Homemade chocolate almond milk? Yes, please! It’s creamy, chocolatey, and oh-so-satisfying. The best part? You control the sweetness, flavor, and ingredients—no hidden stuff from store-bought cartons. Whether you’re going dairy-free, exploring plant-based options, or just want a delicious drink, this recipe is a keeper.
Picture this: a cool glass of chocolate almond milk on a hot afternoon. Or maybe a warm mug of it on a chilly evening. It’s the kind of comfort that fits any moment. Plus, it’s so easy to make, even if you’ve never tried making your own nut milk before. Let’s get started!
Quick Recipe Rundown
This one’s simple. Soak the almonds overnight (about 8–12 hours), blend them with a few ingredients, strain, and voilà! You’ve got about 2 cups of rich, velvety chocolate almond milk.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Time: Most of it’s hands-off! Soak almonds overnight, then spend 10 minutes blending and straining.
- Tools: A blender, a bowl, and a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer. Don’t have a nut milk bag? Cheesecloth works great.
- Storage: A clean glass jar or bottle with a tight lid. That way, the milk stays fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Pro tip? This is meal-prep friendly. Soak almonds in advance and refrigerate them for up to two days. Or make the milk ahead of time. It’s perfect for busy mornings!
What You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things super simple. Here’s your lineup:
- One cup of raw almonds: Soak them overnight. The soak is key for that creamy texture.
- Two cups of filtered water: This ratio strikes the perfect balance—not too thick, not too watery.
- One pitted date: Adds natural sweetness. Want it sweeter? Add maple syrup or stevia after straining.
- Two tablespoons cacao powder: Gives it that deep chocolate flavor. Cocoa powder works too—just slightly less intense.
- A pinch of sea salt (optional): It makes the flavors pop.
Out of almonds? Almond butter works in a pinch—just blend it with water and skip the soaking. No dates? Honey or agave is a great backup.
How to Make It
Step 1: Soak the Almonds
Soaking is non-negotiable. It softens the almonds, making them easier to blend and digest. Here’s what you do:
- Place the almonds in a bowl and cover with water.
- Let them soak for 8–12 hours (overnight works best).
- Drain and rinse until the water runs clear.
Feel how soft and plump they are after soaking? That’s the magic happening.
Step 2: Blend It All Together
Time for the fun part! Add these to a blender:
- Soaked almonds
- Two cups of filtered water
- One pitted date
- Two tablespoons of cacao powder
Blend on high for 1–2 minutes. The mixture should look creamy and smooth. Give it a taste. Want it sweeter? Add syrup or stevia and blend again.
Step 3: Strain the Milk
Here’s where the texture transforms. Grab a nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or fine mesh strainer:
- Place it over a bowl.
- Slowly pour in the blended mixture.
- Gather the edges of the bag (or cloth) and gently squeeze to extract the liquid.
Take your time—this step ensures your milk is silky smooth. All that’s left in the bag is almond pulp. Don’t toss it! You can use it later for baking or smoothies.
Step 4: Store and Enjoy
Transfer the milk into a clean glass jar or bottle. Pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for 3–4 days.
Heads up! The milk will naturally separate in the fridge. Totally normal. Just shake it up before serving.
Ways to Make It Your Own
Let’s talk customization. This recipe is super flexible:
- Keto-friendly? Swap the date for stevia.
- No almonds? Try sunflower seeds or oats instead.
- Need a spice kick? Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg while blending.
- Extra indulgent? Melt dairy-free dark chocolate into the milk for a richer texture.
Seasonal ideas?
- Summer: Serve it chilled over ice cubes.
- Winter: Heat it gently on the stove for a cozy hot chocolate vibe.
Serving Tips
Presentation matters, right? Here are some fun ways to serve it:
- Pour into a tall glass and dust with cacao powder for a fancy touch.
- Pair with cookies or fresh berries for a snack.
- Freeze leftovers in ice cube trays. Blend them into smoothies or thaw later for an instant treat.
If you’re serving it warm, remember to heat it gently on low while stirring. Nobody likes curdled almond milk!
There you have it: homemade chocolate almond milk that’s easy, healthy, and downright delicious. Try it once, and you’ll never look back at store-bought versions again. Whether you’re sipping it in the morning or winding down at night, this recipe’s a total win.
So, what are you waiting for? Go soak those almonds!
PrintChocolate Almond Milk
Homemade, fresh, and oh-so-delicious, this chocolate almond milk is the perfect dairy-free beverage! Whether you’re sipping it on its own, using it in your coffee, or blending it into your favorite smoothie, it’s rich, creamy, and completely customizable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 8–12 hours (Hands-Off Soaking Time)
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Vegan, Dairy-Free
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds (soaked overnight for creaminess)
- 2 cups filtered water (plus more for soaking)
- 1 large pitted date (natural sweetness—adjust to taste!)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder (for deep chocolate flavor)
- Optional: Stevia or maple syrup for extra sweetness
Instructions
1. Prep the Almonds
Place the almonds in a bowl and cover them completely with water. Let them soak overnight (8–12 hours). Once softened, drain and rinse thoroughly.
2. Blend Everything
Add the soaked almonds, filtered water, cacao powder, and date to a blender. Blend on high speed for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Strain the Milk
- Place a nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or fine mesh strainer over a large bowl.
- Slowly pour the blended mixture into the bag and gently squeeze to extract the liquid.
- The leftover almond pulp can be saved for baking, smoothies, or other recipes!
4. Finish and Store
Taste the strained milk. Need more sweetness? Stir in stevia or maple syrup to your liking. Pour it into an airtight jar or bottle, and refrigerate right away.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Chill and serve over ice for a cool treat.
- Warm gently on the stovetop for a cozy, hot chocolate-style drink.
- Use it as a dairy-free creamer or in your favorite smoothie recipes!
Storage Guidelines
- Store almond milk in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze extras in ice cube trays for smoothies or to thaw when needed.
Best Practices
- Want extra-creamy milk? Use 1.5 cups of water instead of 2.
- Remember to shake well before serving. Separation is natural in homemade almond milk.