Are you looking for a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream? Almond milk might just be the answer you’re looking for!
While almond milk alone may not have the same texture as heavy cream, there are ways to transform it into a thick and creamy substitute.
In this article, we’ll explore different methods for making heavy cream with almond milk, as well as other non-dairy milk options.
Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking for a healthier alternative, read on to learn how to make your own heavy cream substitute with almond milk.
How To Make Heavy Cream With Almond Milk?
There are several ways to make heavy cream with almond milk. Here are three different methods to try:
Method 1: Almond Milk and Butter
One of the easiest ways to make heavy cream with almond milk is to add melted butter to it. Start by melting unsalted butter and letting it cool slightly. Then, whisk it into almond milk using a ratio of 1 part melted butter to 3 parts almond milk by volume. Whole almond milk is ideal since increasing fat content is the name of the game here, but this hack is even doable with other nut milks like cashew and oat. The mixture won’t take well to whipping, so don’t expect stiff peaks (or any peaks for that matter). Stick to this method for baking or cooking.
Method 2: Almond Milk and Cashews
Another way to make heavy cream with almond milk is to use cashews. Soak cashews in boiling hot water for 15 minutes, then drain and rinse them. Add them to your blender along with almond milk (or water) and blend until very smooth. If you want a thinner consistency add more almond milk (or water) and blend again. This method will give you a creamy texture that’s perfect for sauces, soups, and other recipes that require heavy cream.
Method 3: Almond Milk and Starch
To make almond milk into a heavy cream substitute, you can also add some starch like cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Start by mixing the starch with a small amount of cold water until it forms a paste. Then, add it to your almond milk and heat the mixture over low heat until it thickens. This method will give you a thick and creamy texture that’s perfect for desserts like puddings and custards.
Why Use Almond Milk Instead Of Heavy Cream?
There are several reasons why you might want to use almond milk instead of heavy cream in your recipes. First and foremost, almond milk is a much healthier alternative to heavy cream. Heavy cream is high in fat and calories, while almond milk is low in both. This makes it a great option for those who are watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthy diet.
In addition to being healthier, almond milk also contains more vitamins and minerals than heavy cream. For example, almond milk has significantly more Vitamin E than heavy cream. It also contains more niacin, which is important for maintaining healthy skin and a healthy digestive system.
Another benefit of using almond milk instead of heavy cream is that it is a vegan and dairy-free option. This makes it ideal for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.
Finally, using almond milk instead of heavy cream can also add a unique flavor to your recipes. Almond milk has a slightly nutty flavor that can complement both sweet and savory dishes. It also has a thinner consistency than heavy cream, which can be beneficial in certain recipes where a lighter texture is desired.
Method 1: Mixing Almond Milk With Coconut Cream
If you’re looking for a dairy-free heavy cream substitute, combining almond milk with coconut cream is a great option. Here’s how to do it:
1. Soak raw almonds in water overnight to soften them. Discard the water and blend the almonds with fresh water, coconut cream, and vanilla extract in a high-powered blender for 2 minutes.
2. Place a mesh sieve over a bowl or large measuring cup and place a nut bag over the sieve. Pour the almond mixture into the nut bag and let it strain through into the bowl.
3. Close the nut bag and twist around the almond pulp, squeezing it firmly into the sieve to extract as much milk as possible.
4. In a separate blender jar, add hot (not boiling) water and unsweetened dry shredded coconut. Let it sit for 15 minutes or until cool. Then, add the soaked almonds and filtered water to the blender jar and secure the lid.
5. For Blendtec: Press the WHOLE JUICE button OR blend on medium to medium-high speed for 50 seconds. Wait about 10 seconds and run through the same cycle 1 more time. For Vitamix: Start on VARIABLE Speed 1. Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to VARIABLE Speed 10/HIGH for about 1.5 minutes.
Once you’ve blended the almond milk and coconut cream together, you can use it as a heavy cream substitute in recipes like soups, sauces, and desserts. It’s important to note that this mixture won’t whip like traditional heavy cream, so stick to using it in recipes where that isn’t necessary. Store any leftover almond-coconut milk in the fridge for up to a week.
Method 2: Making Almond Milk Creamer
If you’re looking to make your own almond milk creamer, here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Soak your almonds overnight in a large bowl of cold water. This will soften them and make them easier to blend.
