We all know that nut milks are having their time in the limelight. Almond milk is a standard on my grocery list and I love playing around with making my own!
From almond to pecan milk to cashew milk, nut milks are here to stay. But, well what the heck about seed milks?
This homemade seed milk is a luscious and velvety alternative to any nut or dairy milk, providing a smooth texture and beautifully pale green color.
With just a handful of ingredients and a blender, you can whip up a batch of homemade pumpkin seed milk in under 5 minutes and customize it to your own tastebuds.
The best part? No soaking or straining required! Just blend and go!
Whether you’re looking for a dairy-free milk alternative or want to explore new flavors, creamy pumpkin seed milk offers a wholesome and nutritious option, making it an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire.
Here is the great thing about seed milks:
- no soaking required
- no straining required
- you just blend and chill and sip!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy texture and taste: Pumpkin seed milk has a naturally creamy texture, similar to other nut or seed milks. It offers a slightly nutty flavor and can be used as a milk substitute in various recipes, including smoothies, baked goods, or as a dairy-free creamer for coffee or tea.
Allergies or dietary restrictions: Pumpkin seed milk is free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and nuts, making it suitable for individuals with allergies or dietary restrictions. It can be an excellent alternative for those who are lactose intolerant, allergic to nuts, or following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
Environmental sustainability: Plant-based milk alternatives like pumpkin seed milk have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional dairy milk production. It requires fewer resources, such as water and land, and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable food system.
What is a Pepita?
A pepita is the Spanish term for a pumpkin seed, specifically the edible seed of a pumpkin or certain types of squash. The word “pepita” is widely used in Mexico and some other Spanish-speaking countries to refer to these seeds.
Pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, are flat, oval-shaped, and typically have a greenish color. They have a mild, nutty flavor and are commonly consumed roasted and salted as a snack. Additionally, pepitas are also used in various recipes, such as sprinkling them over salads, incorporating them into granola or trail mixes, and using them as a topping for soups or stews. Today, we’re using them to make dairy free milk!
Ingredients for pumpkin seed milk:
Pumpkin Seeds: Raw pumpkin seeds are an excellent choice for making dairy free milk because they provide a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the milk.
Water: Water serves as the base for the pumpkin seed milk and helps to achieve the desired consistency. It is necessary to blend the pumpkin seeds and water together to create a smooth, creamy texture.
Sweetener: Adding a sweetener like agave nectar, honey, maple syrup, or pitted dates is optional but can enhance the taste of the milk, making it more delicious for those who prefer a slightly sweetened beverage. The choice of sweetener depends on personal preference and dietary restrictions.
Vanilla: Vanilla extract or vanilla bean can be added to provide a delicious aroma and flavor to the pumpkin seed milk. It adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the overall taste.
Salt: A pinch of salt can help balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste of the pumpkin seed milk. It can help to bring out the natural sweetness and nuttiness of the pumpkin seeds.
How to make pumpkin milk:
Place the raw pumpkin seeds in a blender. If using any optional ingredients like sweetener, vanilla extract, or salt, add them to the blender as well. Pour the water into the blender.
Blend until smooth! Start blending the mixture on high speed until the pumpkin seeds are completely ground and the mixture appears smooth and creamy. This usually takes around 1-2 minutes, but the time may vary depending on the power of your blender.
After blending, taste the pumpkin seed milk and adjust the flavor as desired. If you prefer it sweeter, add more sweetener. If you want a stronger vanilla flavor, add a little more vanilla extract. Adjust the salt level if needed.
Pour the pumpkin seed milk into a glass or container. You can drink it as is, or if you prefer a smoother texture, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining solids. Straining is optional, and you can skip this step if you prefer a slightly thicker milk.
Storage: If you have leftover pumpkin seed milk, refrigerate it in a sealed container. It will typically stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Before drinking, give it a good shake as natural separation may occur.
Variations on this Pumpkin Seed Milk
Spiced Pumpkin Seed Milk
Add warm and comforting spices to your pumpkin seed milk. You can include a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or pumpkin pie spice to enhance the flavor. Adjust the amounts according to your preference, and blend them along with the other ingredients.
Pumpkin Spice it up!
Embrace the flavors of fall by incorporating pumpkin spice into your pumpkin seed milk. Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice blend (or a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves) to the blender along with the other ingredients. Blend until smooth and enjoy the autumn-inspired flavor.
Maple Pumpkin Seed Milk
Replace the sweetener with maple syrup for a delightful twist. Maple syrup adds a unique flavor profile and complements the nuttiness of pumpkin seeds. Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your desired sweetness level.
Add Some Almond or Coconut
For additional flavor and creaminess, you can blend in a small amount of almond butter or coconut milk. Add a tablespoon of almond butter or ¼ cup of coconut milk to the blender along with the pumpkin seeds and other ingredients. This will give your pumpkin seed milk a nutty or tropical twist, respectively.
More dairy free milks to try:
- How to Make Oat Milk
- Chocolate Oat Milk
- Creamy Chocolate Flax Milk
- Almond Cashew Chocolate Milk
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Almond Milk
- Peanut Butter Hemp Milk
Creamy 5-Min Pumpkin Seed Milk
Pumpkin Seed Milk is so simple to make in 5 minutes or less! It’s the perfect homemade dairy free alternative to traditional nut milks!
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 3 cups filtered water
- 3 tablespoons agave nectar (you can also use dates, honey or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Place the raw pumpkin seeds in a blender.
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Pour the water into the blender along with the sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt.
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Blend until smooth! Start blending the mixture on high speed until the pumpkin seeds are completely ground and the mixture appears smooth and creamy. This usually takes around 1-2 minutes, but the time may vary depending on the power of your blender.
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After blending, taste the pumpkin seed milk and adjust the flavor as desired. If you prefer it sweeter, add more sweetener. If you want a stronger vanilla flavor, add a little more vanilla extract. Adjust the salt level if needed.
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Pour the pumpkin seed milk into a glass or container. You can drink it as is, or if you prefer a smoother texture, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining solids. Straining is optional, and you can skip this step if you prefer a slightly thicker milk.
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Storage: If you have leftover pumpkin seed milk, refrigerate it in a sealed container. It will typically stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Before drinking, give it a good shake as natural separation may occur.
Tips
Food photography by Dalya Rubin.
Nutrition Info:
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 12.5g
- Sodium: 159mg
- Fat: 15.8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18.3g
- Fiber: 1.4g
- Protein: 8.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Enjoy!! xo
Karen Jones says
Simply delicious recipe and so easy to make!
Lindsay Grimes Freedman says
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed!! xo
Aimee DeMond says
This recipe is so good! My daughter is Vegan and we were needing an alternative to nuts to change things up and this was amazing! She used her Almond Cow to make it, so we didn’t follow the instructions perfectly, but did follow the recipe.
Lindsay Grimes Freedman says
Oh fun!! I’ve been wanting to try almond cow! I’m so happy you liked the pumpkin seed milk! xo
Sal says
Love it! Thanks!
Lindsay Grimes Freedman says
Enjoy!! xo
Mia says
How long will it last in the fridge?
Lindsay Grimes Freedman says
It lasts about 1 week in the fridge. If any separation occurs, just give a shake before you pour and enjoy! I hope you love it!! xo
Vanessa says
It’s perfect, thank you!
Lindsay Grimes Freedman says
Yay! I’m so happy you loved it! Thanks so much for your comment! xo