A nourishing nutty elixir that you can bake with or enjoy on its own.
I’ll admit I’ve spent way too much time standing in the dairy-free aisle, trying to pick out the best milk alternative. Some plant-based milks have too many additives in them. Some are too watery. Others, however, come quite close to mimicking cow’s milk with comparably creamy sweetness. If you’re tired of searching through vegan milks, then it’s time to make your own.
Almond milk is exquisite, versatile, and surprisingly easy to make. It just takes a bit of patience to wait while the almonds soak, and then the rest is a breeze. You can prepare this light and dreamy milk with kids to teach them about plant-based possibilities, and then give jars of it to your vegan friends for the holidays. Keep your own bottle for a little snack of milk and cookies or incorporate it into your favorite vegan baked goods. With all these options and more, there’s no limit to the kind of joy almond milk can bring!
Is Almond Milk Healthy?
As a plant-based alternative, almond milk is especially great for dairy-free and vegan folks. Without any added coloring or preservatives, this recipe is as wholesome as it gets. Plus, you can easily keep it sugar-free by leaving out sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. With such a simple yet customizable recipe, this is definitely one of the healthier drinks you can create. (It’s also gluten-free!)
Why I Go Nuts For Almonds
While they seem humble, almonds are one of the greatest nuts out there. They’re rich not only in earthy flavor, but also in nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins. Whether toasted, raw, or turned into milk, these nutritious little nuggets are especially helpful for those on plant-based diets. I especially enjoy toasting them and putting them in salads or eating them raw with banana. And making them into milk is a mouthwatering miracle that leads to even more creative cooking.
How to make ahead and store
Keep your almond milk in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This is a great recipe to make at the beginning of the week and then use throughout for various beverages and baked goods. For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe container or portion into an ice cube tray and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw the almond milk in the fridge overnight before use.
Serving Suggestions
My mouth is watering just thinking about all the decadent recipes you could use this milk in! Try it in a Banana Split Vegan Smoothie Bowl, Vegan Pecan Pie Overnight Oats, or Vegan Carrot Cake. You could also keep it super simple by pouring it over some Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal or Easy Vegan Granola. It will turn your next breakfast into a plant-based paradise!
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 3 2/3 cups filtered water
- 1 pinch sea salt optional
- 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Place almonds in a bowl and cover with water. Soak for 6 to 8 hours or overnight.
- Drain and rinse the almonds. Combine soaked almonds and 3 2/3 cups of filtered water in a blender. Blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth.
- Strain the mixture using a nut milk bag or cheesecloth over a bowl. Squeeze to extract as much milk as possible.
- Add salt, sweetener, and vanilla extract if using. Stir well. Store the almond milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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