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Are you looking for a way to add a creamy, luxurious texture to your vegan dishes but need help figuring out where to start? Look no further! This vegan all-purpose cashew cream recipe is incredibly versatile, easy to make, and deliciously satisfying.
It is a perfect substitute for traditional heavy cream and adds a rich, velvety texture to your favorite dishes.
This homemade vegan cream is ideal for adding to pasta sauces, stews, desserts, salad dressings, beverages, and much more!
Made with cashews, it is gluten, soy, and oil-free. Whole-food, plant-based, Vegan cream option!
WHY ALL-PURPOSE CASHEW CREAM?
You may wonder, “Why should I choose cashew cream over the classic heavy cream?” First and foremost, cashew cream is a dairy-free alternative (ideal for vegans and those with dairy allergies) that embraces the essence of the nut kingdom. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used in many recipes, from savory to sweet.
But that’s not all! Cashew cream offers a host of health benefits. It’s lower in fat and calories than heavy cream, making it a wise choice for those seeking a lighter indulgence using whole foods.
Cashews are low in sugar, a source of fiber, contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron, and zinc.
OTHER SUBSTITUTES FOR HEAVY CREAM THAT ARE VEGAN-FRIENDLY
There are several other vegan-friendly substitutes for heavy cream that you can use in various recipes. Let’s explore some of them:
- Coconut cream or canned coconut milk: These are an excellent substitute for heavy cream in both sweet (like this vegan vanilla pudding) and savory recipes (like this Coconut cauliflower rice with tofu) due to their rich and creamy texture. They are perfect for making vegan whipped cream, ice cream, curries, and soups. It does have a coconut flavor, so keep that in mind when using it in your recipes.
- Silken tofu: Blended silken tofu can mimic the texture of heavy cream, making it an excellent choice for dressings (like this vegan mayonnaise), creamy sauces, soups, or desserts. It’s relatively flavorless, allowing it to blend well with other ingredients.
- Avocado: Pureed avocado provides a creamy and slightly thick consistency, similar to heavy cream. It’s a nutritious addition to smoothies, sauces, or dressings, but remember, it will impart a mild avocado flavor and some color, depending on the recipe.
- Almond cream: Made from ground almonds and water, almond cream has a slightly nutty flavor. It’s a good choice for both sweet and savory dishes.
- Sunflower cream: Made with soaked and blended sunflower seeds, it results in a nutty, creamy texture. It’s ideal for dishes that pair well with a nuttier flavor profile, such as savory sauces, soups, stews, and dressings.
HOW TO PREPARE THIS ALL-PURPOSE CASHEW CREAM
(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
Nowadays, there are so many commercial vegan alternatives to replace heavy cream made with dairy. However, conveniently preparing homemade options with easy and healthy ingredients is always great.
Preparing this recipe is extremely easy. And the ingredients are so simple: cashews and water.
The only thing you can’t do with this cashew cream recipe is whipped cream; for the rest, you can do creaminess magic in your meals.
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
For the recipe, you will need these kitchen tools. Here is a list of those:
- A high-speed blender is the best option. I love to use my bullet blender or smoothie blender for these types of dressings, creams, or sauces since I don’t have a high-speed blender yet. And you will need to do an extra step of soaking.
- A bowl for soaking.
- A strainer for draining the soaked ingredients.
- An airtight container or jar for storage.
INGREDIENTS
Cashews, known for their silky texture and subtle, sweet flavor, make an excellent base for vegan cream. Here’s how you can create this creamy wonder:
- Raw Cashews: Cashews are the star ingredient in this recipe. They have a natural sweet and buttery flavor, and when soaked and blended, they create a beautifully smooth and creamy texture. Please ensure they’re raw and unsalted, not roasted.
- Water: Water is used for both soaking the cashews to soften them and for blending to achieve the desired consistency of the cream.
- Salt (optional): A pinch of salt is added to enhance the natural flavor of the cashews.
