Description
This unique Healthy Chocolate Milk recipe is enhanced with extra protein in the form of nuts and seeds, and sweetened with dates! It's super delicious and a great wholesome drink to have on hand throughout the week when you or your kids need an extra boost of protein with a creamy chocolate flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw unsalted cashews
- 1/3 cup unsalted pepitas
- 10 large medjool dates, pitted
- 2 cups water, more for soaking cashews
- 1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch coarse kosher salt
- 1-1/2 cups milk (whole milk or 2% milk work best)
Instructions
- In a medium pot, combine the cashews and pumpkin seeds, then add enough water to cover. Turn the heat to medium and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the dates, shut off the heat, and cover the pot. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Drain the cashew mixture, then add to a blender.
- Add the 2 cups water, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Blend on high speed until fully smooth, 2 to 4 minutes. Add in the milk and blend to combine.
- Pour into jars and chill the chocolate milk before serving. If it's too thick, add a bit more milk or water to thin it out. If you prefer it to be sweeter, add a splash of maple syrup.
Notes
You could substitute other nuts, but the resulting milk may not be as smooth since cashews blend into a creamy texture.
Omit the pumpkin seeds if desired, or swap in another creamy seed such as hemp hearts or sunflower seeds.
In place of "quick-boiling" the nuts and seeds, they can be cold-soaked overnight. See the "How to Make It" section for more info.
The chocolate milk will keep in the fridge for a few days, its freshness depending on the milk's quality. Remember to shake it well before serving as it may separate over time.