Description
This classic cashew cream recipe creates a smooth, creamy, and versatile dairy-free alternative perfect for adding richness and flavor to a variety of dishes. Made by blending soaked cashews with garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and seasonings, this cashew cream is easy to prepare and can be adjusted for taste. Ideal for vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free diets, it’s perfect as a sauce base, dip, or creamy addition to soups and salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Cashew Cream Base
- 1 cup (140g) raw cashews (soaked in cool water overnight or boiled in water for 15 minutes)
- ½ – ¾ cup (120 – 180 mL) water
Flavorings and Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Drain and Rinse Cashews: Drain the soaked cashews and rinse them thoroughly with fresh water to remove any residual soaking water and ensure freshness.
- Blend Ingredients: Place the drained cashews, water, chopped garlic, sea salt, black pepper, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and onion powder into a high-powered blender or food processor. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth, thick, and creamy, scraping down the sides occasionally. This process takes about 2 minutes in a high-powered blender or approximately 4 minutes in a food processor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the cashew cream and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt for enhanced saltiness, more nutritional yeast to boost cheesy and umami notes, or additional lemon juice if you prefer a brighter acidity. Blend briefly after adjustments to incorporate.
Notes
- Soaking cashews overnight softens them for a smoother blend; boiling is a quicker alternative if short on time.
- Adjust the water quantity for desired creaminess and thickness; less water yields a thicker cream.
- This cashew cream can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Use as a dairy-free substitute in sauces, dressings, soups, or as a dip.
- Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor and additional nutrients but can be omitted for a more neutral taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus soaking or boiling time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
Keywords: cashew cream, vegan cream sauce, dairy-free cream, cashew sauce, vegan sauce, healthy cream, plant-based cream