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
To prepare this Cashew Vegan All-Purpose Cream, first, soak the cashews.
Then drain, rinse, and blend them with fresh water and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Adjust the water quantity for desired consistency.
Recipe inspired and adapted from Fork over Knives Ultimate Cooking Course.
What you’ll love about this recipe? Well, you will find that it is:
- Creamy!
- Simple and easy!
- Neutral-flavored.
- Quick to have it ready.
- And super versatile!
Let’s prepare this versatile Vegan All-purpose Cashew Cream!
WATCH THE STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO!
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RECIPE AND INSTRUCTIONS
VEGAN ALL-PURPOSE CASHEW CREAM
Equipment
- 1 Bullet blender
- 1 Bowl (for soaking)
- 1 Strainer
- 1 Airtight container (or jar)
Ingredients
- 1 cup of raw cashews
- 3-4 cups of water for soaking
- 1/2-1 1/4 cup of fresh water for blending
- A pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Start by soaking the cashews in room-temperature water for at least 4 hours or overnight for a smoother texture (especially if you don’t have a high-speed blender). You can also soak the cashews for 30 minutes using hot water.
- Drain the soaked cashews and rinse them under cold water. This step helps remove any residual bitterness.
- Place the soaked and rinsed cashews in your blender, and add a pinch of salt and fresh water – start with 1/2 cup and add more if needed, depending on how you’re planning to use it.
- Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If the mixture seems too thick, add more water, a couple of tablespoons at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Use it in your favorite recipes or pour the cream into a jar or container, seal it, and refrigerate.
Notes
- Store any leftover cashew cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days to preserve any leftover cashew cream. If you notice any sour smell, discoloration, or mold, discard it immediately.
- You can customize this base recipe by adding various ingredients to achieve different flavors and consistencies. Adjust the ratio of cashews to water to reach your desired consistency. For a cheesy flavor, add nutritional yeast—or lemon or lime juice and herbs for a fresh dressing. Add vanilla extract and dates (or maple syrup) to the mix to make Cashew Vanilla Cream.
- Always use a clean spoon when scooping out your cream to keep it fresh for longer!
- You can substitute the water for any plant-based milk to give the cream more body.
- If you want to use it as a creamer for coffee or tea, adjust the water to your desired consistency (around 1 1/4 cup is a good start), and for the best texture, you might want to strain it. Some people add some tablespoons of maple syrup and a little bit of vanilla extract.
- This cashew cream will thicken in the fridge.
- To freeze the cashew cream, prepare it according to the recipe instructions and allow it to cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray, leaving some room for expansion. Seal the container tightly or cover the ice cube trays with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Place it in the freezer and let it freeze completely. When ready to use the frozen cashew cream, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS VEGAN ALL-PURPOSE CASHEW CREAM
This vegan all-purpose cashew cream offers a world of culinary possibilities:
- Savory Delights: Use cashew cream as a base for delectable creamy pasta sauces, vegan mac and cheese, or comforting soups. Its smoothness adds depth and richness to any savory creation.
- Decadent Desserts: Incorporate cashew cream into your favorite dessert recipes to elevate their creaminess and add a touch of indulgence. Whip it up for dreamy frostings, creamy pies, or velvety cheesecakes that will leave everyone begging for more. See the sweet version of this cream here: Sweet Cashew Cream.
- Drizzling Delight: Transform your everyday salads, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls into culinary masterpieces by drizzling a dollop of cashew cream on top.
- Creamyness for your beverage and smoothies: Prepare the cashew cream with more water for a perfect coffee creamer. Or elevate your favorite smoothie recipes by incorporating a generous dollop of cashew cream. It adds a creamy consistency and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with fruits, greens, and superfood boosters. Blend it into your morning smoothie or enjoy it as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up.
- And so much more!
If you are hungry for more sauces, dressings, and condiments, you could also try these yummy recipes:
DID YOU MAKE THIS ALL-PURPOSE CASHEW CREAM?
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