How to make your own cashew cream at home, completely vegan and soy free!
So why make your own cashew cream?
Cashew cream is a wonderful and versatile plant-based alternative to heavy cream that can be used as a topping for fresh berries, sliced peaches, or even my Crustless Pumpkin Pie.
It also makes a fabulous coconut-free base for ice cream or chocolate mousse, or you can use it to thicken soups, smoothies, or for making the creamiest alfredo sauce of your life.
Of course, you can also thin it out to use as cashew milk… or even drink the thick cream.
I know I can’t be the only child who used to love drinking straight-up heavy cream from the carton.
NO dairy / NO soy / NO gluten / NO coconut / NO eggs
The cream takes on the flavor of whatever ingredients you use to season it.
Try garlic, salt, onion, and a little turmeric for a savory cashew cream sauce.
Or add some stevia, maple syrup, sugar of choice, or even an overripe banana for a sweeter sauce or dessert topping or mousse.
My sister has a really good ice cream recipe that uses dairy heavy cream, and I’ve been meaning to try replacing the cream in her recipe with this homemade cashew cream recipe.
Or you can use it to make the best Vegan Mac And Cheese!
The first time I ever tried making cashew cream was actually in a savory recipe, after I’d had the best alfredo sauce of my life at a vegan restaurant in New York City.
Since then, I’ve used the cream mostly for pie recipes, but I also really like it on top of freshly-sliced peaches in the summertime.
So so good! I’m sure many people have their own tweaked method and recipe for homemade cashew cream. What follows is my method for how to make cashew cream.
If you can’t find raw cashews, raw macadamia nuts are equally delicious here.
How To Make Cashew Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews or macadamia nuts (120g)
- 1/3 cup to 3/4 cup water depending on how thick you want your cream (For homemade cashew milk, use 3 cups water)
Instructions
- In a bowl, cover the cashews with water and let sit at least 3 hours (no longer than 8). Drain completely, then combine the drained cashews with the water and blend until very smooth (a full minute in a Vita-Mix, or much longer in a food processor, making sure to scrape down the sides occasionally). For a sweet cream, add pure vanilla extract, salt, and sweetener (if using 3/4c water, add 1/8 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp vanilla. Also add 1-2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup, or a pinch of stevia, or a few dates.) For a savory vegan cream, add a little salt and perhaps some lemon juice, miso, fresh or dried herbs, etc. This recipe lasts 3-4 days in the fridge, or it can be frozen. Makes up to 1 1/2 cups cashew cream.View Nutrition Facts
Notes
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Hi Katie,
I have enjoyed so many of your recipes, but this cashew cream has changed my life! Thank you so much for putting up the recipe. I have been looking for a substitute for cream in risotto and this cashew concoction is the perfect bit of cream to make a heavenly risotto! I have also enjoyed it with blackberries and peaches (soo good too), and will tackle trying to make some ice cream soon.
Keep on being creative, I always enjoy looking up your blog and checking what you have come up with!
All the best from Germany,
Jana
Cashew nuts are great
I have tried making cashew cream and cashew cheese cake and cashew all sorts of stuff. And I just DO NOT like it! I don’t think it tastes like anything that it is supposed to! A love it in cheese replacement dishes. Like queso or spinach dip. It is amazing. But anything sweet, I have to double the sweetener and I still feel like it just tastes… Weird and not sweet enough and kind of bitter and pasty. I feel like I am alone in this as a super healthy eating vegan who just doesn’t like it. 🙁 And I am not writing this just to be a negative nancy – I am wondering if I am the only vegan who feels this way and if there is anything else I can try!! At least I love coconut, but as for vegan cheesecake and stuff like that, I just can’t get past the pasty flavor. :'(
Do u soak Macadamia nuts for same amount of time?
Also, do u think adding healthy food coloring to make a pooh bear cake would work?
Also, do u think adding healthy food coloring to make a pooh bear cake would work?
Yes same time. And sure, why not? 🙂
Hello! Has anyone used this cream for coffee? Thanks!
Yes, it works well!
Every since I started following your recipes, I’ve desired a Vitamix blender. I happened across a Costco presentation and almost cried when I found out it was $500… on sale.
Thanks, it is such an good idea to substitute the dairy product. But can it whipped to peak form?
Can I use roasted cashews to make cashew cream? 🙂
I made a dessert for Christmas last year with frozen berries and hot white chocolate sauce on top (delicious, btw). However I am having some problems with my blood sugar and my family want me to make it again – I don’t want to miss out. Can this be warmed?
Yes