The keto diet's popularity has made it easier to enjoy sugar-free and gluten-free chocolate-flavored treats. Almond milk is a versatile ingredient for keto-friendly recipes. Here are some recipes using almond milk:
Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe
This easy 4-ingredient keto hot chocolate recipe is ready in just 5 minutes! It uses a combination of almond milk and heavy cream for the ultimate creamy hot chocolate treat. This hot chocolate recipe is sugar-free and has a dairy-free option!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces unsweetened almond milk
- 4 ounces heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granular sweetener
Ingredient Selection
- Almond Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk to keep the carb count low. Vanilla or plain almond milk can be used, but ensure it's unsweetened.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Heavy cream combined with almond milk creates a super creamy sugar-free hot chocolate. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat unsweetened coconut milk.
- Cocoa Powder: Any cocoa powder will work; Ghirardelli regular cocoa powder is a popular choice.
- Granular Sweetener: Lakanto (a blend of erythritol and monk fruit sweetener) is a great option. Swerve, allulose, or your preferred sweetener can also be used.
Instructions
Stovetop
- In a small saucepan, heat almond milk and heavy cream over medium heat until steaming.
- Whisk in cocoa powder and sweetener until fully incorporated.
- Pour into individual cups.
Microwave
- Heat almond milk and heavy cream in 2 mugs for 2-3 minutes or until the desired temperature is reached.
- Stir in cocoa powder and sweetener.
Dairy-Free Option
To make this keto hot chocolate recipe completely dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with canned, full-fat coconut milk. Ensure the liquid is heated before adding the cocoa powder.
Quick Keto Hot Chocolate Mix
While this creamy keto hot chocolate recipe is quick to make, sometimes a ready-to-go option is needed. Look for keto-friendly sugar-free hot chocolate mix options online.
Blueberry Almond Milk Smoothie
This Blueberry Almond Milk Smoothie is a quick and easy treat ready in minutes, perfect for any time of day. It’s a mix of fruity and creamy flavors.
Read also: Decadent Keto Brownies
Ingredients
- Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Vanilla extract
- Whey protein isolate
- Double cream
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor.
- Mix until smooth.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir before drinking.
Substitutions and Additions
- Dairy-Free: Omit the Greek yogurt and whey protein isolate and replace with coconut yogurt and egg white protein powder.
- More Filling: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds, flaxseeds, or half an avocado to increase fiber and healthy fat content.
- Protein Boost: Add a couple of raw eggs.
- Whey Protein Isolate Alternative: Use a vegan protein powder or unflavored (or flavored) collagen powder.
Methods
Conventional Method
- Place all ingredients into a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Serve.
Thermomix® Method
- Place all ingredients into mixer.
- Mix 1 minute/speed 10.
- Store leftover smoothie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If it separates, shake or stir before drinking.
Homemade Keto Almond Milk
Making almond milk at home allows for a cleaner, better-tasting result. Store-bought almond milk often contains just 2% almonds and is mostly water, fillers, gums, and emulsifiers. Homemade almond milk harnesses more of the benefits of almonds, which are rich in vitamin E and antioxidants.
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural raw almonds
- 3 cups of filtered water
- Keto-friendly sweetener (such as granular monk fruit) to taste
- Vanilla extract to taste
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Pinch of ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Soak almonds in a bowl of water for at least 8 hours, up to 2 days.
- Drain and rinse the soaked almonds.
- Add the soaked almonds and 3 cups of filtered water to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the almond milk into a fine-mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or a nut milk bag draped over a bowl to drain the liquid.
- Whisk in the sugar substitute, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Use immediately or transfer to a jar with a lid and store in the fridge.
Tips
- Consistency: Use 2 cups of water for a creamier consistency or up to 5 cups for a thinner consistency.
- Chocolate Almond Milk: Add cocoa powder and sweetener to taste.
- Leftover Almond Pulp: Add it to an ice cube tray and use it for blending in smoothies for added fat and protein.
- Storage: Homemade keto almond milk lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge in a jar or container with a lid.
Keto Chia Pudding Recipe
This easy, creamy keto chia pudding recipe takes minutes to make and is a meal prep dream. It's a low-carb breakfast, snack, or dessert option.
Ingredients
- Chia seeds (white or black)
- Almond milk (unsweetened)
- Yogurt (coconut yogurt, plain natural yogurt, or Greek yogurt)
- Optional: Sugar-free syrup or powdered sweetener (such as allulose)
- Optional Toppings: Nuts, berries, almond butter, chocolate
Basic Chia Pudding Instructions
- Put the chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla, and optional low-carb sweetener into a large mixing bowl and stir well to combine.
- Let the chia mixture sit for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the yogurt.
- Fill the mix into individual containers once the chia has expanded.
Variations
- Creamier: Replace the yogurt with coconut cream.
- Additional Fat Boost: Add MCT oil.
- Other Milk Options: Use hazelnut milk, macadamia milk, or coconut milk.
Topping Ideas
- Keto Chocolate Chia Pudding: Mix cacao powder, a pinch of salt, almond butter, sugar-free syrup, and additional milk into the chia pudding. Top with melted dark chocolate and grated chocolate.
- Berry Chia Pudding: Blend raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries until slightly mushy. Layer chia pudding with berry puree and coconut flakes.
- Almond Butter Chia Pudding: Layer chia pudding with almond butter and chopped nuts.
Tips and Storage
- Smooth Chia Pudding: Grind the chia seeds before adding them to the milk.
- Container: Use 200 ml/7 oz vessels for immediate consumption or 250 ml / 1 cup containers for storage.
- Refrigerator: Store keto chia pudding in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Freezer: Freeze chia pudding in popsicle molds.
Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds contain 40% fiber and are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, essential minerals, and antioxidants.
Chia Seed Expansion
Chia seeds absorb around 10 to 12 times their weight in liquid, taking on a gel-like consistency.
Keto Smoothie
This smoothie is filling, keto-friendly, and packed with protein. It’s rich, nutty, and chocolaty with a hint of creamy avocado.
Read also: Delicious Weight Loss with Almond Butter
Ingredients
- Almond milk
- Monk fruit sweetener
- Avocado
- Peanut butter (or almond butter/sunflower seed butter)
- Optional: Spinach, ground flax seeds, or protein powder
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend on high power until smooth.
- Pour into a tall glass and enjoy.
Keto Smoothie Tips
- Keto-Friendly Swaps: Skip sugary fruits and use low-carb options like avocado, raspberries, or blackberries. Replace traditional sweeteners with keto-approved options like monk fruit, stevia, or erythritol.
- Storage: Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze the smoothie in ice cube trays.
Read also: Is Almond Milk Low FODMAP?