Cashew Cream Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Creamy

Looking for a versatile, creamy, and dairy-free alternative that fits perfectly into a vegan lifestyle? Cashew cream is your answer!

This luscious, smooth, and rich cream is made from soaked cashews blended into a silky texture that can elevate your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you want to add a touch of creaminess to soups, sauces, desserts, or dressings, cashew cream is an amazing plant-based substitute for traditional cream and cheese.

Not only does cashew cream bring a delightful nutty flavor, but it’s also packed with nutrients like healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making it a wholesome choice. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients and minimal equipment.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a foolproof vegan cashew cream recipe that you can customize for savory or sweet uses. Ready to dive into creamy goodness?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan cashew cream recipe is a game-changer for anyone embracing plant-based cooking. Here’s why you’ll want to keep it in your culinary toolkit:

• Simple ingredients: Only a handful of pantry staples – cashews, water, and a few seasonings.
• Customizable texture: Make it thick for dips or thinner for sauces and dressings.
• Dairy-free and allergy-friendly: Perfect for vegans, lactose intolerant, or those avoiding soy.
• Nutritious: Loaded with heart-healthy fats, protein, and minerals from cashews.
• Versatile: Use it in soups, pasta, desserts, smoothies, or as a spread.
• Long shelf life: Keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4-6 hours or overnight for best results)
• 3/4 cup water (adjust for desired creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for a hint of tang)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
• Optional for savory versions: 1 small garlic clove, 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
• Optional for sweet versions: 1 teaspoon maple syrup or vanilla extract

Equipment

• High-speed blender or food processor
• Bowl for soaking cashews
• Sieve or nut milk bag (optional, for extra smoothness)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula for scraping down the blender
• Airtight container for storage

Instructions

1. Soak the cashews: Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the creamiest texture. If you’re short on time, soak them in hot water for 1 hour.
2. Drain and rinse: After soaking, drain the cashews and rinse under cold water to remove any residue and soften their texture further.
3. Blend the cashews: Add the soaked cashews, 3/4 cup fresh water, lemon juice, and salt into your blender or food processor.
4. Add optional flavorings: If making savory cashew cream, add garlic and nutritional yeast. For a sweet version, add maple syrup or vanilla extract.
5. Blend until smooth: Blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed, until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy.
6. Adjust consistency: If the cream is too thick, add water in small increments (1 tablespoon at a time) until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Strain (optional): For an ultra-smooth result, strain the cream through a nut milk bag or fine sieve.
8. Store: Transfer the cashew cream to an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within 5 days for best freshness.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer flavor, lightly toast the cashews before soaking. This adds a subtle nuttiness that enhances both savory and sweet dishes!”

• Make it thinner: Add more water to create a pourable sauce perfect for pasta or soups.
• Add herbs: Blend in fresh basil, chives, or dill for a flavorful herb cashew cream.
• Spice it up: Add smoked paprika, cumin, or chili flakes for a spicy twist.
• Sweeten naturally: Use dates or agave instead of maple syrup for a different natural sweetness.
• Use filtered water: For the purest taste, use filtered or spring water when blending.
• Freeze leftovers: Portion into ice cube trays and freeze for easy use in smoothies or cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Cashew cream is incredibly versatile and can be used in many creative ways. Here are some delicious ideas to inspire you:

• Dressing for salads: Thin the cashew cream with lemon juice and herbs for a creamy dressing.
• Dip for veggies: Use thick cashew cream as a dip with garlic, nutritional yeast, and herbs.
• Soup base: Stir into roasted vegetable soups for added richness, like in a Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.
• Vegan Alfredo sauce: Combine with garlic and nutritional yeast for a creamy pasta sauce. Try pairing with recipes like Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
• Dessert topping: Sweeten with vanilla and maple syrup for a luscious topping on fruit or cakes like Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
• Spread for sandwiches: Use as a creamy layer on vegan sandwiches or wraps.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan cashew cream at home is a fantastic way to add creamy indulgence to your plant-based dishes without any dairy. It’s simple, adaptable, and packed with wholesome nutrients that support a healthy lifestyle.

Whether you use it as a savory sauce, a rich soup base, or a sweet dessert topping, this cashew cream recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

With just a little soaking and blending, you can create a luxurious, silky cream that elevates any meal. Plus, it opens the door to experimenting with flavors and textures tailored to your taste.

Dive into the world of vegan cooking with this easy recipe and don’t forget to check out other delicious plant-based recipes like Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes and Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for more inspiration.

Happy cooking!

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