This post may contain affiliate links. Read Simple Veganizer disclosure policy.
Get ready to fall in love with this luscious and sweet cashew cream that can be used in all your desserts and treats. It’s a fantastic substitute for dairy cream, and it’s super easy to make with just cashews and a few wholesome ingredients.
This delicious cream is perfect for elevating your vegan pies, waffles, fresh fruits, and more!
Before, I shared an all-purpose cashew cream recipe that is super versatile. I mentioned you could make a sweet version of it, and I thought it would be great to share that specific recipe with you because it is also versatile for your vegan sweet treats.
This plant-based sweet cream is naturally free from dairy, gluten, and soy, making it suitable for vegans, those with lactose intolerance, and individuals with various food allergies. Plus, it’s naturally sweetened with dates and made with simple staple ingredients you can enjoy indulging in.
I learned about this way to prepare a sweet cream during my Fork over Knives cooking course, and you will see me using this cream a lot in my desserts, so now it’s time to share this recipe with you!
WHY CASHEWS ARE GOOD FOR YOU
Cashews aren’t just delicious; they’re also packed with health benefits.
They’re a fantastic source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, essential vitamins like vitamin K and B6, and minerals such as magnesium and copper.
Additionally, they are cholesterol-free and contain plant compounds with antioxidant properties.
So, not only will your desserts taste better, but your body will thank you, too!
HOW TO PREPARE THIS SWEET CASHEW CREAM
(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
The secret to the cream’s success lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients.
The preparation requires only two main steps: soaking your cashews and dates and blending all the ingredients; that it is!
The raw cashews provide the creamy base, while the medjool dates add natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. Vanilla extract and lemon juice enhance the taste, and a pinch of sea salt balances it all out.
Additionally, adding plant-based milk or water can adjust the consistency to your liking.
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
To whip up this delectable cashew cream, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
- Food processor. Or blender. This is your primary equipment for achieving that ultra-smooth, creamy texture. I love to use the bullet blender accessory of my Ninja for this type of creams, condiments, or sauces.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure a perfect balance of flavors.
- Airtight container: If you’re not using the cream immediately, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Super simple. Now, let’s review the list of ingredients and potential substitutions in some cases.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this delicious sweet cashew cream:
- Raw cashews: They provide a creamy base and healthy fats. Use raw, unsalted, and no roasted ones. Use good quality ones.
- Medjool dates: These natural sweeteners add a delightful caramel-like flavor. They also help as a thickening agent. I didn’t try it, but I think maple syrup might work as a sweetener. Just decrease the amount of liquid you are adding at the end. They have to be pitted before blending them.
- Vanilla extract: For a touch of warmth and depth in flavor.
- Lemon juice: Balances sweetness and adds a subtle zing.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and adds a hint of complexity. But you can skip it if you eat salt-free.
- Plant-based milk: Adjust the consistency to your preference. You can use any plant-based milk. I’m using cashew milk this time, but I also used organic soy milk several times. Also, you can replace it with water. It will work; I prefer the consistency with the plant-based milk.
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
To prepare this sweet cashew cream, you have to follow these simple steps:
Soak cashews for 3-4 hours, then drain. Also, soak and pit Medjool dates in hot water for 15 minutes.
Blend soaked cashews, dates, vanilla extract, lemon juice, sea salt, and plant-based milk.
Puree until smooth, possibly scraping sides and adding milk for desired consistency.
Taste and adjust flavors, sweetening with more dates if desired.
Serve immediately with your favorite dessert or store in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Enjoy this delicious and healthy sweet cream!
What you’ll love about this recipe? Well, you will find that it is:
- Easy to make.
- So creamy.
- Sweet without using refined sugars.
- Versatile.
- Made with wholesome ingredients.
- So delicious!
Let’s prepare this sweet cashew cream!
WATCH THE STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO!
Remember to subscribe to my YouTube Channel so you can catch all of the weekly recipe videos!
PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
SWEET CASHEW CREAM (Easy, Vegan, GF)
Equipment
- 1 Blender/Food processor
- 1 Airtight container
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews (135g raw cashews, soaked for 3-4 hours to soften)
- 5 Medjool dates (soaked for 15 minutes in hot water and pitted)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- sea salt (A pinch of sea salt)
- 3/4 cup plant-based milk (or water. 3/4 cup or as needed to achieve desired consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cashews and Dates: After soaking the cashews for 3-4 hours, drain and rinse them well. Ensure that the Medjool dates are pitted after soaking in hot water.
- Blend Ingredients: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the soaked and drained cashews, soaked and pitted Medjool dates, vanilla extract, lemon juice, a pinch of sea salt, and plant-based milk.
- Puree: Blend on high until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy. This step may take several minutes, and you might have to scrape down the sides. If the mixture appears too thick or isn't blending well, add additional plant-based milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Once blended, taste the cashew cream. Adjust the flavors if needed. If you desire a sweeter taste, consider adding another date or two and blending again.
- Serve or Store: Use the date-sweetened cashew cream immediately as a replacement for whipped cream in your desserts, or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS SWEET CASHEW CREAM
Here are a few ways to savor your Vegan Sweet Cashew Cream:
- Fruit Parfait: Layer it with fresh berries and granola for a wholesome breakfast or snack.
- Dessert Topping: Drizzle it over your favorite vegan brownies or a warm apple crisp.
- Smoothie Booster: Add a spoonful to your morning smoothie for an extra creamy texture.
- Vegan ice cream dream: use this sweet cream as a base for your ice creams.
- Serve as a dip with fresh fruits.
If you are hungry for some satisfying and delicious cashew-based creams, sauces, and dips, you could also try these ones:
- Vegan all-purpose cashew cream.
- Vegan Thousand Island dressing.
- Vegan Sour Cream.
- Healthy vegan ranch.
