Homemade Almond Milk- Fresh raw almonds soaked in water overnight are drained, rinsed, and blended until milky. The milky mixture is then strained and squeezed through a cheesecloth to create a rich, creamy, and dreamy almond milk that you can use in countless meals, drinks, or straight from the glass.
Almond milk is a type of milk made from almonds. It is a dairy-free and lactose-free milk alternative rich in nutrients like calcium, vitamin E, and protein. Additionally, almond milk is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against disease. You can use almond milk instead of cow's milk in many recipes, and it can also be enjoyed as a refreshing and nutritious drink.
Homemade nut milk is a vegan's dream come true. It's easy to make, and it's packed with nutrients. Plus, it's much cheaper than store-bought almond milk. It's delicious and a healthier alternative to dairy milk. Best of all, this homemade almond milk recipe doesn't contain any of the artificial ingredients that are often found in store-bought brands. So if you're looking for a dairy-free option that's both healthy and affordable, homemade almond milk is the way to go.
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Why You'll Love This Homemade Almond Milk Recipe
Budget-Friendly- Another advantage of homemade almond milk is that it's very cost-effective. A half-gallon of store-bought almond milk costs about $4, whereas making your almond milk only costs a fraction of that.
Easy To Make- This recipe is simple and requires only a few ingredients. All you need is a blender, almonds, water, maple syrup, and a little time.
No Artificial Ingredients- One of the best things about this homemade almond milk recipe is that it doesn't contain any artificial ingredients found in store-bought brands. This means that it's a healthier option for you and your family.
Versatile- You can use almond milk in a variety of ways. It's delicious on its own and can be used instead of cow's milk in your favorite recipes.
Creamy & Delicious- This almond milk recipe is creamy and delicious. It has a rich, nutty flavor that is sure to please.
Equipment Needed To Make Homemade Almond Milk
- 2 Bowls
- Sieve
- Blender
- Cheesecloth or Nut Milk Bag
- Strainer
- Container With Lid (for storage)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients For Almond Milk
- Raw Almonds
- Water
- Maple Syrup
How To Make Fresh Almond Milk At Home
Before making your almond milk, you will need to soak the almonds in water anywhere from an hour to 24 hours. Soaking the almonds softens them, making them easier to blend.
Once the almonds have been soaked, drain and rinse them in a sieve.
Add almonds to the blender, cover with water, add the maple syrup, and blend on high for a couple of minutes. You want the mixture to be milky without any bits of almond.
Place a strainer over a bowl, pour the mixture, in batches, into the cheesecloth or nut bag, and squeeze the mixture through the mesh, wringing out all of the liquid. There will be pulp left in the mesh. Dump the leftover pulp into a separate container to use in other recipes.
Continue the straining process until you are all done. Once done, add almond milk to an airtight container with a lid. Before serving, shake well, and enjoy!
Note: Blending times will differ depending on the wattage of your blender.
What to Serve/Pair With Homemade Almond Milk
There are so many ways to enjoy almond milk. It's delicious on its own or can be used instead of cow's milk in your favorite recipes. Here are a few ideas:
-Serve it with cereal or granola
-Add it to smoothies or protein shakes
-Use it in baking recipes
-Enjoy it in a cup of coffee or tea
-Add it to oatmeal or porridge
-Make vegan almond milk ice cream
-Serve it with vegan pancakes or waffles
Popular Substitutions & Additions
-If you don't have maple syrup, substitute it for date syrup or agave nectar.
-Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the recipe for vanilla almond milk.
-Add ¼ cup of raw cashews to the recipe to make thicker and creamier almond milk.
-If you don't have a nut bag or cheesecloth, use a coffee filter or fine mesh strainer. Just keep in mind that your almond milk won't be as smooth.
-Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the recipe for chocolate almond milk.
How To Reheat & Store Almond Milk
What Is The Best Way To Store Homemade Almond Milk?
The best way to store almond milk is in an airtight container in the fridge.
How Long Will Fresh Almond Milk Last In The Fridge?
When properly stored, homemade almond milk will last 3-5 days in the fridge.
Can I Freeze Homemade Almond Milk?
Yes, you can freeze almond milk. Pour it into an ice cube tray and place it in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen almond milk will last for 3 months.
How To Reheat Almond Milk Made At Home?
There are a few different ways you can reheat almond milk. Just choose the one that best suits your needs.
The easiest way is to heat it in the microwave. Pour the desired amount into a microwave-safe mug or bowl and heat for 30-45 seconds.
Another option is to heat it on the stove. Pour almond milk into a saucepan and heat over low heat, occasionally stirring, until heated.
No matter how you choose to reheat it, homemade almond milk is just as delicious as when it's first made.
Homemade Almond Milk FAQs
Can almond milk be used instead of cow's milk in any recipe?
Yes, you can use almond milk instead of cow's milk in most recipes. However, the flavor and texture may change slightly.
What is the difference between almond milk and soy milk?
