Dairy-Free Scones

There's something about baking that just makes everything better. The aroma of freshly baked goods filling the house, the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch - it's therapeutic in a way.

And what's better than a warm, freshly baked scone straight out of the oven?

In recent years, more and more people have been experimenting with plant-based alternatives in their baking.

And almond milk is definitely a crowd favorite. 

Its nutty flavor and creamy texture make it a perfect base for all sorts of recipes - including these delicious almond milk scones.

The best part? 

This recipe is dairy-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free. 

But don't worry - you won't miss a thing. These scones are so good, you won't even notice the absence of eggs, sugar, and dairy. Trust me, sometimes less is more.

So why not give these almond milk scones a try?

Not only are they delicious, but they're also good for you. And who knows - maybe baking up a batch will be just the therapy you need.

Dairy-Free Scone Ingredients

Here's what you need to make our dairy-free scone recipe.

• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour: Gives it a nutty flavor and a denser texture than all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour: Gluten-free and has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
• 2 tsp of baking powder: A leavening agent that helps baked goods rise
• ¼ tsp of salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness
• ¼ cup of coconut oil: Adds moisture and richness to the scones, while also providing a subtle coconut flavor.
• ¼ cup of maple syrup: Adds a caramel-like flavor that complements these dairy-free scones.
• ½ cup of unsweetened almond milk: It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor.
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, floral flavor to baked goods.
• 1 cup of fresh strawberries, chopped: A sweet and juicy fruit that adds a fresh, fruity flavor.
• ¼ cup raw almond kernels, chopped: Optional ingredient that can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

How to Make Dairy-Free Scones

Are you ready to make some delicious and healthy strawberry scones? Let's get started!

• First things first, preheat your oven to 410°F/210°C and grab a baking sheet. Line it with some parchment paper, because we don't want our scones sticking to the sheet.
• Now, in a large mixing bowl, let's whisk together the dry ingredients. That includes the whole wheat flour, baking powder, almond flour, and salt. Give it a good mix until everything is combined.

• In a separate bowl, we'll whisk together the wet ingredients. That includes the maple syrup, coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Once everything is whisked together, we'll add it to our dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

• Now comes the fun part - let's add in some chopped strawberries! If you want to take it up a notch, add in some chopped almonds for some extra flavor and texture.

• Once everything is mixed in, turn the dough out onto a floured surface or between two layers of waxed paper. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to about 1 inch/2.5 cm thick. 

• You can then use a cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into circles.

• Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and brush them with some almond milk. Then, bake them for 15-20 minutes or until they turn a nice golden brown color and become firm to the touch.

Once your kitchen smells amazing and your scones are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.

Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. And voila, you've got yourself some delicious and healthy strawberry scones that are sure to impress your taste buds!

Why Almond Milk?

Not only does the almond milk make the scones taste out of this world, but it also gives you a healthier, plant-based alternative.

It's no surprise that almond milk has become a go-to choice for many baked recipes out there. 

It's versatile, delicious, and can be used in so many different ways. Plus, it's a great way to make your favorite treats a bit healthier without sacrificing taste.

Tips & Tricks for Making Delicious Almond Milk Scones

Alternative for white sugar

Instead of using white sugar, this recipe uses maple syrup as a natural sweetener.

Maple syrup is a healthier alternative to sugar because it contains antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese.

It also has a lower glycemic index than white sugar, meaning it won't spike your blood sugar levels as quickly.

Consider alternative sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, coconut sugar, or regular sugar.

Customize this recipe by using different types of fruit and nuts 

You could substitute blueberries, raspberries, or chopped peaches for the strawberries and use pecans or walnuts instead of almonds.

Make your own almond flour 

If you don't have almond flour on hand, you can make your own by blending whole almonds in a food processor until they turn into a fine powder.

Just be careful not to over-process the almonds, or you'll end up with almond butter!

Choose High-Quality Almond Milk 

When making almond milk scones or any baked dish, it's important to use high-quality almond milk for better flavor and consistency.

You want your scones to have a creamy and delicious taste, so don't skimp on the quality of your almond milk.

Brands like Elmhurst and Three Trees are great options because they contain more almonds than most brands.

Swap Out Coconut Oil 

Don't have coconut oil on hand?

You can take inspiration from the classic recipe and use melted butter instead. Keep in mind that the flavor and nutritional profile may be slightly different.

Add Some Sweetness 

If you've got a sweet tooth, try sprinkling a little bit of coarse sugar on top of each scone before baking.

This will give them a slightly crunchy texture and a nice sugary flavor that's sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Make it Gluten-Free

If you need to make these scones gluten-free, try using a gluten-free flour blend instead of whole wheat flour.

You can increase the amount of almond flour while keeping the overall amount in balance.

Here are some other gluten-free flours as well.

Chill the Dough 

After you fold the strawberries in, if your dough is too sticky to work with, try chilling it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before rolling it out.

This will make it easier to handle and prevent it from sticking to your hands or rolling pin.

Give These Non-Dairy Scones a Try!

We're excited to have tried this little experiment and to have discovered a new way to enjoy our scones.

If you're looking for a chill and delicious twist on a classic recipe, give almond milk scones a try - you won't be disappointed!