Homemade Hazelnut Milk

Learn how to make hazelnut milk from scratch using just two ingredients. It is a versatile and delicious dairy-free option that can be used in a variety of ways. Add it to your morning smoothie or coffee, pour it over your favorite cereal, or use it in recipes.

Have you tried hazelnut milk yet? Personally, I find it to be one of the most flavorful and enjoyable non-dairy milk alternatives out there. With its nutty and slightly sweet taste, hazelnut milk always makes me feel like I’m indulging in something special. It’s so tasty!

The versatility of hazelnut milk is another great thing about it. It can be used in a variety of recipes, or simply savored by itself. Personally, I love incorporating hazelnut milk into my lattes or creating a delectable vegan chocolate milk with it (because who can resist a good chocolate milk, am I right?).

You can easily find hazelnut milk in most grocery stores, but did you know that it’s incredibly easy to make at home? With just three simple steps, you’ll be sipping on delicious, creamy milk in no time.

Jump to:

• What is hazelnut milk
• Ingredient notes
• How to make hazelnut milk
• Recipe video
• Tips & recipe notes
• Serving suggestions
• Variations & additions
• Storage tips
• FAQs
• Recipe

What is hazelnut milk

Hazelnut milk is a plant-based milk alternative made by blending soaked hazelnuts with water and then straining the mixture. It’s a simple and natural option that’s packed with nutrients.

It is typically used as a substitute for dairy milk by those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.

What does hazelnut milk taste like?

Hazelnut milk has a distinct and pleasant taste with a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that can vary depending on the brand and how it’s made. When homemade, hazelnut milk can also have a slightly earthy taste, making it an excellent complement to coffee or tea.

Hazelnut milk nutrition & health benefits

Hazelnut milk can be a healthy addition to your diet when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious and heart-healthy choice that can promote digestive health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Ingredient notes

You only need raw hazelnuts to make this nut milk at home! You can also add other ingredients to make it even more flavorful. Later in this post, I’ll suggest some of them.

Hazelnuts are a commonly found ingredient at most grocery stores, but I like to purchase them from my local Costco as they offer an option with great value for money.

How to make hazelnut milk

There are three simple steps to make your own hazelnut milk at home.

Step 1: Soak the hazelnuts

The first step in making hazelnut milk is to soak raw hazelnuts in water for 8 hours or overnight.

Soaking the nuts is an essential step in making hazelnut milk, and though it requires some planning, it makes the nuts softer and easier to blend. This results in a smoother, creamier milk that’s well worth the effort. Even with a high-speed blender, don’t skip this step for the best results.

Step 2: Blend soaked hazelnuts and water

Once you’ve soaked the hazelnuts, drain and rinse them thoroughly. Place them in a blender along with filtered water, and blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes, until you get a smooth and creamy mixture.

Note: If you want to experiment with different flavors, try adding some optional ingredients. You can find some ideas in the ‘Variations & Additions’ section.

Step 3: Strain the milk

After blending the mixture, place a nut milk bag over a large bowl or pitcher. Then, pour the mixture into the bag, gather the sides, and twist it to secure the top. Squeeze the bag to extract as much milk as possible.

Alternatively, you can also strain the milk using a fine mesh strainer or a cheesecloth-lined sieve. Pour the blended mixture into the strainer or sieve, and use a spoon to gently press the mixture against the cheesecloth to extract the milk.

That’s it! Your homemade hazelnut milk is ready to be enjoyed. You can use it as a dairy-free milk substitute in recipes, smoothies, oatmeal, or enjoy it on its own.

Save the residue in the bag for other uses. Find some ideas in the ‘Tips & recipe notes’ section.

Note: Investing in a good quality nut milk bag is a game-changer if you’re planning on making homemade nut milks frequently. It’s a one-time purchase that can last for years (mine has been in use for 7 years now!). Plus, a good quality bag can strain the milk thoroughly, leaving no residue and resulting in a smoother texture.

Recipe video

Watch how to make this recipe:

Tips & recipe notes

• You can adjust the amount of water used in the hazelnut milk recipe to suit your preference. In my experience, a 1:4 ratio works well because it can be used in a variety of ways, such as for coffee, sauces, and smoothies. However, feel free to experiment with more or less water to get the consistency that you like best.
• For a smooth and creamy texture, it’s important to blend hazelnut milk thoroughly. Proper blending also helps to minimize the amount of leftover residue after straining. If needed, blend the milk for a few minutes to ensure a well-combined mixture.
• It’s also important not to skip the soaking process when making hazelnut milk. Soaking helps to soften the nuts and improve their texture, making them easier to blend.
• To make a smaller batch, you can simply use fewer hazelnuts and water, but be sure to maintain the right ratio.

Hazelnut pulp

The leftover residue from making hazelnut milk, known as hazelnut pulp, has various uses. Here are some ideas:

• Incorporate it into smoothies or mix it into oatmeal, yogurt, or overnight oats to enhance the fiber content and nutritional value.
• Use as a base for creating flavorful dips and sauces such as pesto, hummus, and salad dressings.
• Combine it with other ingredients like dates, nuts, and seeds to make energy balls or bars.

To store hazelnut pulp, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the pulp in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to 3 months.

Serving suggestions

Hazelnut milk can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some ideas:

• Enjoy it on its own as a refreshing drink. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add sweeteners according to your liking.
• Add it to your coffee or tea for a delicious and nutty twist on your morning beverage. Hazelnut milk can be heated over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired temperature.
• Use it as a base for smoothies or protein shakes.
• Pour it over your cereal or granola in the morning.
• Incorporate it into your morning oatmeal or chia pudding for added creaminess and nutrition.
• Make savory sauces to serve with pasta.
• Use it as a dairy-free alternative in baking recipes such as cookies or muffins.

Note: When using homemade hazelnut milk in your dishes, keep in mind that it has a distinct hazelnut flavor that will be noticeable in the final product. If you prefer a more neutral flavor, it’s best to opt for almond or cashew milk instead.

Variations & additions

Adding more ingredients to your homemade nut milk is a great way to change up the taste and create new and exciting flavor combinations. Here are some ideas for adding flavors to hazelnut milk:

• To add sweetness, you can use natural sweeteners like dates, maple syrup, or honey.
• You can also add a subtle touch of sweetness without any added sugar and enhance the flavor of hazelnut milk by adding a dash of vanilla extract.
• For a chocolatey twist, you can add cacao powder or melted dark chocolate. Check out our chocolate hazelnut milk recipe for reference.
• Blend in some fresh fruits like bananas, berries, or mangoes to add a fruity flavor to your nut milk.
• To give your hazelnut milk a warm and cozy flavor, try spicing it up with some cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
• For additional nutty flavors, mix things up by adding almonds, cashews, or Brazil nuts to your hazelnut milk recipe. Soak them along with the hazelnut and follow the same process. Just make sure to maintain the right ratio of nuts to water.

Storage tips

Hazelnut milk should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Before using the milk, give it a good shake or stir as it may separate during storage. It may also thicken slightly in the fridge, so you can add a little water and stir to reach your desired consistency.

If you are not going to consume it in time, you can freeze it. Simply divide the milk into small freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays with lids. This way, you can thaw only the amount of milk needed for your next recipe. Keep in mind that freezing may affect the texture and taste, so it’s best to use the milk in smoothies or other recipes rather than drinking it straight or using it for coffee.

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