As the weather turns crisp and cool, I find myself craving comforting, creamy beverages that warm me from the inside out. And my latest obsession is this rich, nutty Hazelnut Milk – it’s my new favorite plant-based latte! The second I blend up the toasted hazelnuts with water, their natural oils impart the most luscious texture and subtly sweet, earthy flavor. I honestly can’t get enough.
Sipping this creamy concoction transports me right back to childhood weekends spent at my grandmother’s house, where she would always greet me with a steaming mug of hot chocolate. I adored that ritual comfort – even the sound of the old metal whisk clinking against the enamel pot was music to my ears! Now, blending this Hazelnut Milk and warming it on the stove feels nostalgic, yet modern. It’s my way of honoring tradition while putting a plant-based twist on an old favorite.
I hope sharing this simple recipe inspires you to experiment with nuts and transform them into luscious, dairy-free delights perfect for steaming mugs. Snuggle up with your own Hazelnut Milk latte and enjoy its subtly sweet, nutty flavor.
Hazelnut Milk Recipe
Hazelnut Milk
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw (untoasted) hazelnuts, soaked
- 4 to 5 cups water
- 3 to 5 dates, soaked for 20 minutes
Instructions
- Place the hazelnuts in a large bowl and fill the bowl with wateruntil they are covered.
- Cover the bowl with a towel and let sit in the refrigerator forabout 24 hours.
- After the nuts are done soaking, pour out the water and rinse them with fresh water.
- Place the nuts in your blender with about 4 cups of water.
- Add the dates.
- Blend on high for about 50 seconds or until you don’t have anymore date or nuts pieces.
- After you are done blending, you’ll have a thick, white liquid withlot of froth on top.
- Strain the milk through a bag strainer (nut milk bag), or through afine sieve (in that case use a spoon to scrape the bottom of thesieve to remove built-up hazelnut pulp).
- Store the hazelnut milk in the refrigerator for a week.
- You will need to stir or shake the milk every time you use. Use asa liquid in smoothies or drink it straight.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Making Hazelnut Milk Using a Slow Cooker: A Cozy Approach
Start by soaking hazelnuts overnight to soften them and intensify flavor extraction. Transfer the soaked hazelnuts to a slow cooker with water, allowing the mixture to warm and infuse for 3-4 hours. Avoid cooking the hazelnuts; instead, aim to extract their essence. After infusion, blend the mixture until creamy, then strain using a nut milk bag or strainer to separate liquid from pulp. Return the strained milk to the blender, add sweetener, salt, and vanilla extract, and blend again. Enjoy the hazelnut milk warm or refrigerate for a chilled option. Store in a sealed container for freshness.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Hazelnut Milk
When making my creamy Hazelnut Milk, I always start by toasting raw hazelnuts to bring out their natural oils and earthy, nutty essence. As the kitchen fills with their warm, sweet aroma, nostalgia washes over me – it’s just like my grandmother’s house! I let the nuts cool completely before blending to yield the smoothest, most luscious texture.
I blend the nuts with cool water, straining through a nut milk bag or fine mesh sieve to achieve a perfectly smooth and velvety milk. At this point, I love to mix in flavors like cocoa powder, vanilla, cinnamon, or even a swirl of maple syrup. Sipping this plant-based concoction transports me right back to childhood weekends spent curled up with my grandmother’s steaming mug of hot chocolate. Though my hazelnut creation may not be exactly like hers, it fills me with those same feelings of nostalgia, comfort and love.
Serving Suggestions for Hazelnut Milk
The rich, nutty flavor of homemade Hazelnut Milk would pair deliciously with a variety of dishes and baked goods. For breakfast, I’d suggest enjoying it over a bowl of Pumpkin Porridge, Oatmeal or Granola for added creaminess and protein. It would also be lovely drizzled over French Toast, Pancakes or Waffles.
For desserts and snacks, Hazelnut Milk would add wonderful flavor and texture to Chocolate Cupcakes, Pecan Buttercrunch or Fudgy Hamentashen. It’s also perfect for making milkshakes or smoothies with fresh fruit like Blueberry Cobbler or Cherry Cobbler.
And for a comforting beverage, Hazelnut Milk steamed with honey or cinnamon would make a delicious dairy-free latte. You could also use it for Creamy Tuna Soup, Vegetable Lo Mein or Teriyaki Meatballs to add nutty richness.
9 FAQs on Hazelnut Milk
- How healthy is hazelnut milk? Hazelnut milk is a nutritious dairy alternative rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It provides a good source of antioxidants, promotes heart health, and supports bone strength. However, it’s essential to choose unsweetened varieties to avoid added sugars.
- Does hazelnut milk taste like Nutella? While hazelnut milk shares a nutty flavor with Nutella, it doesn’t replicate the chocolatey sweetness of the popular spread. Hazelnut milk offers a subtler, more natural nut flavor, making it versatile for various culinary uses.
- Is almond milk better than hazelnut milk? The choice between almond and hazelnut milk depends on personal preference and dietary needs. Both offer unique flavors and nutritional benefits. Hazelnut milk may provide a creamier texture and a distinct hazelnut taste, while almond milk is often milder.
- Which is better, hazelnut milk, or oat milk? The preference between hazelnut and oat milk depends on taste and dietary considerations. Hazelnut milk offers a nuttier flavor, while oat milk provides a naturally sweet and creamy taste. Oat milk is often chosen for its smooth texture and versatility.
- Can I use roasted hazelnuts for the milk? Absolutely! Roasted hazelnuts can provide a deeper flavor. However, they might slightly alter the color and taste, giving it a more toasted profile.
- Why is my hazelnut milk too thin? The consistency can be influenced by the amount of water used. For creamier milk, reduce the water in your next batch.
- How long does hazelnut milk last in the fridge? It’s best consumed within 3-4 days. Always give it a good shake before using, as natural separation can occur.
- Is hazelnut milk suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals? Yes, hazelnut milk is naturally lactose-free, making it perfect for those with lactose intolerance or seeking dairy alternatives.
- How do I store any leftover hazelnut pulp? The pulp can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for future use. It’s great in baked goods, added to oatmeal, or even in your smoothies.
Conclusion
I hope this simple yet luxurious Hazelnut Milk recipe transports you right back to the warmth of childhood and comforting, creamy beverages. Though my homemade version may not be as perfect as my grandmother’s steaming mug of hot chocolate, I try my best to recreate that nostalgic experience – but with a modern, plant-based twist. I’m so happy to be able to share this subtly sweet, nutty delight with the Food And Meal community.
If you make this recipe at home, I’d love to see your nut milk creations! Please share photos on social media and tag @foodandmeal so I can take a peek into your blenders. And feel free to leave a comment below letting me know what you enjoyed this luscious Hazelnut Milk with. I can’t wait to hear all the ways you incorporated it into your daily life!
Hi! I'm Nazia of ‘Nazia Cooks’, a self-taught baker and cook residing in Chennai. Rooted in the rich South Indian culinary landscape, my palate has expanded to embrace global flavors. I revel in crafting fusion dishes, melding traditions to birth unique tastes.