Simple Cashew Cream Recipe: No Overnight Soak!

Hello HeyHaileyFam!

Today, I’m sharing a kitchen staple that’s an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to make their meals creamier and dreamier without the dairy. Say hello to Cashew Cream—a versatile, dairy-free alternative that can be used in everything from soups and sauces to desserts. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! No, seriously…

Why You’ll Love This Cashew Cream

1. Dairy-Free: Perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.
2. Quick & Easy: No overnight soaking required; this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes!
3. Versatile: Use it in savory dishes like pasta sauces or in sweet treats like vegan cheesecake.
4. Healthy: Cashews are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and various essential nutrients.

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Cashews
• 3 Cups Water (2 cups for boiling, 1 cup for blending)

Equipment Needed

• Small Saucepan – All-Clad Stainless Sauce Pan
• Blender – Vitamix Blender
• Strainer – OXO Good Grips 8in Strainer
• Measuring Cups – Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Set

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Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Cashews

1. Add 1 cup of cashews and 2 cups of water to a small saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Once boiling, turn off the burner.

Step 2: Let It Sit

1. Let the cashews sit in the hot water for 20 minutes. This softens them and makes them easier to blend.

Step 3: Drain and Rinse

1. After 20 minutes, drain the cashews and give them a quick rinse with cold water.

Step 4: Blend to Perfection

1. Add the drained and rinsed cashews to a blender.
2. Pour in 1 cup of fresh water.
3. Blend until the mixture reaches a smooth, creamy consistency similar to heavy cream.

Step 5: Check Consistency

1. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more water and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.

Variations

• Flavored Cashew Cream: Add garlic, herbs, or even some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Sweet Cashew Cream: Add a splash of vanilla extract and a sweetener like maple syrup for a dessert-ready cream.

Nutritional Info (Approximate)

• Calories: 90 per 2 Tbsp
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbs: 5g

How to Use Cashew Cream

• In soups to make them creamier
• As a base for vegan Alfredo sauce – similar to my Zucchini Cashew Alfredo Pasta!
• In desserts like vegan cheesecake or mousse
• As a dairy-free creamer for your coffee or tea

And there you have it—a simple, quick, and incredibly versatile Cashew Cream recipe that you’ll find yourself using again and again. Give it a try and let me know how you used it in your culinary creations!

Love, Leilani