Vegan Heavy Cream Substitute (Cashew Cream)

Vegan heavy cream substitute that’s dairy-free and the perfect replacement for traditional cream in recipes. So easy to make and requires just 1 ingredient.

A good vegan heavy cream substitute is important when it comes to recreating some of your favorite recipes. You can use canned coconut milk but you often get the coconut aftertaste that comes with it.

But, there is a better alternative. Cashew cream!

Cashews are the perfect replacement for heavy cream or even heavy whipping cream in recipes. They’re very neutral in flavor, taste amazing, and create the creamiest texture and consistency when you blend them.

Cashew cream is perfect for desserts, baked goods, or making that special sauce for your favorite pasta dish.

You can even make an amazing vegan coffee creamer simply by adding a little vanilla extract and pinch of salt. O…M…G!!!

Ready? Let’s do it

Ingredients

You only need 2 simple ingredients to make this delicious dairy-free alternative for heavy cream.

• Cashews: use raw cashews because they are not roasted with salt or oil. They are very neutral in flavor and blend much better once soaked.
• Liquid: both water and non-dairy milk work equally well. I used water for this recipe but you can use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk.

How To Make Vegan Heavy Cream Substitute

1. Soak the cashews in hot water for 10 minutes or boil for 5 minutes.
2. Drain the cashews and add to a high-speed blender with 1 cup of water or non-dairy milk. Blend for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth and there are no bits or lumps.
3. Use immediately or store leftover cashew cream in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

That’s it! The perfect vegan heavy cream substitute.

Storing & Freezing

Store leftover cashew cream in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

It is also freezer friendly for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to use just thaw, blend, and use.

More Vegan Heavy Cream Alternatives

• You can make soups and recipes creamy by blending them with silken tofu.
• A can of full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream is a great option.
• Sunflower seeds are a good option if you don’t have cashews or are allergic. Soak the same as cashews.
• Use equal parts cashews and liquid to create a fairly heavy cream. If you want the cashew cream to be a bit lighter add another ½ cup of water or milk.
• This vegan buttermilk recipe in a “cream”, but it is excellent in baked goods.

How Can I Use Vegan Heavy Cream

• Vegan Soups
• Easy Cashew Queso
• Vegan Desserts
• Pasta Dishes
• Any baked good that calls for heavy cream.
• It makes a delicious coffee cream simply by adding a little vanilla.

How Do I Make Vegan Whipped Cream

Sadly, you cannot make whipped cream with this heavy cream substitute. It’s great if you want to stir it into recipes, but it WILL NOT WHIP!

Fortunately, I have a delicious Vegan Whipped Cream recipe you can make.

I hope you enjoy these Vegan Heavy Cream Substitute. Please leave a comment below with a star rating. And, be sure and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #shaneandsimple. I want to see your work. Enjoy!

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