I Swear It's Real Vegan Eggnog [Recipe Inside!] It's Better Than Grandma's!

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Creamy Vegan Eggnog Recipe: A Festive & Delicious Holiday Treat

The holidays are a time for joy, togetherness, and of course, delicious food and drinks! And what's more synonymous with the holiday season than a warm, creamy glass of eggnog? But what if you're vegan? Fear not, because you don't have to miss out on this festive favorite! This vegan eggnog recipe is here to save the day, offering all the rich, spiced flavors you crave, without any animal products. Get ready to cozy up with a mug of this homemade vegan eggnog – it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season. This recipe is so good, even eggnog purists will be impressed!

Why You'll Love This Vegan Eggnog Recipe

This easy vegan eggnog recipe is more than just a substitute; it’s a delightful treat in its own right. It's:

• Deliciously Creamy: Using a combination of ingredients like cashews and full-fat coconut milk creates a luxuriously smooth texture that rivals traditional eggnog.
• Packed with Flavor: The warming blend of spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves gives that classic eggnog taste that everyone loves.
• Simple to Make: This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, even for beginner cooks. You’ll be sipping on homemade vegan eggnog in no time.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a cozy drink on its own, or use it in cocktails, desserts, or even your morning coffee!
• Naturally Dairy-Free and Vegan: This recipe caters to a wide range of dietary needs, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family, regardless of their dietary restrictions.

Ingredients You'll Need

This vegan eggnog requires a few key ingredients to achieve its creamy texture and classic flavor profile. Here’s your shopping list:

• Cashews: 1 cup raw, unsalted cashews (soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results)
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk: 1 (13.5-ounce) can, refrigerated overnight (use the thick cream from the top)
• Unsweetened Almond Milk (or Oat Milk): 1 cup
• Maple Syrup: ¼ cup, or to taste (adjust based on desired sweetness)
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Ground Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon, plus more for garnish
• Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
• Ground Cloves: ¼ teaspoon
• Sea Salt: a pinch
• Optional for Extra Flavor: A splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy (for a festive kick!), a few drops of almond extract, or a pinch of cardamom.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Best Vegan Eggnog

Follow these simple steps to create a batch of delicious vegan eggnog that everyone will love:

Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time for cashews) Cooking Time: 5 minutes Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings

Step 1: Prepare the Cashews (Essential for Creaminess)

• If you haven’t already, soak the raw cashews in a bowl of hot water for at least 30 minutes. Soaking softens the cashews, allowing them to blend into a smooth, creamy consistency. For even creamier results, soak them overnight in the refrigerator.
• Drain the cashews thoroughly. This is an important step!

Step 2: Blend the Base

• Add the drained cashews, the thick cream from the top of the refrigerated coconut milk can (this is key for richness!), almond milk (or oat milk), maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt to a high-speed blender.
• Blend on high speed for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture. Make sure there are no cashew bits remaining; this is where patience pays off! If necessary, stop the blender and scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.

Step 3: Adjust Sweetness and Spices

• Taste the eggnog and adjust the sweetness to your liking. Add more maple syrup, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired level of sweetness.
• Taste and adjust the spices. If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, add a pinch more of nutmeg, cinnamon, or cloves.

Step 4: Chill and Thicken

• Pour the blended eggnog into a saucepan.
• Heat the eggnog over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it just starts to simmer (bubbles form around the edges). This step helps to thicken the eggnog and meld the flavors. Be careful not to boil it.
• Remove from heat immediately.
• Alternatively, if you prefer a raw, unheated version (some prefer this for a brighter taste), you can skip this step. The texture may be slightly thinner, but it will still be delicious.
• Let the eggnog cool slightly, then transfer it to a container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time is essential to allow the flavors to meld and the eggnog to thicken further.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• Before serving, give the eggnog a good stir or whisk to ensure it’s evenly mixed.
• Pour the vegan eggnog into mugs or glasses.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg, a cinnamon stick, or a dollop of vegan whipped cream (optional, but highly recommended!).
• For an extra festive touch, add a splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy to each glass, if desired.
• Sip and savor your homemade vegan eggnog!

Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions

Here are some extra tips and ideas to elevate your vegan eggnog experience:

• Cashew Alternatives: If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to use cashews, you can substitute them with sunflower seeds or blanched almonds. The soaking time is crucial for these substitutions as well.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices! Cardamom, allspice, or even a touch of ginger can add unique flavor dimensions.
• Make it a Cocktail: Turn your vegan eggnog into a delicious cocktail by adding rum, bourbon, brandy, or even spiced rum. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
• Vegan Whipped Cream: Top your eggnog with a dollop of vegan whipped cream for an extra decadent touch. You can find pre-made vegan whipped cream at most grocery stores, or you can easily make your own using chilled coconut cream.
• Add a Creamy Boost: To add extra richness and a little extra sweetness, consider adding a half-cup of silken tofu to the blender with the other ingredients. This will give your vegan eggnog an even creamier consistency.
• Sweetener Variations: Feel free to experiment with different sweeteners. Agave nectar or date syrup can be used in place of maple syrup, but adjust the amounts to your preference.
• Serving Ideas: Serve your vegan eggnog in festive mugs, tall glasses, or even small shot glasses for a party. Offer a variety of garnishes, such as cinnamon sticks, star anise, or vegan chocolate shavings, for guests to customize their drinks.
• Storage: Store leftover vegan eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as it may separate slightly.

Embrace the Season with this Delicious Vegan Eggnog!

This vegan eggnog recipe is a true holiday winner. It's creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, making it the perfect addition to your festive celebrations. Whether you're vegan, have dietary restrictions, or simply looking for a new and delicious treat, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to cozy up with a mug of homemade vegan eggnog! We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious vegan eggnog recipe. Don't forget to share your creations and tag us on social media; we'd love to see your festive drinks! Cheers to a happy and delicious holiday season!