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You can make pudding mix with almond milk by substituting the dairy milk called for on the box with an equal amount of unsweetened almond milk, then cooking and chilling it as usual.
It really is that simple, and the result is a creamy, dairy-free pudding that works for vegans, the lactose intolerant, or anyone who just ran out of regular milk.
That said, almond milk behaves a little differently from dairy, so a few small tweaks along the way will give you the smoothest, richest pudding possible.
In this post, we’ll cover exactly how to make pudding mix with almond milk, the ratio to use, which almond milk works best, and the common mistakes to avoid.
Let’s get into it.
How to Make Pudding Mix With Almond Milk
Making pudding mix with almond milk comes down to a few simple steps, and once you know them, you can do this with almost any boxed pudding.
1. Use a 1:1 Swap for the Milk
Whatever amount of milk the box calls for, use the same amount of almond milk.
So if your pudding mix asks for two cups of milk, you’ll pour in two cups of almond milk.
There’s no need to adjust the ratio, and this one-to-one swap is the backbone of making pudding mix with almond milk successfully every time.
2. Whisk the Mix Into the Cold Almond Milk First
Pour your almond milk into a saucepan, add the pudding mix, and whisk until the powder is fully dissolved before you turn on the heat.
This step prevents clumps and gives you a silky base.
It’s the same approach you’d use with dairy, but it matters even more with almond milk because the powder can settle at the bottom of the pan fast.
3. Cook On Medium Heat and Keep Stirring
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or spatula.
Once it starts bubbling, cook for about one more minute so the cornstarch in the mix can fully activate and thicken the pudding.
Keep the heat moderate, because almond milk can scorch if the pan gets too hot.
4. Chill Until Set
Pour the hot pudding into bowls or a dish, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to stop a skin from forming, and refrigerate for at least two hours.
The pudding will thicken as it cools, and this chilling time is part of how to make pudding mix with almond milk turn out firm rather than runny.
Which Almond Milk Works Best for Pudding Mix
Not all almond milk is created equal when you’re stirring up pudding mix with almond milk, and the type you pick really does change the outcome.
1. Choose Unsweetened Almond Milk for Control
Unsweetened almond milk is your best bet because the pudding mix already contains sugar.
Using sweetened vanilla almond milk works too, but your pudding will taste noticeably sweeter, so keep that in mind if you’re watching sugar.
2. Go for Regular, Not Light
Regular almond milk has more fat than the light version, and that bit of fat helps the pudding taste creamier.
If all you have is light almond milk, your pudding mix with almond milk will still set, but the texture may be a touch thinner.
3. Skip the Homemade Stuff
Homemade almond milk is lovely for smoothies, but it’s often too thin and inconsistent for pudding.
Store-bought almond milk has stabilizers that help the pudding set evenly, which is one reason it works so well when you make pudding mix with almond milk.
Tips for Making Pudding Mix With Almond Milk Taste Better
A few easy upgrades can take your pudding from good to genuinely delicious when you make pudding mix with almond milk.
1. Add a Splash of Vanilla or Cinnamon
Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon rounds out the flavor and masks any slight nuttiness from the almond milk.
2. Stir In a Little Coconut Cream
A spoonful of coconut cream stirred in at the end adds richness that almond milk alone doesn’t provide.
3. Let It Chill Fully Before Serving
Patience pays off here, because pudding mix with almond milk needs the full chilling time to reach its best texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Pudding Mix and Almond Milk
Avoiding these slip-ups will save you from soupy or lumpy results.
1. Don’t Use Too Much Liquid
Stick to the amount on the box, and resist the urge to splash in extra almond milk, which thins the pudding and stops it setting.
2. Don’t Walk Away From the Stove
Almond milk burns easily, so stay nearby and keep that whisk moving the whole time.
3. Don’t Skip the Boil
The mixture needs that brief boil for the thickener to activate, so don’t pull the pan off the heat the second it gets warm.
So, Can You Make Pudding Mix With Almond Milk?
You can absolutely make pudding mix with almond milk by swapping it one-for-one with the milk on the box, whisking it cold, cooking it gently, and chilling it well.
Almond milk makes a creamy, dairy-free pudding that works with almost any boxed mix, as long as you pick unsweetened regular almond milk and give it time to set.
Hope this post has helped you see how easy it is to make pudding mix with almond milk and enjoy a smooth, delicious dessert tonight.