There are a few key differences between almond milk and soy milk. For one, almond milk is made from almonds, while soy milk is made from soybeans. Additionally, almond milk is slightly sweeter than soy milk and has a nutty flavor. Soy milk, on the other hand, has a more neutral taste. Finally, almond milk contains more vitamins and minerals than soy milk.
Do I have to have a blender to make almond milk at home?
No, you don't need a blender to make almond milk. You can use a food processor instead. Remember that the texture of your milk may be slightly different if made in a food processor.
Can homemade almond milk be used in coffee?
Yes! You can use almond milk in coffee. It gives it a more rich, creamy, and nutty flavor.
What can I do with the leftover almond pulp?
You can do a few different things with the leftover almond pulp. Add it to smoothies or oatmeal. Use it in vegan baking recipes or dehydrate the pulp, blend it, and use it as vegan almond flour.
Don't Forget To Come Back And Let Me Know How Your Fresh Homemade Almond Milk Turned Out!
📋 Recipe
Homemade Almond Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cup Almonds - raw, buy in bulk if you can, it is much more economical
- 6 cups Water - 2 cups for soaking and 4 cups for blending
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup
- Fine cheesecloth - or a Nut Milk Bag
Instructions
- Soak the almonds in 2 cups water from 1 hour to overnight so that they will soften a bit. If you have a very powerful blender then you don't have to soak at all. You can even let them soak for 2 days but it's not necessary.
- Drain the almonds and rinse clean in a sieve.
- Put in a blender. Cover the almonds with 4 cups water.
- Add the maple syrup. Blend on high speed for 2 minutes.
- The almonds and water will now be milky. If you have a blender that is not very high wattage you can blend longer. You should not see any bits of almond.
- If you are using regular cheesecloth - double it up. If you are using fine cheesecloth you should be fine. If you have a milk bag - use it. Place the Nut Milk Bag or cheesecloth over the strainer.
- Place the strainer over the bowl or measuring cup. Pour some of the mixture into your Nut Milk Bag or cheesecloth.
- Twist the top if using cheesecloth or pull the drawstrings on the Nut Milk Bag. Start squeezing the mixture through the mesh. Wringing out all of the liquid. There will be meal leftover in the bag.
- Open the bag and dump the meal that is left in the bag into another container to save. See the note below for ideas on how to use the leftover meal.
- Continue until you are all done. I fill the bag twice
- Put in a container with a lid because it separates and you'll want to shake it before pouring into your glass.
- Shake it before serving. So cold, creamy and delicious.
Amy @ What Jew Wanna Eat
This is so genius, Ginny!
Ginny McMeans
You are so sweet Amy!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes
I was just thinking I need to start drinking almond milk again. Great recipe!
Tracy
Thanks for posting. I'd like to make my own almond milk and this recipe is so easy. However, I'm thinking of using dates as a sweetener versus maple syrup. Do you think that would make a big difference in taste?
Ginny McMeans
That would be no problem at all. I know someone that uses dates. In fact, you do not need to add any sweetener. It is great as is.
A-M
I've always wanted to try almond milk but have generally been confused by all the different kinds on offer. I'll definitely be trying this recipe out! But I have a question, seeing as I've never used almond milk before: Can I use it in the same ways I would normal milk, or are there substantial differences?
Ginny McMeans
Great question. It is straight across the same measurement as milk in any recipe. The only way that it may react differently is if you freeze certain recipes because it separates. It is fine in bakery goods like cookies etc. but it can be odd in certain casseroles (only if frozen).
Amanda
Don't they fortify almond milk with calcium normally? By making your own you'd be missing that.
Ginny McMeans
No, actually almonds are very high in calcium. From what I have read store bought almond milks fortify with calcium because of the water that is added. I actually love store bought non-dairy milks and use them too. This is just a nice alternative for cleaner eating. You do have to make your own choices and if you think you do not get enough leafy greens and other calcium-rich foods then you may want to take a supplement.
Anna Pecora
Has anyone tried this with pecans? I'm not crazy about almonds, cashews, or walnuts.
Ginny McMeans
Yes Anna, It is very good too! Use the same recipe as above - just substitute pecans.
amy
can the almond milk be frozen?
Ginny McMeans
Yes, almond milk does freeze. Not true of soy or coconut milks though. Soy separates and coconut gets gritty.
Linda Z
Ginny,
WE have a super bullet, I read one woman who tried to chop up her almonds broke her bullet. If I cut up the almonds , will that help the process with the water? I love Almond milk, & I sure would love to try making it & freezing some. Thank you!
Linda Z
Ginny McMeans
No sure if the water helps because the bullet still has to break the almonds up Linda. The woman who broke her machine might not have soaked the almonds first. That makes them softer. Also, just go in short spurts (like maybe 5 seconds) in the grinding process because holding down the bullet continuously might burn out the motor. When the almonds are ground you can go longer. The big machines say never to go over 30 seconds without giving your machine a breather.
Jen
Basically awesome! Make it too w/coconut water. Very good and you don't need to add anything else because cocunut water is naturally sweet!
Cate
Can I freeze the homemade almond milk?
Ginny McMeans
Yes Cate! It freezes perfectly!