Few vegan recipes capture the imagination quite like homemade vegan brie. For cheese lovers and plant-based foodies alike, brie is the holy grail: lusciously creamy, subtly tangy, and with that iconic white rind.
If you’ve ever gazed longingly at a cheese board and wished for a vegan centerpiece that’s just as elegant and indulgent, you’re in the right place. This vegan brie cheese recipe is not only dairy-free and cruelty-free but also shockingly easy to customize at home.
Whether you’re planning a festive gathering, a romantic picnic, or just a cozy night in, this brie will impress vegans and omnivores alike.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to create an authentic-tasting vegan brie using simple, wholesome ingredients. With a creamy interior and a delicate, edible rind, this cheese is perfect for slicing, spreading, or baking.
Ready to wow your guests and yourself? Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Authentic Texture: This vegan brie mimics the luscious, melt-in-your-mouth creaminess of dairy brie, thanks to the magic of soaked cashews and coconut oil.
- Easy to Make: No fancy aging chambers or hard-to-find cultures required. A few simple steps and everyday ingredients are all you need.
- Customizable: Add herbs, garlic, or truffle oil to make your own signature brie variation.
- Impresses Everyone: Even non-vegans will be amazed at the authentic taste and beautiful rind.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Made with plant-based ingredients, this cheese is free from cholesterol and animal products.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Serve it on a vegan cheeseboard, bake it in pastry, or enjoy with crackers and fruit.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Raw Cashews | 1 1/2 cups (200g) | Soaked for 4 hours or overnight |
Coconut Oil (refined) | 1/3 cup (75g) | Refined for neutral flavor |
Unsweetened Coconut Yogurt | 1/4 cup (60g) | For tang and fermentation |
Nutritional Yeast | 2 tbsp | For cheesy flavor |
Lemon Juice | 2 tbsp | Fresh for best flavor |
White Miso Paste | 1 tbsp | For umami and depth |
Sea Salt | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste |
Agar Agar Powder | 2 tsp | For setting the cheese |
Water | 1/2 cup (120ml) | For dissolving agar agar |
Optional: Penicillium Candidum Powder | 1/8 tsp | For an authentic white rind (see Variations) |
Equipment
- High-Speed Blender or Food Processor
- Small Saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
- Fine Mesh Sieve or Cheesecloth (optional, for extra smoothness)
- 4-inch Round Molds or Ramekins (2-3, silicone or metal)
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Plastic Wrap or Parchment Paper
- Refrigerator
- Optional: Small Paintbrush (for rind application, if using Penicillium)
Instructions
-
Soak the Cashews:
Place 1 1/2 cups raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Drain and rinse before use.
-
Prepare the Cheese Base:
In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, 1/3 cup refined coconut oil, 1/4 cup coconut yogurt, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp white miso paste, and 1 tsp sea salt.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Tip: For an ultra-silky texture, process the mixture for 2-3 minutes, or pass through a fine mesh sieve.
-
Activate the Agar Agar:
In a small saucepan, whisk together 2 tsp agar agar powder and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the agar is completely dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly.
-
Combine and Blend:
Quickly pour the hot agar mixture into the blender with the cashew base. Blend immediately to incorporate, ensuring a uniform, smooth texture.
If using Penicillium Candidum for an authentic rind, add 1/8 tsp at this stage and blend briefly.
Act fast! Agar sets as it cools, so blend promptly and pour into molds right away.
-
Pour into Molds:
Line your molds or ramekins with plastic wrap or parchment for easy removal. Pour the cheese mixture evenly into the molds, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
-
Set and Chill:
Let the molds cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 6 hours, or overnight, to set fully and allow flavors to develop.
-
Remove from Molds:
Once firm, gently lift the cheese from the molds. Peel away the plastic wrap or parchment.
If using Penicillium Candidum, place uncovered on a wire rack in the refrigerator and allow the white rind to develop for 5-7 days, gently turning every 2 days.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
Let the brie sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for the best creamy texture. Slice, spread, or bake as desired!
Tips & Variations
- Herb Infusion: Stir in finely chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives before pouring into molds for a fragrant twist.
- Garlic Lovers: Add 1-2 cloves of roasted garlic or a pinch of garlic powder to the blended base for extra savoriness.
- Truffle Brie: Drizzle in a little truffle oil or finely chopped truffles for a luxurious, earthy flavor.
- Nut-Free Version: Replace cashews with blanched almonds or sunflower seeds (texture may vary).
- For a Softer Center: Use slightly less agar agar (1 1/2 tsp) for a more spreadable brie.
- Authentic Rind: Penicillium Candidum is available online and creates that classic white brie bloom. If skipped, the cheese is still delicious but rindless.
- Storage: Store vegan brie wrapped in parchment in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Freezing is not recommended for best texture.
“Let your cheese mature with patience. The flavors get better with 2-3 days of refrigeration, and the rind (if using) becomes more pronounced and beautiful.”
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per 1 oz (28g) serving |
---|---|
Calories | 90 |
Total Fat | 7g |
Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
Cholesterol | 0mg |
Sodium | 130mg |
Carbohydrates | 5g |
Fiber | 1g |
Protein | 2g |
Note: Nutrition is approximate and varies with ingredients and portion size.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Cheese Board: Serve with fresh figs, grapes, roasted walnuts, and slices of homemade vegan bread or crisp crackers.
- Baked Vegan Brie: Wrap the cheese in vegan puff pastry and bake until golden for a stunning appetizer.
- Fruit Pairings: Try with pear slices, apple wedges, or pomegranate seeds for a sweet-savory contrast.
- Sandwiches & Toasts: Spread on fluffy vegan tortillas or toast for an indulgent snack.
- Holiday Entertaining: Pair with other vegan treats from our blog, like Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes or light, savory vegan slow cooker meals.
- Charcuterie Boards: Add olives, pickles, and roasted peppers for a Mediterranean twist.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan brie cheese at home is a true culinary adventure—one that rewards you with a show-stopping, dairy-free centerpiece for any occasion. From its creamy, spreadable interior to its delicate (optional) white rind, this cheese delivers all the elegance and flavor of traditional brie without compromise.
Once you master the basics, you’ll find endless room for creativity: swirl in roasted garlic, sprinkle in fresh herbs, or go decadent with truffle oil.
This recipe is perfect for both special celebrations and simple evenings at home. Gather your friends, pop open a bottle of wine, and watch as your vegan brie disappears bite by bite.
And if you’re hungry for more plant-based inspiration, don’t miss our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious or explore our Vegan Cuban Recipes for more global, flavorful ideas. Homemade vegan brie is proof that anything is possible in the world of vegan cooking—one delicious bite at a time.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Brie Cheese
Description: This creamy vegan brie cheese is perfect for spreading on crackers or pairing with fruit. Made from cashews and coconut oil, it's rich, tangy, and ideal for a cheese board.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 1 small wheel (about 8 servings)
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked 4 hours and drained)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (refined, melted)
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 tbsp tapioca starch
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp white miso paste
Instructions
- Add soaked cashews, water, coconut oil, lemon juice, vinegar, miso, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt to a blender.
- Blend until completely smooth.
- Add tapioca starch and blend again to combine.
- Pour mixture into a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until thickened and stretchy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer to a small round dish lined with parchment.
- Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours to set.
- Unmold and serve chilled.
Nutrition: Calories: 140 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 6g
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