01.02.2009
Almond Milk
Quick creamy almond milk with almonds, banana, date, vanilla and cinnamon. Kid-approved breakfast drink you can tweak for texture and sweetness.
- Blend whole almonds with a date, banana, vanilla and cinnamon for a rich, coffee-free breakfast drink.
- Adjust richness by changing the almond amount, skip fruit for a lighter version, or sweeten with agave or maple.
- Soak nuts, strain, or use a high-speed blender for a smoother texture; store chilled and drink within a few days.
This drink is high in protein and has replaced my morning coffee and toast for breakfast. It is quick to make, delicious, and rich. Recommended to me by an internationally known yoga instructor, it is full of the best kind of energy and my kids love it!
Photo by Abbie Lewis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to soak the almonds before blending?
No, soaking is optional. Soaking 4 to 8 hours softens the almonds, shortens blending time, and can make the drink smoother and easier to digest. If you have a powerful blender you can skip soaking and blend until creamy.
Can I leave out the banana and date or use another sweetener?
Yes. Omit the fruit for a lighter drink and sweeten with agave, maple syrup, or honey. If you leave out fruit and want a perfectly smooth result, strain the blended almonds then stir in any fruit or extra sweetener afterward.
How do I make the almond milk perfectly smooth?
Use one or more of these tips: soak the almonds, use a high-speed blender, peel the almond skins, or strain the finished blend through a fine sieve or nut milk bag. Using almond butter instead of whole almonds also yields a very smooth texture.
How long will this almond milk keep in the fridge?
Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Shake or stir before serving because separation is normal. Avoid long storage because fresh homemade milk loses taste and texture quickly.
Can I heat this drink or use it like regular milk?
Yes, you can warm it gently on low heat, but avoid boiling. It works well as a milk substitute for cereal or in coffee, but it may separate in some hot recipes. Add it slowly to hot liquids and whisk to combine.
What can I use instead of a vanilla bean?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of vanilla powder for each inch of vanilla bean. Extract is an easy swap and keeps the flavor close to the original.
Can I change the almond amount for thickness?
Yes. Use more almonds for a richer, creamier drink and fewer almonds for a lighter version. The recipe calls for 21 almonds as a balance between creaminess and ease of blending.
Do I need to soak the almonds before blending?
No, soaking is optional. Soaking 4 to 8 hours softens the almonds, shortens blending time, and can make the drink smoother and easier to digest. If you have a powerful blender you can skip soaking and blend until creamy.
Can I leave out the banana and date or use another sweetener?
Yes. Omit the fruit for a lighter drink and sweeten with agave, maple syrup, or honey. If you leave out fruit and want a perfectly smooth result, strain the blended almonds then stir in any fruit or extra sweetener afterward.
How do I make the almond milk perfectly smooth?
Use one or more of these tips: soak the almonds, use a high-speed blender, peel the almond skins, or strain the finished blend through a fine sieve or nut milk bag. Using almond butter instead of whole almonds also yields a very smooth texture.
How long will this almond milk keep in the fridge?
Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Shake or stir before serving because separation is normal. Avoid long storage because fresh homemade milk loses taste and texture quickly.
Can I heat this drink or use it like regular milk?
Yes, you can warm it gently on low heat, but avoid boiling. It works well as a milk substitute for cereal or in coffee, but it may separate in some hot recipes. Add it slowly to hot liquids and whisk to combine.
What can I use instead of a vanilla bean?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of vanilla powder for each inch of vanilla bean. Extract is an easy swap and keeps the flavor close to the original.
Can I change the almond amount for thickness?
Yes. Use more almonds for a richer, creamier drink and fewer almonds for a lighter version. The recipe calls for 21 almonds as a balance between creaminess and ease of blending.
Delicious and healthy!