Creamy Homemade Almond Milk: The Easiest Recipe for Fresh, Delicious Plant-Based Milk
Discover how to make the most incredibly smooth and creamy almond milk right in your own kitchen with our step-by-step guide! This recipe is not only incredibly simple but also fully customizable to your taste preferences, ensuring a fresh and delicious plant-based milk every time.
Among the vast array of plant-based milks available today, almond milk consistently ranks as a top favorite for its delicate flavor and versatility. While I also adore the richness of Cashew Milk and the tropical notes of Coconut Milk, there’s something truly special about homemade almond milk. The store-bought versions often fall short, lacking the desired creaminess and containing unnecessary additives. But when you make it yourself, you unlock a world of unparalleled flavor and a luscious texture that’s far superior to anything you can buy.
Why This Homemade Almond Milk Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
Once you experience the ease and deliciousness of homemade almond milk, you’ll likely never look back at carton varieties. I transitioned to making my own years ago, and through countless batches, I’ve perfected this recipe. Here’s why it stands out:
- Remarkably Few Ingredients: This recipe calls for the most basic ingredients, making it incredibly straightforward and adaptable. You have complete freedom to choose your preferred sweetener, or even omit it entirely, and decide whether to infuse it with a hint of vanilla.
- Perfected Through Extensive Testing: Having made almond milk at home for several years, I’ve fine-tuned every aspect of this recipe. It strikes the ideal balance of sweetness and creaminess, ensuring a consistently delightful result that you can rely on.
- Effortlessly Simple to Prepare: Don’t let the idea of making your own plant milk intimidate you. The process is surprisingly simple, essentially involving just two main steps: blending and straining. It’s a rewarding experience that will transform your plant-based milk consumption.
- Superior Taste and Texture: Homemade almond milk offers a freshness and depth of flavor that store-bought options simply cannot match. It’s naturally creamier, allowing you to control the consistency to suit your personal preference, from a light beverage to a richer base for cooking.
- Free from Unwanted Additives: Say goodbye to thickeners, stabilizers, and artificial flavors often found in commercial almond milk. With this recipe, you know exactly what goes into your milk – pure, wholesome ingredients.
- Cost-Effective: While the initial purchase of a nut milk bag might be an investment, making your own almond milk regularly can be significantly more economical than continuously buying cartons from the store.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Homemade Almond Milk
The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalist ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. For precise quantities and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Raw Almonds: This is the foundation of your delicious milk. It’s vital to start with raw, unsalted, and unroasted almonds. Roasted almonds will impart a different, sometimes bitter, flavor profile, and salted almonds will make your milk savory, unless that’s your specific intention. Soaking the almonds overnight is a crucial step that not only softens them for easier blending but also aids in digestibility and contributes to a creamier final product. After soaking, remember to thoroughly drain and rinse them to remove phytic acid.
- Sweetener (Optional but Recommended): This is where you can truly personalize your almond milk.
- Soaked Pitted Dates: For a natural, caramel-like sweetness and added fiber. Ensure they are soft before blending.
- Maple Syrup: A classic liquid sweetener that blends seamlessly and offers a distinct, comforting flavor.
- Date Syrup or Agave Nectar: Other excellent liquid sweetener options for a refined taste.
- Unsweetened Option: If you plan to use your almond milk primarily in savory dishes, or if you prefer to control sweetness in each application, making it unsweetened is a smart choice. You can always add sweetener later.
- Sea Salt: A tiny pinch of sea salt works wonders in enhancing the natural nutty flavor of the almonds and beautifully balances out any sweetness you add. If you opt for unsweetened milk, consider reducing the salt by half or adding it gradually after tasting to avoid over-salting.
- Vanilla Extract: This ingredient is a fantastic flavor booster, adding a warm, aromatic note that elevates the milk.
- Vanilla Bean or Paste: For those who love the visual appeal of vanilla flecks and an intense vanilla flavor, I recommend adding vanilla bean seeds or vanilla bean paste *after* straining the milk, then giving it one final quick blend to incorporate.
- When to Omit: If your homemade almond milk is destined for savory recipes, or if you simply prefer a pure, unflavored base, feel free to leave out the vanilla extract.
