Not only is tangy, flavorful vegan cashew cream cheese possible will make all of your dairy-free cheese drams come true! This cream cheese recipe is made without tofu & is completely dairy-free, without lacking on texture or flavor and works great anywhere you’d use regular cream cheese! This recipe comes together with just a few ingredients and in under 20 minutes!

The Best Vegan Cream Cheese Recipe: Creamy, Tangy & Dairy-Free

Looking for the perfect dairy-free alternative to traditional cream cheese? This homemade vegan cream cheese made with cashews is smooth, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you spread it on a bagel, use it in recipes, or enjoy it as a dip, this plant-based alternative will not disappoint!

Why you’ll love this recipe

This cream cheese is SO easy, it comes together quickly in a food processor or blender!
The “base” of this cream cheese recipe is only 4 ingredients!
Perfect for dairy-free, vegan, whole 30, and paleo diets!
It’s wholesome, made with healthy ingredients!
It’s versatile. Feel free to switch up the seasonings, herbs, etc. to change up the flavors!
Healthy & Nutrient-Dense: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamins from natural ingredients.

Vegan cream cheese recipe video

How to make vegan cashew cream cheese

Equipment

Food processor or high-powered blender
Storage container

Ingredients

Cashews: Raw cashews are an amazing base for so many different vegan recipes including vegan cheeses, cheesecakes, sauces, etc. In this recipe, the cashews are soaked in hot water for 15 or so minutes prior to being used to help create a smoother, thicker consistency!
Refined coconut oil: It’s important to use refined coconut oil here as unrefined coconut oil has a very strong coconut flavor and will throw off the taste of the cream cheese. No other oil will work, as coconut oil firms up and becomes solid, unlike others.
Lemon juice
Apple cider vinegar
Seasonings: sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper, nutritional yeast (optional)
Scallions

Steps to make cream cheese

Start by soaking the cashews in hot water for at least 15 minutes. This helps them blend easier and creates a smoother, creamier consistency. I simply bring a small pot of water to a boil, add the cashews, then turn the burner off (while leaving the pot on it). After 15 or so minutes, I strain the water from the cashews in a strainer, then add to the blender.
Add all of the ingredients to your high powered blender or food processor. Blend a few minutes, stopping to scape down the sides as needed, until it’s a super smooth consistency.
Taste-test your vegan cream cheese and make any adjustments you’d like — more add-ins, salt, other seasonings, lemon juice, etc.
Store in an air-tight container in the fridge.

How to use vegan cashew cream cheese

Spread on bagels or toast.
Use on sandwiches or wraps.
Add to a breakfast sandwich.
Dip raw veggies in it.
Enjoy some with crackers!

Dairy-Free cream cheese flavor variations

Cinnamon sugar cream cheese: Adding cinnamon, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract will create a delicious cinnamon sugar cream cheese spread that would pair great with cinnamon raisin bagels or toast with jam!
Scallion garlic and herb cream cheese: Add seasonings, fresh herbs like scallions, and garlic to create a super flavorful cream cheese spread that tastes delicious on everything!
Garlic & Chive: Mix in minced garlic and chopped chives for a flavorful twist.
Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil: Blend in sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a Mediterranean touch.
Sweet Maple & Cinnamon: Add tablespoon or two of maple syrup or coconut sugar and a teaspoon or two of cinnamon for a sweet maple cinnamon sugar spread.

Shelf-life and storage

Homemade plant-based cream cheese will keep in an air-tight container in the fridge for about 5 days or in the freezer for about 3 months. Note that freezing and then defrosting may affect the consistency.

FAQ’s

What blending device works best to make vegan cream cheese? A high powered blender like a Vitamix works best. I have also used my NutriBullet blender and it also worked great. However a strong food processor will also do the trick! You just need something that can blend cashews up smoothly.
Can I use this recipe to make vegan cream cheese frosting? Short answer, no, I wouldn’t. This spread isn’t meant to be used as a 1:1 sub for regular cream cheese.
Is this cashew cream cheese gluten-free? Yes, this cream cheese is gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, sugar-free, and paleo-friendly.

This easy vegan cashew cream cheese is a game-changer for anyone looking for a creamy, tangy, and delicious dairy-free alternative. It’s simple to make, incredibly versatile, and full of wholesome ingredients. Try this recipe and let me know how you customize it! I’d love if you left a star rating & review below and tag me in your creations on Instagram @danishealthyeats!

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If you try this recipe & love, it’d mean the world to me if you left a star rating and review below and tag me in your creations @danishealthyeats on Instagram!