Cashew Cream Cheese. Is anything better than creamy, satisfying cheese, especially if it is dairy free? Cashews are used abundantly in vegan cooking- anywhere from cheesecake, to pasta sauce, to sour cream and even ice cream. Usually cashews replace a dairy product because they can be blended until they are soft and smooth and easily take on different flavours.
You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy these dairy free treats either. I find that a lot of paleo and meat eaters also love cashew based products. I will make this cream cheese recipe every so often to either drizzle on a baked sweet potato or use as a sour cream substitute for my tacos. When left in the fridge the recipe will solidify more to become a decadent spread. If you want it a little more drizzly you can add more water or lemon juice until you get the desired texture.
This recipe is simple and easy to make. You do need to soak the cashews ahead of time but other than that it takes no time to make. I keep it simple and then if I want to doctor it up a little based on what I am making, I can. Different flavours can be added like garlic and onion powder. Mustard and turmeric even for a beautiful orange colour. I usually recommend using a high speed blender but a regular blender and a food processor should do the trick if you have soaked your cashews for long enough.
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CASHEW CREAM CHEESE (vegan & paleo)
A perfectly creamy vegan spreadable cheese. Use it on a sandwich, in a taco or on nachos!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: paleo, vegan
Ingredients
2 cups cashews, soaked for 4 hours minimum
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
3 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup water, plus more to thin
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
more salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Throw all ingredients into a blender and blend on high speed for at lease a minute. Scrape down the edges as needed and add water to thin as needed
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
*Soaking your cashews overnight is easiest but in a pinch 4 hours with hot water will work.
Keywords: paleo, vegan, cashew sauce
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