HOW TO GUIDE
Dreamy Homemade Almond Milk – Nutty, Creamy & So Easy!
Make your own fresh almond milk at home! Just soak, blend, strain, and customize with vanilla or cinnamon for a creamy, dreamy treat that’s easy, healthy, and so delicious.
OVERVIEW
A TASTE OF WHAT’S TO COME
Making almond milk at home is so easy and tastes way better than anything store-bought. With just a handful of almonds, some dates for a touch of natural sweetness, and a bit of water, you’re on your way to the creamiest plant-based milk out there. Customize it with vanilla, a pinch of salt, or even a hint of cinnamon to make it truly yours. Plus, there’s no waste – the leftover almond pulp is perfect for baking or snacks. Let’s dive into this simple, cost-effective recipe that’ll make you wonder why you ever bought almond milk from the store!
1. MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
2. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
3. KEY INGREDIENTS EXPLAINED
4. STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTION
5. MORE RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Hi, I'm Kimberly!
A passionate food lover who believes in the magic of homemade deliciousness that spreads love and warmth. Join me on this culinary adventure and let’s spread some happiness together! If you want to get to know me better, click here!
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MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
LET’S CLEAR THINGS UP
DO I NEED TO SOAK ALMONDS OVERNIGHT?
Yes! Soaking softens the almonds, making them easier to blend and resulting in a creamier milk. You can also skip the soaking step and blend the almonds directly with water, but the texture will be a bit coarser, and the milk might separate faster. Plus, soaking helps reduce phytic acid, which can improve nutrient absorption, giving your almond milk a little extra boost in nutritional value.
CAN I SWEETEN THE ALMOND MILK?
Totally! Dates are perfect for natural sweetness, but feel free to add honey or maple syrup if you prefer a different flavor profile. You can even experiment with a touch of agave or coconut sugar to make it your own – it’s all about finding your perfect blend!
HOW LONG DOES HOMEMADE ALMOND MILK LAST?
Store it in the fridge and enjoy it fresh within 3-5 days. Give it a good shake before each use as natural almond milk tends to separate. If you notice a sour smell or any change in taste, it’s best to make a fresh batch for maximum flavor and freshness.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH LEFTOVER ALMOND PULP?
Use it in energy bites, smoothies, or even to make granola! If you’re not in the mood to repurpose it, you can also simply dispose of the pulp – but keep in mind, it’s a great addition to many recipes if you’re feeling creative.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
KIMBERLY’S SECRET TIPS
TRY DIFFERENT FLAVORS
A splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon adds a cozy touch, perfect for morning lattes or overnight oats. For a refreshing twist, you could also add a few drops of almond extract or a dash of nutmeg – it’s an easy way to make your almond milk taste like dessert!
CREAMIER ALMOND MILK
For an extra-creamy texture, blend in a few soaked cashews or a small handful of shredded coconut with the almonds. This makes the milk richer and adds a subtle sweetness, giving it a similar vibe to store-bought versions but without any additives.
LONGER SHELF LIFE HACK
Add a splash of lemon juice to extend the freshness by a day or two; the acidity acts as a mild preservative. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can slightly alter the taste if overdone.
ZERO-WASTE TIP
Use the almond pulp to make flour! Just spread it on a baking sheet and dry it in a low-temperature oven, then pulse it in a blender for DIY almond flour. It’s perfect for gluten-free baking and can add extra fiber and nutrients to your recipes.
KEY INGREDIENTS EXPLAINED
GET TO KNOW THE STARS
ALMONDS
The base of our milk, providing a creamy texture and nutty flavor. You can use regular brown almonds with their skins on, which gives the milk a slightly more rustic flavor and color. Blanched almonds work well too and create a smoother, lighter milk, but it’s really up to your preference!
DATES
A natural sweetener to make it slightly sweet without refined sugar. Be sure to use pitted dates, as they’re easier to blend. Dates also add a lovely depth of flavor, bringing warm, caramel-like notes that complement the almond milk perfectly.
WATER
Acts as the liquid base to blend everything together, helping to achieve the creamy consistency of the milk.
SALT & VANILLA (optional):
For an extra flavor boost, I used a pinch of salt and a splash of vanilla, which bring out the almond’s natural nuttiness and add a smooth, dessert-like touch. But almond milk is totally customizable – you can skip these if you prefer it plain, or try adding cinnamon or other flavors to make it your own.
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTION
THE HOW TO OF IT ALL
STEP 1 The night before – Get almonds & dates ready
Place your almonds and pitted dates in a medium-sized bowl to prepare for soaking.
STEP 2 The night before – Soak the almonds and dates overnight
Pour cold water over the almonds and dates until they’re fully submerged. Let them soak overnight, either on the kitchen counter or in the fridge. This softens the ingredients and makes blending easier.
STEP 3 The next morning – Drain and discard the soaking water
The next morning, pour the soaked almonds and dates into a strainer and discard the soaking water.
STEP 4 Blend everything together
Transfer the drained almonds and dates to a blender. Add fresh cold water and blend on high for about 1 minute, until the mixture becomes white, creamy, and frothy.
STEP 5 Add your favorite flavors
This is your chance to customize your almond milk! Add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a classic flavor. Or try a teaspoon of cinnamon for a cozy, festive twist.
Step 6 Strain for a smooth milk
Set a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the blended mixture through it. Use a spoon or your hands to press the pulp and extract as much liquid as possible. For an even smoother result, strain the milk and pulp again through a cheesecloth, squeezing gently to remove any remaining solids.
STEP 7 Bottle it up and enjoy!
Pour your almond milk into a clean bottle or jar and store it in the fridge. Shake well before using, as it will naturally separate over time. Use your homemade almond milk in smoothies, on granola, in coffee, for baking, or simply enjoy it straight from the glass!
Almond Milk
- Total Time: 8 hrs + 17 min
- Yield: 1 liter / 4 cups 1x
Description
Recommended Equipment
- medium-sized bowl
- blender
- fine mesh strainer
- bottle
Ingredients
- 200 grams raw almonds
- 1000 milliliters cold, filtered water
- 3 dates, pitted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
PREPARATIONS THE NIGHT BEFORE
- Soak the almonds and dates in cold water overnight.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Drain the almonds and dates using a strainer, and discard the soaking water.
- Add the almonds and dates to a blender, then pour in 1 liter of cold water. Blend on the highest setting for about 1 minute, until the liquid turns white and frothy.
- Add flavoring to taste. I used a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, but 1 teaspoon of cinnamon would be a fantastic choice for the holiday season.
- Set up a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the blended mixture through it. Press the pulp firmly to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. If you want, you can filter the milk again by pouring it through a cheesecloth. You can also put the pulp into the cheesecloth and squeeze it further by hand.
- Transfer the strained milk into a bottle and enjoy! It will keep in the fridge for about 4–5 days. Be sure to shake it before using, as the solids naturally separate from the water over time—this is completely normal.
- Prep Time: 2 min
- Passive Time: 8 hrs
- Cook Time: 15 min
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