Discovering the perfect vegan alternative to classic soft cheeses can be a delightful culinary adventure, and our Camembert vegan recipe is here to make that journey delicious and accessible. This recipe captures the creamy, earthy essence of traditional Camembert using wholesome plant-based ingredients that anyone can enjoy.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring dairy-free options, this homemade vegan Camembert offers a satisfyingly rich texture and a subtle tang that pairs wonderfully with crackers, fresh fruit, or crusty bread.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and authenticity. We use a blend of soaked cashews, coconut oil, and nutritional yeast to recreate that signature Camembert creaminess, while a touch of probiotic powder mimics the cheese’s characteristic rind and flavor complexity.
The result is an indulgent treat that’s perfect for entertaining, snacking, or elevating your vegan cheese board. Let’s dive into how you can make this luscious vegan Camembert right in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan Camembert recipe ticks all the boxes for cheese lovers looking for dairy-free options. It is:
- Rich and creamy: Thanks to cashews and coconut oil, it melts in your mouth just like the real thing.
- Easy to make: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible even for beginners.
- Versatile: Perfect on cheese boards, in sandwiches, or melted over your favorite dishes.
- Nutritious: Packed with healthy fats, plant proteins, and probiotics for gut health.
- Customizable: Adapt the flavor by tweaking herbs or fermentation time to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups raw cashews (soaked for 4-6 hours or overnight)
- 1/4 cup refined coconut oil (melted)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened soy or oat milk
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon probiotic powder (vegan-friendly, from capsules or powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon agar agar powder (for firmness)
- 1 clove garlic (optional, for subtle savory depth)
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional, finely chopped)
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Small saucepan (for agar agar mixture)
- Camembert mold or small round container lined with cheesecloth
- Fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag
- Mixing bowls
- Refrigerator for setting and aging
- Spatula or spoon
Instructions
- Soak the cashews: Place raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Soak for 4-6 hours or overnight to soften. Drain and rinse thoroughly before use.
- Prepare the agar agar: In a small saucepan, whisk together the agar agar powder with 1/4 cup water. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until fully dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Blend the base: In your blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, melted coconut oil, unsweetened soy or oat milk, nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, probiotic powder, and garlic (if using). Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Incorporate agar agar: With the blender running on low, slowly pour in the warm agar agar mixture. Blend just to combine evenly.
- Mold the Camembert: Line your Camembert mold or small round container with cheesecloth, leaving enough overhang to wrap the cheese later. Pour the mixture into the mold, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Set and ferment: Fold the cheesecloth over the top to cover. Place the mold in the refrigerator and allow the cheese to set for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. For a more authentic tang and rind development, allow to ferment at room temperature for 24-48 hours before refrigerating.
- Unmold and age: Carefully unwrap the cheesecloth and transfer your vegan Camembert onto a serving plate. If you want to enhance the rind and flavor, loosely cover and age it in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, flipping it daily.
- Serve and enjoy: Your vegan Camembert is now ready to be sliced, spread, or melted as desired.
Tips & Variations
“For the best texture, be sure to use refined coconut oil as it doesn’t add a coconut flavor, keeping your cheese neutral and creamy.”
- Fermentation time: The longer you ferment the cheese at room temperature, the more complex and tangy the flavor becomes.
- Herbs and spices: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of smoked paprika to customize the flavor.
- Rind development: To mimic the classic white rind, lightly dust the surface with edible white mold spores (such as Penicillium candidum) available from specialty suppliers.
- Nut alternatives: For a different flavor, try macadamia nuts or a mix of cashews and blanched almonds.
- Make it melty: Use this vegan Camembert in recipes like our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for a creamy, cheese-like experience.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 30g) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 kcal |
Fat | 10 g |
Saturated Fat | 6 g |
Carbohydrates | 4 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Sodium | 180 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan Camembert is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it with rustic crackers, a drizzle of olive oil, and a handful of fresh grapes or figs for an elegant appetizer.
You can also slice it onto warm baguette slices or melt it gently over roasted vegetables for a comforting meal.
For a delightful snack, try pairing it with our Lemon Crackers Recipe which provide a zesty crunch that complements the creamy cheese perfectly. If you want to explore more savory vegan dishes, check out our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for a rich umami experience.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan Camembert is not only rewarding but also a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors and textures of classic cheese without dairy. This recipe offers a creamy, tangy, and satisfying alternative that will impress vegans and non-vegans alike.
With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience for setting and fermenting, you can create a versatile cheese perfect for entertaining or everyday indulgence.
Whether you’re adding it to a cheese board, melting it into a dish, or savoring it by itself, this vegan Camembert brings elegance and flavor to your plant-based kitchen. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes like our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes to round out your next gathering with healthy and tasty options!
📖 Recipe Card: Camembert Vegan Recipe
Description: A creamy and tangy vegan camembert cheese made from cashews and coconut oil. Perfect for cheese boards or melting on your favorite dishes.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT24H
Total Time: PT24H15M
Servings: 1 wheel
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups raw cashews (soaked overnight)
- 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil (melted)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon probiotic powder
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch
- 1 tablespoon agar agar powder
Instructions
- Drain soaked cashews and blend with water, coconut oil, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and salt until smooth.
- Heat agar agar powder in a small amount of water until dissolved, then stir in tapioca starch and cook until thickened.
- Mix agar mixture into cashew blend thoroughly.
- Add probiotic powder and stir gently.
- Pour mixture into a mold and cover.
- Let ferment at room temperature for 24 hours.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 8g | Fat: 28g | Carbs: 12g
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