available online from Amazon or specialty baking brands like LorAnn and OliveNation. You can also find them in craft stores like Michaels or Hobby Lobby in the baking aisle.
Can I freeze homemade coffee creamer?
Freezing is not recommended because the dairy and fats can separate when thawed, affecting texture and flavor. For the best results, make smaller batches and store in the fridge instead.
Does this recipe taste like the official Little Debbie creamer?
Yes — this copycat recipe recreates about 95–99% of the official flavor. Using LorAnn Cake Batter Extract and Butter Vanilla Emulsion gives it that authentic “frosted snack cake” sweetness with a creamy finish.
Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Absolutely! Start with 2 tablespoons of sugar and add more to taste. If you prefer a less sweet or keto-friendly version, replace sugar with allulose, monk fruit, or stevia.
Can I use this creamer in iced coffee or cold brew?
Yes! It’s delicious in both hot and cold coffee. For iced coffee, add 2 tablespoons per 8 ounces of coffee and stir well — the flavor blends perfectly into cold beverages.
Can I make this creamer without ethyl maltol?
Yes. Ethyl maltol simply enhances the sweet “frosting” aroma found in commercial creamers, but the recipe is still delicious without it. The Cake Batter Extract and Butter Vanilla Emulsion carry most of the signature flavor.
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📝 Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Coffee Creamer Printable Recipe Card
Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Coffee Creamer
Equipment
- Small Saucepan (for heating and melting ingredients)
- Whisk (to fully blend and smooth the creamer)
- Heat-resistant silicone spatula (optional, for scraping melted chocolate)
- Glass jar or airtight bottle (for storage)
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips
- ¾ teaspoon LorAnn Cake Batter Extract
- ½ teaspoon Butter Vanilla Emulsion (LorAnn or OliveNation)
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon imitation vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon ethyl maltol (optional, for frosting-like sweetness)
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar (to taste)
Instructions
👩🍳 Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat gently over medium-low until sugar dissolves. Do not boil.1 cup heavy cream1 cup whole milk2-3 tablespoons sugar
- Add white chocolate chips and whisk until completely melted and smooth.2 tablespoons white chocolate chips
- Remove from heat and whisk in sweetened condensed milk, cake batter extract, butter vanilla emulsion, almond extract, and imitation vanilla.2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk¾ teaspoon LorAnn Cake Batter Extract½ teaspoon Butter Vanilla Emulsion¼ teaspoon almond extract1 teaspoon imitation vanilla extract
- Optional: Stir in ethyl maltol while mixture is still warm for that signature “frosted snack cake” aroma.⅛ teaspoon ethyl maltol
- Cool completely, then pour into a sealed glass jar or bottle. Refrigerate up to 10 days. Shake before each use.
Equipment
Notes
Store in a sealed glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Do not freeze — freezing alters the creamy texture.
If you altered the ingedients above by doubling or tripling the recipe, you may also need to change the pan/dish size and adjust the cooking/baking time.