- Filtered Water: The quality of your water directly impacts the taste of your almond milk. Using filtered cold water ensures the cleanest, purest flavor. The amount of water you use will also determine the consistency of your milk. For a thicker, richer milk, use slightly less water (e.g., 3.5 cups per 1 cup almonds). For a lighter consistency, use more (up to 4 cups).
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Homemade Almond Milk
Making your own almond milk is a straightforward process, requiring minimal effort for maximum reward. Below is a quick visual overview, followed by detailed instructions.
- Prepare Your Almonds: First, ensure your raw almonds have been soaked overnight (at least 8 hours). This step is non-negotiable for the creamiest results. Once soaked, drain the water and rinse the almonds thoroughly under cold running water. This cleanses them and prepares them for blending.
- Blend to Perfection: Transfer the rinsed, soaked almonds to a high-speed blender. Add your filtered cold water, chosen sweetener (if using), sea salt, and vanilla extract (if desired). Secure the lid and blend on the highest setting for approximately 1.5 to 2 minutes. The goal is a completely smooth, creamy, and homogenous mixture, with no visible almond pieces remaining. A powerful blender is key here for extracting maximum flavor and smoothness.
- Strain for Silkiness: Place a nut milk bag (my preferred tool for this) over a large bowl or directly into the jar you intend to store the milk in. Carefully pour the blended almond mixture into the nut milk bag. Gather the top of the bag and gently squeeze to extract all the liquid, leaving behind the almond pulp. Continue squeezing until no more liquid drips out. The more thoroughly you squeeze, the more milk you’ll yield.
- Store and Enjoy: Once strained, transfer your fresh homemade almond milk to an airtight glass bottle or jar. It’s ready to use immediately in your favorite recipes or for sipping. For optimal freshness, refrigerate it promptly.
Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Almond Milk & Creative Variations
Achieving perfectly smooth and delicious homemade almond milk is simple with a few key techniques. Here are my best tips for success, plus ideas to customize your batch:
- Never Skip the Straining Process: Proper straining is absolutely critical for achieving that desirable smooth and grit-free texture. While cheesecloth can be used, a dedicated nut milk bag is highly recommended. Its finer mesh ensures a cleaner, silkier milk, and it’s much easier to handle and squeeze. The difference in quality is truly noticeable!
- Don’t Discard the Almond Pulp: The leftover almond pulp is a valuable byproduct, rich in fiber and flavor. It would be a waste to toss it! Instead, repurpose it in creative ways:
- Energy Bites: Use it as a base for recipes like these no-bake brownie energy bites, adding a nutritional boost and delicious texture.
- Smoothie Enhancer: Blend it into your morning smoothies for extra fiber and thickness.
- Baked Goods: Incorporate it into muffins, cookies, or even vegan brownies for added moisture and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Almond Meal: Spread the pulp thinly on a baking sheet and dehydrate it in a low oven (around 200°F / 95°C) or a dehydrator until completely dry. Once dry, you can process it into a fine almond meal or flour, perfect for gluten-free baking.
- Adjust the Consistency to Your Liking: The beauty of homemade almond milk is full control over its thickness. If you prefer a thinner, lighter milk (ideal for cereal or light beverages), simply add a little more filtered water during the blending stage, perhaps up to 4.5 cups. For a richer, creamier consistency that’s excellent for coffee or a base for creamy sauces, start with 3 to 3.5 cups of water per cup of almonds. You can always add more water to thin it out after blending if needed.
- Experiment with Flavor Variations: Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative with flavor additions:
- Chocolate Almond Milk: Add 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and a bit more sweetener to the blender for a delicious chocolatey treat.
- Spiced Almond Milk: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add a wonderful warmth, especially when enjoyed warm.
- Nutty Blends: For extra creaminess and a deeper flavor profile, try adding a small handful of soaked cashews (about ¼ cup) along with your almonds before blending.
- Floral Notes: A tiny drop of food-grade rosewater or orange blossom water can create a uniquely aromatic milk, perfect for special occasions or desserts.
