Cashew cream sauce is smooth, creamy, and customizable. It's easy to make and super versatile! Perfect as a dairy free dip, base for salad dressings, pasta sauce, stirred into soup, and more.
If you're looking for an all purpose vegan cashew cheese sauce, this recipe is for you! You only need a few ingredients and a blender.
Whether you're new to a dairy free diet or just looking for something fun to make, add this kitchen staple to your rotation. For more cashew based recipes, try my vegan sour cream, vegan ranch dressing, vegan alfredo sauce, vegan buffalo dip, and vegan parmesan.
Ingredient notes
This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Cashews: Raw cashews are suggested due to their mild flavor and soft texture when soaked, which blends into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Water: Helps blend the cashews into a silky cream. Adjust the amount slightly for thinner or thicker results.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavor and balance the richness.
- Garlic powder: Optional, but adds a subtle savory note.
How to soak cashews
Soaking cashews is an important step that should not be skipped! Soaked cashews plump up and break down more easily, blending into a lump-free consistency that's silky smooth.
After making this recipe countless times, I've found the best method is soaking cashews in a bowl of water, covered, for about 4 hours. Overnight works too, but avoid soaking too long or they can turn slimy and bitter.
Tip: After soaking, drain and rinse the cashews with fresh water before blending for the best flavor and texture.
Buy Hamilton Beach Food Processor
This small kitchen appliance is one of my most-used and well-loved! A food processor is great for making homemade treats like bliss balls, dips, dressings, and more.
Variations
This classic cashew sauce is great as is, but here are some flavor boosters to mix things up:
- For a cheesy taste: Add ¼ cup nutritional yeast.
- For a tangy kick: Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- For a sweet treat: Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Serving suggestions
Use cashew cream for dipping veggies into, drizzling over baked potatoes, dolloping on vegan baked ziti, mixing into grain bowls, spreading on sandwiches, or adding plant-based creaminess to any dish.
I hope you love this cashew cream recipe as much as we do! If you give it a try, let me know what you think by leaving a rating and comment.
Easy Cashew Cream Sauce Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews
- ¾ cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Place 1 cup cashews in a bowl. Cover with water and soak for about 4 hours, then drain and rinse.
- Place soaked cashews in the bowl of a food processor or blender with ¾ cup water, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Yields about 1 cup.
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