City Cakes Cafe Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe Made Easy

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious vegan mac and cheese recipe, look no further than the City Cakes Cafe vegan mac and cheese. This dish perfectly balances rich, cheesy flavors with wholesome plant-based ingredients, making it a crowd-pleaser whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking to enjoy a healthier version of a classic favorite.

Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a luscious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. The magic lies in the cashew-based cheese sauce, which melts beautifully into perfectly cooked pasta, creating an irresistible dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or just starting to explore plant-based meals, this recipe is approachable, quick, and incredibly rewarding. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your taste buds, from adding a little smoky paprika to tossing in some steamed veggies.

So roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy one of the best vegan mac and cheese dishes you’ll ever taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan mac and cheese recipe from City Cakes Cafe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you can easily find at most grocery stores, including soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk, which combine to create a rich and creamy cheese sauce without any dairy.

Second, it’s incredibly versatile—you can tailor the flavors by adding spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder, or mix in your favorite vegetables or vegan proteins to boost the meal’s nutrition and texture.

Plus, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want comfort food without the guilt.

Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re cooking for vegans, vegetarians, or omnivores, this mac and cheese has a flavor and texture that appeals to everyone.

It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, with a perfect pasta-to-sauce ratio that makes every bite delightful.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for at least 2 hours
• 1 1/4 cups unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp tapioca starch (or cornstarch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed for sauce consistency)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• High-speed blender
• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer or colander
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Soak the cashews: While the pasta cooks, soak the cashews in hot water for at least 2 hours to soften them. If short on time, soak in boiling water for 30 minutes.
3. Make the cheese sauce base: Drain the cashews and add them to a high-speed blender along with almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
4. Blend until smooth: Blend the mixture on high until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Add water gradually to achieve a thick but pourable sauce consistency.
5. Cook the sauce: Pour the sauce into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in tapioca starch slowly to avoid lumps. Stir continuously as the sauce heats and thickens, about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should become stretchy and creamy, similar to melted cheese.
6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan and stir until every piece is coated with the luscious vegan cheese sauce.
7. Serve warm: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately for the creamiest texture, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.

Tips & Variations

Always soak your cashews thoroughly—this is key to achieving a silky smooth cheese sauce. If you forget, boiling water can speed up the process but won’t be as effective as a long soak.

You can swap out elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta or other shapes like shells or rotini for variety. For a smoky twist, add a pinch of chipotle powder or smoked paprika.

Try stirring in steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor. For a spicy kick, a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper works wonders.

If you want to make the dish nut-free, experiment with sunflower seeds instead of cashews, but you may need to adjust soaking times and liquid amounts.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan mac and cheese pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, balancing the richness of the dish. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus also complement the creamy texture perfectly.

For a heartier meal, serve alongside garlic bread or a slice of your favorite crusty bread to soak up any leftover cheese sauce. You can also top it with crispy fried onions or toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy contrast.

To explore more comforting vegan meals, check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe which offers a lovely side dish idea, or try the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe to add a tangy bite alongside your mac and cheese.

Conclusion

The City Cakes Cafe vegan mac and cheese recipe is a delightful twist on a timeless comfort food classic. It beautifully combines creamy, cheesy flavors with the benefits of a plant-based diet.

Whether you’re vegan or just looking to try something new, this recipe offers a satisfying, easy-to-make meal that proves you don’t need dairy to enjoy rich, decadent mac and cheese.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a perfect recipe for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Plus, it’s flexible enough to customize to your personal tastes and preferences.

Give it a try and enjoy a bowl full of creamy, cheesy goodness that everyone will love!

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