Delicious and Creamy Plant Milk Recipes You Can Make at Home

Plant-based milk has become a popular alternative for many people looking to reduce dairy consumption or explore new flavors. Making your own plant milk at home is simple, cost-effective, and lets you control the ingredients for a fresh, creamy result. This guide shares easy recipes for three popular types of plant milk, along with tips to customize them to your taste.

All milks listed on this guide can be used a substitute for cow's milk in coffee, cereal, chia seed puddings, plant based butters, overnight oats, cooked oats, baking, pancakes, etc.

Fresh homemade almond milk in a glass jar on rustic wooden surface

How to Make Almond Milk

Almond milk is one of the most common plant milks. It has a mild, nutty flavor and works well in coffee, smoothies, or baking.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw or roasted, salted almonds

• 4 cups filtered water

• Pinch of salt (omit if roasted and salted)

• 1 tbsp maple syrup OR 2-3 pitted and cut dates (optional)

• 1/2-1 tsp of vanilla extract (optional)

  
  

Instructions for blender method

1. Soak almonds in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. This softens them and makes blending easier.

2. Drain and rinse the almonds.

3. Add almonds, dates (if using) and 4 cups of fresh water to a blender.

4. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.

5. Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag, tea towel, or fine mesh strainer into a bowl.

6. Squeeze or press to extract as much milk as possible.

7. Add a pinch of salt, vanilla, and maple syrup if desired, then stir well.

8. Store in a sealed container (I use a canning jar) in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.

Instructions for nut milk maker method

1. Soak the amount of almonds recommended overnight or for 8 hours. If your nut milk maker doesn't require soaking and you don't want to, you can add the amount it recommends unsoaked.

2. If using dates, pit, dice, and load with the coconut.

3. Fill the water to the appropriate line in the maker.

4. Add salt (if unsalted), maple syrup (if not using dates) and vanilla (if desired) to the water.

5. Run the nut milk maker twice.

6. Store in a sealed container (I use a canning jar) in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.

You can adjust the thickness by using less water for creamier milk or more water for a lighter version.

This recipe can be used for other types of nut milk including:

• Pistachio

• Cashew

• Walnut

• Pecan

• Macadamia

• Peanut

The recipe can be made with combinations of any of the nuts listed above including almonds. Experiment and do what works for you!

Making Oat Milk at Home

Oat milk has a naturally sweet and creamy texture, making it a favorite for coffee and cereal. It can be made in a blender or nut milk maker.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 4 cups cold water

• 1 tbsp maple syrup OR 2-3 pitted and cut dates (optional)

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

  
  

Instructions for blender method

1. Rinse oats under cold water to remove excess starch.

2. Combine oats, dates (if using), and water in a blender.

3. Blend for 30-45 seconds until smooth. Avoid over-blending to prevent sliminess.

4. Strain through a nut milk bag, tea towel, or fine mesh strainer.

5. Add salt and vanilla (optional).

6. Store in a sealed container (I use a canning jar) in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.

Instructions for nut milk maker method

1. Measure amount of oats per nut milk maker instructions.

2. Rinse oats under cold water to remove excess starch.

3. Load oats and dates into nut chamber.

4. Fill the water to the minimum line in the maker.

5. Add salt, maple syrup (if not using dates), vanilla (if desired), and 12-20 ice cubes to the water.

   • Note: The ice cubes prevent sliminess from occurring.

6. Store in a sealed container (I use a canning jar) in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.

Oat milk is naturally sweet and contains fiber, which can help with digestion. It’s also a great choice for those with nut allergies.

Glass pitcher with homemade oat milk on kitchen counter with natural light

Simple Homemade Coconut Milk

Coconut milk offers a rich flavor and creamy texture. It’s perfect for cooking, baking, smoothies, or desserts.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

• 4 cups water

• 2-3 pitted and cut dates OR 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp of vanilla extract (optional)

  
  

Instructions for blender method

1. Place shredded coconut, dates (if using) OR maple syrup, and water in a blender.

2. Blend for 2-3 minutes until the mixture looks creamy.

3. Strain through a nut milk bag, tea towel, or fine mesh strainer.

4. Store in a sealed container (I use a canning jar) in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.

Instructions for nut milk maker method

1. Add the amount of coconut to the nut chamber per maker instructions.

2. If using dates, pit, dice, and load with the coconut.

3. Fill the water to the appropriate line in the maker.

4. Add salt, maple syrup (if not using dates) and vanilla to the water (if desired).

5. Run the nut milk maker twice.

6. Store in a sealed container (I use a canning jar) in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.

Coconut milk is higher in fat than other plant milks, giving it a luxurious texture. It pairs well with tropical fruits and spices like ginger or cardamom. It is also great for baking, butters, or coffee.

Tips for Perfect Plant Milk Every Time

• Use fresh, filtered water for the best taste.

• Soaking nuts or grains softens them and improves texture.

  • This step is not needed if using a nut milk maker.

• Strain well to remove pulp and avoid gritty milk.

• Store milk in airtight containers in the fridge.

• Shake before use as natural separation occurs.

• Experiment with flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or cocoa powder.

• Dates give a sweetness that is the perfect amount for any recipe, especially baking or using in coffee.

Experiment and do what is best for you!

Three glass jars with almond, oat, and coconut milk on wooden tray