If you’re craving a cozy, festive drink that’s rich, silky, and completely plant-based, you have to try this Creamy Vegan Almond Eggnog Recipe. It’s the ultimate holiday indulgence that blends the nutty goodness of almonds and cashews with warm spices and natural sweetness. This dreamy vegan eggnog has all the comforting flavors you love in traditional eggnog but skips the dairy and eggs, making it a perfect treat for anyone looking to keep things wholesome and delicious during the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is refreshingly simple yet every ingredient is essential in creating that smooth, flavorful texture and warming taste. From creamy almond milk to fragrant cinnamon and vanilla, each component plays a special role in making this eggnog unforgettable.
- Unsweetened almond milk: The creamy, subtle nutty base that makes the eggnog dairy-free and light.
- Raw cashews: Soaked to blend effortlessly, they give richness and body without heaviness.
- Medjool dates or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners providing depth and caramel notes.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic holiday spice.
- Ground nutmeg: Infuses nutty sweetness with a fragrant touch.
- Ground cloves (optional): A hint of spice that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- Pure vanilla extract: Elevates the sweetness and brings that comforting aroma.
- Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional): Helps thicken the eggnog for a velvety finish.
- Dark rum or bourbon (optional): Adds a boozy kick for an adult version that’s festive and spirited.
How to Make Creamy Vegan Almond Eggnog Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Cashews
Begin by soaking your raw cashews in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is vital because it softens the nuts, allowing them to blend into a smooth, creamy texture that mimics traditional eggnog’s silkiness perfectly.
Step 2: Blend All Ingredients
Drain and rinse the soaked cashews, then add them to your blender along with the almond milk, pitted Medjool dates or maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, optional cloves, vanilla extract, sea salt, and cornstarch or arrowroot powder if you want a thicker consistency. Blend at high speed until every ingredient is fully combined and the mixture is luxuriously smooth with no grainy bits in sight.
Step 3: Warm the Eggnog
Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Gently warm it for 5 to 7 minutes while stirring often to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. If you prefer an ultra-smooth drink, strain the warm mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or nut milk bag to remove any remaining solids. This step results in an incredibly refined Creamy Vegan Almond Eggnog Recipe perfect for any occasion.
Step 4: Serve Warm or Chill
After warming, you can enjoy your eggnog right away for a cozy beverage or allow it to chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours to serve cold. Before serving, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top to enhance the aroma. Optionally, add a splash of dark rum or bourbon for a festive adult twist that elevates the experience even more.
How to Serve Creamy Vegan Almond Eggnog Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can make your Creamy Vegan Almond Eggnog Recipe feel extra special. Think freshly grated nutmeg, a cinnamon stick, or a dusting of ground cinnamon right on top. You might also add a few toasted almond slices for a delightful crunch and an added nutty aroma.
Side Dishes
This eggnog pairs wonderfully with classic holiday treats. Serve it alongside gingerbread cookies, vegan chocolate chip cookies, or spiced biscotti. The warm spices in the eggnog perfectly complement these sweet bites and make for a cozy snack or dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation festive by serving the eggnog in fancy glass mugs or vintage cups with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on the rim. For gatherings, consider offering a DIY station with various toppings like whipped coconut cream, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, and luxurious syrup drizzles to let guests customize their drinks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Creamy Vegan Almond Eggnog Recipe can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving since it might separate slightly, but this is completely normal and easy to fix.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this eggnog because freezing can alter the texture and cause separation. For best flavor and consistency, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated within the suggested timeframe.
Reheating
If you prefer warm eggnog, gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling, which can change the flavor and texture. A low, slow warm-up is key to maintaining that silky, comforting creaminess.
FAQs
Can I make this Creamy Vegan Almond Eggnog Recipe nut-free?
Yes, you can substitute the raw cashews and almond milk with oat milk or coconut milk and use sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seeds soaked in place of cashews. This will change the flavor slightly but still yield a creamy, delicious drink.
How long does the vegan eggnog keep?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it stays fresh for about three days. Always give it a good stir before pouring since natural separation happens without preservatives.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Omit the rum or bourbon in this Creamy Vegan Almond Eggnog Recipe to keep it family-friendly. Kids will love the naturally sweet, spiced flavor without any alcohol content.
Can I use sweetened almond milk instead of unsweetened?
You can, but be careful to adjust the added sweeteners since sweetened almond milk will increase the overall sweetness. Start with less maple syrup or dates and tweak to taste.
What makes the eggnog creamy without dairy?
The secret is soaking and blending raw cashews with almond milk, which creates a naturally thick, velvety texture that mimics traditional creamy eggnog without using any dairy ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Vegan Almond Eggnog Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic holiday favorite with a fresh, plant-based twist. Its rich, spiced, and smooth profile will have you reaching for seconds and sharing it with friends and family. I genuinely encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new festive go-to drink that everyone can enjoy!
Print
Creamy Vegan Almond Eggnog Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes (plus optional chilling time of 2-3 hours)
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, American Holiday
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This creamy vegan almond eggnog is a delicious dairy-free alternative to traditional eggnog, made with almond milk, soaked cashews, natural sweeteners, and warm spices. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it offers a rich and smooth texture without any animal products, with an optional splash of dark rum or bourbon for an adult version.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked if needed)
- 4–5 Medjool dates (pitted) or 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional, for thickness)
- 1–2 oz dark rum or bourbon (optional, for adult version)
Instructions
- Soak Cashews: Start by soaking your raw cashews in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. This softens them for blending and helps achieve a creamy texture.
- Blend Ingredients: Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. In a blender, combine almond milk, cashews, Medjool dates or maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, optional ground cloves, vanilla extract, sea salt, and optional cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Heat the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan and warm it over medium-low heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. For an extra smooth finish, strain the warmed mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or nut milk bag.
- Serve or Chill: After heating, serve the vegan almond eggnog warm or chill it in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. Optionally, add a splash of dark rum or bourbon for an adult twist.
Notes
- Soaking the cashews is essential to achieve a creamy texture; do not skip this step or use raw cashews directly.
- The sweetness level can be adjusted by adding more or fewer dates or maple syrup according to taste.
- The optional ground cloves add a warm spice note but can be omitted if not preferred.
- Using cornstarch or arrowroot powder helps thicken the eggnog; omit if you prefer a thinner drink.
- The rum or bourbon is optional and can be skipped for a family-friendly beverage.
- Store leftover eggnog in a sealed container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for the best freshness.