Versatile Uses for Your Fresh Homemade Almond Milk
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making fresh almond milk, the possibilities for using it are endless! This versatile plant-based milk can replace dairy milk in virtually any application, offering a subtle nutty flavor and rich creaminess.
- Morning Beverages: Elevate your daily routine. It tastes absolutely incredible in your morning coffee, a comforting tea latte, or a vibrant matcha. Its smooth texture creates delightful froths and foams for barista-quality drinks at home.
- Breakfast Staples: Pour it over your favorite cereal, blend it into a nutritious smoothie, or use it as the creamy base for overnight oats or hot oatmeal.
- Baking and Desserts: Homemade almond milk shines in both sweet and savory baking. Use it in recipes for cakes, muffins, pancakes, waffles, or custards. The subtle vanilla and sweetness of our recommended recipe make it particularly divine for sweet applications. For savory dishes, opt for an unsweetened and unflavored batch.
- Cooking and Sauces: It’s an excellent addition to creamy vegan soups, pasta sauces, or gravies, providing a delicate body and flavor without dairy.
- Simply Sipping: Don’t underestimate the pleasure of enjoying this almond milk on its own. Its balanced sweetness and delicate vanilla notes make it perfect for sipping chilled on a hot day, or gently warmed for a comforting evening drink.
Storing Your Homemade Almond Milk for Freshness
Proper storage is essential to maximize the freshness and shelf life of your homemade almond milk. Since it contains no artificial preservatives, it’s best consumed within a few days.
- Refrigeration: Transfer your freshly made almond milk into an airtight glass bottle or jar immediately after straining. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. While it might last a bit longer, 4 days ensures optimal taste and quality.
- Shake Before Use: It’s completely normal for homemade almond milk to separate in the fridge. This is a natural occurrence as there are no stabilizers to keep the particles suspended. Simply give the bottle a good shake before each use to recombine the ingredients and restore its creamy texture.
- Freezing (Optional): If you find yourself with extra almond milk or want to extend its shelf life further, you can freeze it. Pour the milk into ice cube trays for convenient single servings, or into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Note that the texture might be slightly less smooth after freezing and thawing, but it will still be perfectly good for smoothies, cooking, or baking.
Explore More Delicious Vegan Milk Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed making your own almond milk, you might be interested in trying other homemade plant-based milk alternatives:
- Korean Strawberry Milk
- How to Make Banana Milk
- Homemade Oat Milk Creamer
- Vegan Condensed Milk
- Vegan Buttermilk
Enjoy crafting your own batch of creamy, delicious homemade almond milk, friends! If you try this recipe, please share your creations! Snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram. Your feedback means the world to us – we’d also love it if you could leave a comment below and give the recipe a rating! Thank you so much for your support!
Almond Milk
4
cups
5 minutes
2 minutes
7 minutes
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Ingredients
-
1
cup
raw almonds,
soaked overnight, drained and rinsed, 140g -
3.5
cups
to 4 cups filtered cold water,
840–960g -
¼
teaspoon
sea salt,
1.5g -
1 or 2
tablespoons
maple syrup or agave nectar or 2 or 3 soaked pitted dates,
20–40g -
½
tablespoon
vanilla extract ,
7.5g
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender, add the soaked almonds, filtered cold water, sweetener, sea salt and vanilla extract. Blend on high for about 2 minutes or until the mixture is completely blended out and the nut milk is smooth and creamy.
- Line a large jar or container with a nut milk bag. Pour the almond milk into the nut bag and strain it through. Squeeze the bag to remove as much liquid as possible. You can use the pulp in smoothies, cookies or other baked goods.
- Transfer the almond milk into an airtight glass bottle or jar. Shake before use and enjoy! It lasts about 4 days in the fridge.
Calories:
237
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
15
g
,
Protein:
8
g
,
Fat:
18
g
,
Saturated Fat:
1
g
,
Sodium:
157
mg
,
Potassium:
275
mg
,
Fiber:
4
g
,
Sugar:
8
g
,
Calcium:
111
mg
,
Iron:
1
mg
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
American, Universal
Breakfast, Drinks
Jessica Hylton