Cachapas Recipe Vegan Style: Easy and Delicious Guide

Cachapas are a beloved Venezuelan street food, traditionally made with fresh corn, cheese, and a touch of sweetness. If you’re following a vegan lifestyle or simply want to try a plant-based twist on this classic, you’re in the right place!

This vegan cachapas recipe captures all the authentic flavors and textures using wholesome, cruelty-free ingredients. The naturally sweet corn combined with coconut milk and a hint of sugar creates a tender, golden pancake perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a delightful snack.

Unlike traditional cachapas, this version replaces dairy cheese with a delicious vegan alternative that melts beautifully, delivering that ooey-gooey satisfaction every cachapa lover craves.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan chef or a curious home cook, this recipe is approachable, fun, and guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s an excellent way to celebrate corn season or bring a bit of Venezuelan culture to your kitchen.

Ready to make some vegan magic? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan cachapas recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. The fresh corn gives it a natural sweetness and texture you won’t find in typical pancakes.

Using coconut milk and a touch of vegan butter ensures the batter is rich and creamy without any animal products.

What really sets this recipe apart is the vegan cheese filling. It melts just right, providing that classic gooey center that makes cachapas so irresistibly comforting.

You’ll love how quick and easy it is to prepare, with ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores.

Plus, cachapas are incredibly versatile. They make a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or even a fun appetizer.

You can customize the fillings to suit your taste, making it a crowd-pleaser for family and friends alike.

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4-5 ears of corn)
• 1/2 cup coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (plus more for cooking)
• 1 cup vegan cheese (shredded, such as dairy-free mozzarella or cashew-based cheese)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a subtle sweet note)

Equipment

• High-speed blender or food processor
• Large mixing bowl
• Non-stick skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Cheese grater (if shredding vegan cheese)

Instructions

1. Prepare the corn batter: Place the fresh corn kernels in a high-speed blender or food processor. Add the coconut milk, coconut sugar, coconut oil, and vanilla extract if using. Blend until you have a slightly chunky but mostly smooth batter. You want some texture from the corn to remain.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the corn mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or whisk to combine. The batter should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a splash more coconut milk; if too thin, add a bit more flour.
4. Heat your skillet: Warm a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with coconut oil to prevent sticking.
5. Cook the cachapas: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per cachapa onto the skillet, spreading gently into a circle about 5-6 inches wide. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges start to dry and the bottom is golden brown.
6. Add the vegan cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded vegan cheese over one half of the cachapa. Carefully fold the other half over the cheese, creating a half-moon shape. Press down gently with the spatula.
7. Finish cooking: Cook for another 2-3 minutes on each side until the cheese melts and the cachapa is cooked through and golden on both sides.
8. Serve warm: Remove from heat and serve immediately with your favorite toppings or sides.

Tips & Variations

For the best flavor, use fresh corn in season. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen kernels can work, but thaw and drain them well before blending.

Substitute the vegan cheese: Try different brands or homemade cashew cheese for varied textures and flavors. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor if you don’t have vegan cheese on hand.

Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Add herbs or spices: Mix in fresh cilantro, cumin, or smoked paprika to give your cachapas a unique twist.

Sweet cachapas: For a dessert version, skip the cheese and fold in vegan chocolate chips or fresh fruit like berries.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan cachapas are wonderfully versatile. Serve them with a fresh avocado salad or a side of spicy pickled jalapeños for a savory meal.

For a heartier option, pair them with black beans seasoned with cumin and garlic.

If you’re looking for something lighter, a drizzle of agave syrup or vegan honey substitute makes a delightful sweet topping. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or vegan chorizo for a filling lunch or dinner.

For more plant-based inspiration, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or the savory Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.

Conclusion

This vegan cachapas recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved Latin American dish without compromising your plant-based lifestyle. The combination of fresh corn, creamy coconut milk, and melty vegan cheese creates a comforting and flavorful meal that everyone will love.

It’s perfect for all occasions, from casual breakfasts to impressive brunches with friends.

With easy-to-follow steps and versatile options for fillings and toppings, you can customize cachapas to your unique taste. Plus, it’s a fun recipe that brings a touch of cultural authenticity right into your kitchen.

Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes on our site, like the Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe if you’re interested in non-vegan options or the Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes for more dietary variety.

Happy cooking and enjoy your vegan cachapas adventure!

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