If you’re looking for a creamy, dairy-free alternative to traditional yogurt, almond milk yogurt is a fantastic choice. It’s not only vegan and lactose-free but also packed with a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with fruit, granola, or just a drizzle of honey. Making almond milk yogurt at home is easier than you might think, and with a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy fresh, homemade almond milk yogurt anytime.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before diving into the process, here’s a quick rundown of the essentials:
– Raw almonds (for making fresh almond milk)
– Water
– A thickening agent like arrowroot starch or agar-agar
– A yogurt starter culture or probiotic capsules
– Sweetener (optional, like maple syrup or sugar)
– Clean jars for fermenting and storing your yogurt
– A thermometer (helpful but not mandatory)
Step 1: Make Fresh Almond Milk
Start by soaking 1 cup of raw almonds overnight or for at least 2 hours. This softens them and makes blending easier. Drain and rinse the almonds, then blend them with about 2 cups of fresh water until smooth and creamy. For a touch of sweetness, you can add a tablespoon of maple syrup or your preferred sweetener during blending.
Next, strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or a fine cloth to separate the almond pulp from the milk. Don’t throw away the pulp—it’s great for baking or adding to smoothies!
Step 2: Prepare the Almond Milk for Yogurt
Pour your freshly made almond milk into a saucepan. To help the yogurt thicken, mix a thickening agent like arrowroot starch and agar-agar with a small amount of cold almond milk to create a smooth slurry, then stir this into the saucepan.
Heat the mixture slowly on low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, aiming for about 85ºC (185ºF). This step is crucial as it activates the thickening agents and kills any unwanted bacteria. Heating can take 30 to 40 minutes, so be patient!
Once the milk reaches the right temperature, turn off the heat and let it cool down to about 45ºC (113ºF). If you don’t have a thermometer, test the temperature by dipping a clean finger in the milk— it should feel warm but not hot enough to burn.
Step 3: Add the Yogurt Starter
When the almond milk has cooled to the right temperature, it’s time to add your yogurt starter. This can be a few tablespoons of store-bought plain almond yogurt with live cultures or probiotic capsules. If using probiotics, open the capsules and sprinkle the powder into a small amount of the cooled milk first, stirring to dissolve, then add it to the rest of the milk.
Mix gently but thoroughly to distribute the cultures evenly. Strain the mixture again if you notice any lumps or almond bits to ensure a smooth yogurt texture.
Step 4: Incubate Your Yogurt
Pour the mixture into sterilized jars or containers. Place them in a warm environment to ferment. You can wrap the jars in a warm blanket or use an Instant Pot with a yogurt function if you have one.
Incubate the yogurt for about 12 hours for a mild tang, or up to 24 hours if you prefer a thicker, tangier yogurt. The longer it ferments, the stronger the flavor will be.
Step 5: Chill and Enjoy
Once the incubation is complete, refrigerate your almond milk yogurt for at least 6 hours to thicken further and develop flavor. Your homemade almond milk yogurt will keep in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days.
Serve it with fresh fruit, granola, or a drizzle of honey for a delicious, healthy snack or breakfast.
Tips for Perfect Almond Milk Yogurt
– Sterilize your tools: Always clean and sterilize your pots, spoons (preferably wooden or silicone), and jars to avoid contamination and ensure successful fermentation.
– Use unsweetened, unflavored almond milk: This gives you full control over the flavor and sweetness of your yogurt.
– Don’t skip the thickener: Almond milk is naturally thin, so adding arrowroot, agar-agar, or cornstarch helps achieve that creamy, yogurt-like texture.
– Be patient: Fermentation times can vary depending on room temperature and starter culture strength.
– Save some yogurt as starter: Keep a bit of your homemade yogurt to use as a starter for your next batch, making the process even easier next time.
Making almond milk yogurt at home is a rewarding process that lets you enjoy fresh, natural, and customizable dairy-free yogurt. With these simple steps, you can create a creamy and tangy treat that’s perfect for any time of day.
Enjoy your delicious homemade almond milk yogurt!