Cheesecake is a beloved dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. However, for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, traditional cheesecake recipes can be off-limits.
But fear not, because there is a solution: almond milk! Yes, you read that right. Almond milk can be used as a substitute for dairy milk in cheesecake recipes.
In this article, we will explore the different ways almond milk can be used to make delicious and creamy cheesecakes. So, whether you’re looking to cut back on dairy or just want to try something new, keep reading to learn more about making cheesecake with almond milk.
Can You Make Cheesecake With Almond Milk?
The short answer is yes, you can make cheesecake with almond milk. Almond milk is a great alternative to dairy milk, as it is lactose-free and vegan-friendly. It also has a creamy texture that makes it a perfect substitute for dairy milk in cheesecake recipes.
When making cheesecake with almond milk, it’s important to keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different from traditional cheesecake. However, with the right ingredients and techniques, you can still achieve a delicious and creamy cheesecake.
Why Use Almond Milk In Cheesecake?
There are several reasons why you might want to use almond milk in your cheesecake recipe. First and foremost, almond milk is a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy. It is also vegan-friendly, making it a perfect choice for those who follow a plant-based diet.
Another benefit of using almond milk in cheesecake is that it is lower in calories and fat than dairy milk. This can be especially beneficial for those who are watching their calorie intake or trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
When it comes to baking, almond milk can be used 1:1 in place of 2% milk and whole milk. However, it’s important to note that confections may bake a little faster when using almond milk, as there is more water in almond milk than dairy milk. This water evaporates causing the baked good to rise and set more quickly.
Almond milk is also a great substitute for cow’s milk when making Jell-O pudding. The ingredients are the same as in the traditional recipe but almond milk can be substituted for the cow’s milk. The pudding will require additional thickening time, however, as the almond milk is thinner than cow’s milk.
Substituting Almond Milk In Cheesecake Recipes
Almond milk can be used as a cup-for-cup substitute in cheesecake recipes. However, it’s important to note that almond milk has a lower fat content compared to dairy milk, which can result in a less rich and creamy texture. To compensate for this, you can use dairy-free cream cheese, such as Kite Hill Plain Almond Milk Cream Cheese, which has a similar texture and taste to traditional cream cheese.
When substituting almond milk in a cheesecake recipe, it’s important to keep in mind that the water content in almond milk is higher than dairy milk. This means that your cheesecake may bake a little faster than usual. To prevent this, you can reduce the oven temperature by 25°F and increase the baking time by a few minutes.
Another thing to keep in mind when using almond milk in cheesecake recipes is that it has a slightly different taste compared to dairy milk. To enhance the flavor of your cheesecake, you can add some lemon juice or vanilla extract to the recipe. You can also use a natural granulated sweetener, such as coconut sugar, to add a hint of sweetness.
Tips For Making Cheesecake With Almond Milk
If you’re looking to make cheesecake with almond milk, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Use a good quality vegan cream cheese: Look for a vegan cream cheese that has minimal or no added water in it. This will ensure that the cheesecake remains creamy once it has been baked.
2. Choose the right sweetener: You can use either white sugar or unrefined white sugar, or try to keep it sugar-free by using erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
3. Use corn starch or arrowroot starch: This will allow the cheesecake to remain intact and hold together.
4. Pick the right type of almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk is a great choice, but you can also use oat milk, coconut milk, or any other dairy-free milk.
5. Add lemon juice and vanilla extract: Lemon juice reacts with the cream cheese and sugar to give the cheesecake a slight tang, while vanilla extract adds flavor and depth.
6. Choose the right crust: You can use your favorite homemade or store-bought 8-inch pie crust. A simple vegan graham cracker crust works well, but any crust will do.
7. Be mindful of substitutions: While you may be able to substitute some ingredients, keep in mind that the results may not be the same as using the original ingredients. For example, you can swap almond flour for any other nut flour, but it may change the texture and flavor of the cheesecake.
By following these tips and using quality ingredients, you can create a delicious and creamy cheesecake using almond milk. Experiment with different flavors and toppings to make it your own!
Almond Milk Cheesecake Recipe To Try At Home
If you’re looking to try making almond milk cheesecake at home, we’ve got a recipe that’s easy to follow and requires no oven! Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
– 4 (8oz) packages of almond milk cream cheese
– 1/2 cup of white granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon of unflavored powdered gelatin
– 1 1/2 cups of almond flour or almond meal
– 1/4 cup of coconut oil (expeller pressed or refined)
– 1/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– Your favorite homemade or store-bought 8-inch pie crust (such as a vegan graham cracker crust)
To begin, make sure your cream cheese is softened and at room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add in the sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and powdered gelatin until frothy. Add this mixture to the cream cheese mixture and mix until smooth. Next, add in the almond flour or meal, coconut oil, and almond milk. Mix until everything is well combined.
Finally, add in the lemon juice and mix one last time. Pour the mixture into your prepared pie crust and smooth out the top with a spatula. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set.
Once set, remove from the fridge and slice into pieces. Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious almond milk cheesecake!
Other Dairy-Free Cheesecake Options
If you’re looking for other dairy-free cheesecake options, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. Here are some options to consider:
1. Cashew Cream Cheesecake: This option is perfect for those who are also avoiding gluten, as it uses a nut-based crust instead of graham crackers. The filling is made with soaked cashews, coconut cream, and sweetener of your choice. It has a smooth and creamy texture that is similar to traditional cheesecake.
2. Tofu Cheesecake: Tofu is a great alternative to cream cheese and can be used to make a delicious dairy-free cheesecake. The texture may be slightly different from traditional cheesecake, but it still has a creamy and smooth consistency. You can use silken tofu for a smoother texture or firm tofu for a firmer texture.
3. Coconut Milk Cheesecake: Coconut milk is another great alternative to dairy milk and can be used to make a creamy and delicious cheesecake. It pairs well with tropical flavors like mango or pineapple and can be used in both the crust and filling.
4. Soy Milk Cheesecake: Soy milk is another popular alternative to dairy milk and can be used in cheesecake recipes. However, it may have a slightly different flavor compared to almond or coconut milk, so it’s important to choose the right ingredients to balance the flavors.
