Best Vanilla Vegan Milk Recipe for Creamy Homemade Milk

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Looking for the perfect dairy-free alternative that’s creamy, delicious, and bursting with the comforting essence of vanilla? Look no further!

This best vanilla vegan milk recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving a smooth, naturally sweetened plant-based milk that’s perfect for drinking on its own, adding to coffee, or using in baking. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply exploring healthier options, this homemade vanilla milk will soon become a staple in your kitchen.

Unlike store-bought versions often loaded with preservatives and added sugars, this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you can trust. Plus, making it at home means you can customize the sweetness and flavor intensity exactly to your liking.

Ready to elevate your milk game? Let’s dive into the creamy goodness of this vanilla vegan milk that’s as delightful as it is nutritious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vanilla vegan milk recipe stands out because it combines the perfect blend of natural sweetness and rich vanilla flavor without any artificial additives. It’s incredibly easy to make and requires only a handful of pantry staples.

Why choose homemade? Store-bought plant milks often contain stabilizers, gums, and excess sugar.

By making your own, you control every ingredient, ensuring a fresh and clean taste. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and environmentally conscious!

Whether you’re adding it to your morning coffee, using it in smoothies, or pouring it over cereal, this milk maintains a creamy texture and vibrant flavor that will make you forget all about conventional dairy.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight)
  • 4 cups filtered water
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract (pure, not imitation)
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Optional: 1 tsp ground cinnamon or a few drops of almond extract for variation

Equipment

  • High-speed blender (essential for a smooth texture)
  • Nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer (for straining pulp, optional if you prefer thicker milk)
  • Bowl or large jug (to collect the milk)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Glass bottle or jar (for storing the milk)

Instructions

  1. Soak the cashews: Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with filtered water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. This softens the nuts and makes blending easier and creamier.
  2. Drain and rinse: After soaking, drain the cashews and rinse them under cool water to remove any residue.
  3. Blend the milk: Add the soaked cashews to your blender along with 4 cups of filtered water, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt.
  4. Process until smooth: Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture looks creamy and smooth with no large nut pieces.
  5. Strain the milk (optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, pour the milk through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer into a bowl or jug. Use your hands to gently squeeze out as much milk as possible. If you like it thicker, you can skip this step.
  6. Store your vanilla vegan milk: Transfer the milk into a clean glass bottle or jar with a lid and refrigerate. It keeps fresh for up to 4-5 days.
  7. Shake before use: Homemade nut milk tends to separate, so give it a good shake before pouring.

Tips & Variations

“For an even creamier texture, try blending in a tablespoon of coconut oil or use soaked almonds instead of cashews.”

  • Sweeteners: Swap maple syrup for agave nectar, coconut sugar, or date syrup depending on your preference.
  • Flavor boosters: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warming twist.
  • Other nuts/seeds: Use almonds, macadamia nuts, or even hemp seeds to vary the flavor and nutrition.
  • Make it thicker: Use less water for creamier milk ideal for coffee or desserts.
  • Dairy-free cream: Keep the leftover pulp and blend it with a little water and sweetener for a delicious vegan cream alternative.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per 1 cup (240ml)
Calories 70
Fat 5g
Saturated Fat 1g
Carbohydrates 6g
Sugars 3g (from maple syrup)
Protein 2g
Calcium 15mg (varies if fortified)
Iron 0.4mg

Serving Suggestions

This vanilla vegan milk is incredibly versatile and will brighten up your daily routine in many ways. Pour it over your morning cereal or oatmeal for a subtly sweet start to the day.

Use it as a creamy base in smoothies, matcha lattes, or coffee drinks for a naturally flavored boost without any dairy. It also works beautifully in baking recipes that call for milk, like pancakes, muffins, or vegan custards.

For a refreshing treat, chill the milk and serve over ice with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. You can even transform it into a delightful vegan vanilla milkshake by blending it with frozen bananas or berries.

Conclusion

Making your own vanilla vegan milk at home is a simple yet rewarding way to enjoy a fresh, wholesome dairy alternative. This recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and natural sweetness, enhanced by the warm aroma of vanilla.

With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious milk that’s free from preservatives and tailored exactly to your taste. It’s not only great for drinking but also elevates your cooking and baking endeavors.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to check out some of our other favorites like the Magic Dough Recipe for bread lovers or the rich and flavorful Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for a hearty vegan meal.

For something sweet, try the unique Marzipan Challah Recipe that pairs beautifully with a glass of this vanilla vegan milk.

Enjoy your creamy creation and happy vegan cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vanilla Vegan Milk Recipe

Description: A creamy and naturally sweet vanilla-flavored vegan milk perfect for smoothies, cereals, or drinking on its own. Made with simple ingredients and no added preservatives.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M

Servings: 4 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours or overnight)
  • 3 cups filtered water
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for thickness)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for creaminess)

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse soaked cashews.
  2. Add cashews and filtered water to a blender.
  3. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
  4. Add maple syrup, vanilla extract, sea salt, chia seeds, and coconut oil.
  5. Blend again for 30 seconds to combine.
  6. Strain through a nut milk bag or fine mesh sieve if desired.
  7. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  8. Shake well before each use.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 8g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Vanilla Vegan Milk Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and naturally sweet vanilla-flavored vegan milk perfect for smoothies, cereals, or drinking on its own. Made with simple ingredients and no added preservatives.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT10M”, “recipeYield”: “4 cups”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours or overnight)”, “3 cups filtered water”, “2 tablespoons maple syrup”, “1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract”, “1/4 teaspoon sea salt”, “1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for thickness)”, “1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for creaminess)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain and rinse soaked cashews.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cashews and filtered water to a blender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add maple syrup, vanilla extract, sea salt, chia seeds, and coconut oil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blend again for 30 seconds to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Strain through a nut milk bag or fine mesh sieve if desired.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Shake well before each use.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120”, “proteinContent”: “3g”, “fatContent”: “8g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “8g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X