Almond Cream Cheese Recipe Vegan Made Easy and Delicious

If you’re looking for a luscious, dairy-free alternative to traditional cream cheese, this almond cream cheese recipe vegan is your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with wholesome ingredients and an irresistibly smooth texture, this homemade spread is perfect for those embracing a plant-based lifestyle or anyone wanting to enjoy a creamy, tangy cheese without the dairy.

Almonds provide a subtle nutty flavor that complements the slight tang from lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, creating a spread that’s versatile and delicious. Whether you’re topping your bagels, mixing it into your favorite dips, or spreading it on sandwiches, this vegan almond cream cheese will elevate your meals in the healthiest and tastiest way possible.

Making your own almond cream cheese at home not only guarantees freshness but also allows you to customize the flavor and consistency to your liking. Plus, it’s free from preservatives and artificial additives, making it a wholesome choice for you and your family.

Ready to dive into a recipe that’s easy, nutritious, and utterly delightful? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This almond cream cheese recipe is a game-changer for vegan and dairy-free eaters alike. It delivers a creamy richness and tang that rivals traditional cream cheese, all while being 100% plant-based and free from soy, gluten, and refined sugars.

You’ll love how quick it is to whip up, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a blender or food processor.

Aside from being delicious, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the seasoning to your preference—add herbs for a savory twist or sweeten it for a dessert spread.

It’s also packed with healthy fats and plant-based protein thanks to the almonds, making it a nourishing addition to your diet. Best of all, this almond cream cheese stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week, so you’ll always have a creamy treat ready to go.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups raw almonds (soaked overnight or at least 8 hours)
• 1/4 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional for cheesy flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 clove garlic (optional for savory version)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for extra creaminess)

Equipment

• High-speed blender or food processor
• Bowl for soaking almonds
• Fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag (optional, for smoother texture)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Airtight container (for storing cream cheese)

Instructions

1. Soak the almonds: Place the raw almonds in a bowl and cover them with plenty of water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours to soften. This step is crucial for creating a creamy texture.
2. Drain and rinse: After soaking, drain the almonds and rinse them well under cold water.
3. Blend the ingredients: In your blender or food processor, combine the soaked almonds, 1/4 cup water, fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast (if using), sea salt, and garlic (if using). Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times.
4. Adjust consistency: If the cream cheese is too thick, add more water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred texture.
5. Optional strain: For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer. This step is optional but recommended if you want a lighter spread.
6. Add olive oil: Stir in olive oil to boost creaminess and richness if desired.
7. Season and taste: Taste your almond cream cheese and add more salt, lemon juice, or vinegar if you want a tangier flavor.
8. Chill: Transfer the cream cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld and the texture firm up.
9. Serve and enjoy: Your almond cream cheese vegan style is ready to be enjoyed! Use it within one week and keep refrigerated.

Tips & Variations

“For a smoother texture, be sure to soak the almonds long enough. If you want a more tangy and bold flavor, increase the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar slightly.”

• Herb-infused: Add fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley for a savory spread perfect on sandwiches or crackers.
• Sweet version: Omit garlic and nutritional yeast, and add a teaspoon of maple syrup or agave along with a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet cream cheese alternative.
• Spicy kick: Mix in a pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes for a spicy almond cream cheese.
• Storage tips: Keep the cream cheese in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts about 5-7 days, and can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Use blanched almonds: If you prefer an even milder flavor and smoother texture, try blanched almonds instead of raw with skins.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This almond cream cheese is incredibly versatile and can be used in many ways. Spread it generously on toasted bagels or crackers for a quick snack.

It pairs beautifully with fresh veggies like cucumber, tomatoes, and bell peppers as a dip. You can also use it as a base for vegan cheesecakes or mix it into pasta sauces for extra creaminess.

Try it in combination with the flavors of our Breakfast Wellington Recipe for a delightful brunch spread. Or add it as a creamy element to your sandwiches alongside crispy veggies for a healthy lunch.

For something heartier, it complements the rich flavors of the Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe if you’re serving a mixed menu.

Conclusion

Creating your own vegan almond cream cheese at home is a rewarding way to enjoy a fresh, nutritious, and allergen-friendly alternative to dairy-based spreads. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it suitable for both savory and sweet dishes.

With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can customize this spread to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply love experimenting with plant-based foods, this almond cream cheese is sure to become a staple in your fridge. It’s a wholesome, delicious choice that elevates everything from breakfast to snacks and even dinner accompaniments.

For more inspiring recipes, check out our Blueberry Matcha Recipe or add some crunch with our Bread And Gravy Recipe. Happy cooking and enjoy your creamy creation!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Almond Cream Cheese Recipe Vegan”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A smooth and tangy vegan cream cheese made from soaked almonds. Perfect as a spread or in recipes requiring cream cheese.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT15M”, “recipeYield”: “1 cup”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup raw almonds, soaked overnight”, “2 tablespoons lemon juice”, “2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar”, “2 tablespoons nutritional yeast”, “1/4 cup water”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1 teaspoon maple syrup”, “1 garlic clove (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain and rinse soaked almonds.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add almonds, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, water, salt, maple syrup, and garlic to a blender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “6g”, “fatContent”: “15g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “6g”}}