2. Drain and rinse the almonds, then add them to a blender along with 2 cups of fresh filtered water. Blend on high speed for about 1 minute, or until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the almond milk through a nut milk bag or several layers of cheesecloth lining a sieve to strain out any remaining bits of pulp. Squeeze the pulp to extract as much liquid as possible.
4. Transfer the almond milk to a saucepan and add 1/2 cup of solid coconut cream from a refrigerated can of full-fat coconut milk. You can also add a pinch of salt, some maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, or your favorite spices at this point.
5. Heat the mixture over low-medium heat, whisking constantly until the coconut cream has melted. Be careful not to heat it too much or bring it to a boil.
6. Transfer the creamer to a clean glass bottle or small bowl and refrigerate. Stir before each use; it will thicken and separate as it chills.
Some tips for making the perfect almond milk creamer include soaking your almonds overnight for maximum creaminess, using flavoring ingredients like dates, vanilla, and sea salt to enhance the flavor, blending for long enough (but not too long) to extract fats from the almonds, and properly straining your almond milk creamer so that it’s smooth and creamy.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy homemade almond milk creamer in your coffee or tea anytime you want!
Method 3: Blending Almond Milk With Cashews
Blending almond milk with cashews is a great way to make a heavy cream substitute that’s perfect for recipes that require a creamy texture. To start, soak cashews in hot water for 15 minutes, then drain and rinse them. Add the soaked cashews to a high-speed blender along with almond milk (or water) and blend until very smooth. If you want a thinner consistency, add more almond milk (or water) and blend again.
It’s important to note that this method won’t give you the same texture as traditional heavy cream, but it’s a great vegan alternative that works well in soups, sauces, and other recipes that require a creamy texture. You can also use this method to make almond milk ice cream, which is a popular dairy-free dessert option.
One of the benefits of using this method is that it’s easy to customize the texture to your liking. If you want a thicker consistency, simply use less almond milk (or water) when blending the cashews. If you want a thinner consistency, add more liquid until you reach your desired texture.
Other Non-Dairy Milk Options For Heavy Cream Substitutes
While almond milk is a popular non-dairy milk option for heavy cream substitutes, there are other alternatives to consider as well. Here are some other options:
1. Soy Milk – Similar to almond milk, soy milk can be combined with a neutral oil to create a heavy cream substitute. Use a ratio of 2 parts soy milk to 1 part oil by volume. You can also blend silken tofu until smooth and use it as a substitute for light cream using a 1:1 ratio.
2. Coconut Milk – Canned coconut milk is a great option for creating a thick and creamy heavy cream substitute. Simply refrigerate the can overnight and scoop out the thickened cream on top. Use this as a substitute for heavy cream in recipes like curries, soups, and desserts.
3. Oat Milk – Oat milk can be used in combination with vegetable or canola oil to create a heavy cream substitute that’s ideal for baking. Use a ratio of 2/3 cup oat milk to 1/3 cup oil for each cup of heavy cream.
4. Rice Milk – Similar to the brown rice method mentioned above, cooked brown rice can be blended with non-dairy milk to create a creamy texture that’s perfect for sauces and soups.
Experiment with these non-dairy milk options to find the best heavy cream substitute for your specific recipe and dietary needs.
Tips For Using Almond Milk Heavy Cream In Recipes
Now that you know how to make heavy cream with almond milk, it’s important to understand how to use it in recipes. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Use a high-fat content almond milk: When making heavy cream with almond milk, it’s important to use the version with the highest fat content you can find. Whole almond milk is ideal since it has a higher fat content than other nut milks.
2. Combine with oil or starch to thicken: While using almond milk directly instead of heavy cream will add a similar flavor to your recipe, it won’t have the same texture. Almond milk is much thinner than heavy cream, so you need to combine it with a certain amount of oil or starch to thicken it up. Experiment with different ratios until you find the right consistency for your recipe.
3. Stick to baking or cooking: While some recipes may call for whipped heavy cream, the almond milk version won’t take well to whipping. Stick to using it in recipes that call for heavy cream in baking or cooking.
4. Consider the flavor profile: Almond milk has a distinct nutty flavor that may not work in all recipes. Consider whether the flavor profile of your dish will pair well with almond milk before using it as a substitute for heavy cream.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can successfully use almond milk heavy cream in your favorite recipes and enjoy a dairy-free alternative that’s just as delicious and versatile as traditional heavy cream.
