Cashew Sweet Cream

Cashew Sweet Cream – made with just 4 simple ingredients, this ‘cream’ is made from cashews, does NOT disappoint and won’t leave you wanting for ‘real’ cream! (dairy-free, plant-based, vegan)

Cashews – who knew they could be both sweet & savory?! This ‘cream’ is a vegan take on whipping cream. And while it is not whipping cream, I’m always on the search for how to make something plant-based and vegan! And this ‘cashew sweet cream’ does NOT disappoint. Made with just 4 ingredients – I used maple syrup, but you could easily use a Medjool date and make it ‘no added sugar’ too!

I developed this ‘sweet cream’ as an option to have for a dessert at night with my fruit. A dessert that’s plant-based and that gives me my ‘sweet fix’? I’m all for it. If I’m being honest, I’ve been eating way too many desserts recently. I mean I do create them partially for the blog, but as they’re not always successful, many attempts are made. Enter this simple ‘recipe’ as a healthier option to have for dessert at night!

Cashew Sweet Cream & Possible Substitutions

1. Raw Cashews– I used raw cashews because roasted cashews can sometimes have added salt and oil. Raw cashews are not necessarily healthier for you – they undergo some heat to remove bacteria (most times). But just because they’re raw again doesn’t mean they’re healthier for you. The key is to add nuts any and every way you can! There is research to show that eating just 1.5 ounces of nuts/day can help reduce your risk for developing heart disease! (& other metabolic disorders when you also replace foods that are high in saturated fat with plant-based protein & heart healthy fats!)
2. Vanilla – This takes the cashews to a sweet dish (vs savory). Feel free to add any other additional spices that you’d like – cinnamon, cardamom -the possibilities for different takes on this base ‘cream’ are endless!
3. Water – You’re adding in 1/2 cup of water at first. Add an additional tablespoon of water (up to 2 tablespoons more) to make a thinner consistency. It all depends on how thin you want your ‘cream’. I went for just 1/2 cup to keep it more of a dip vs a sauce that I could drizzle on the fruits.
4. Maple Syrup– I used a tablespoon of maple syrup. I used ‘added sugar’ to sweeten this cream. As a dietitian I’m always talking about ways to reduce your intake of added sugar. A tablespoon for this volume amounts to virtually nothing. Sure it’s some ‘added sugar’ but this is a dessert. Feel free to use Medjool Dates to ‘sweeten’ this ‘cream’. I used 4 dates when I’ve made it in this alternative version. And it is just as tasty!

HOW TO MAKE CASHEW SWEET CREAM

A food processor makes this sweet ‘cream’ come together in minutes. I did not use a high-speed blender – only because you’re not able to get all the creamy goodness out of the bottom!

1. Combine everything in the bowl of your food processor.
2. Blend until everything is evenly combined and the cashews become creamy. I started with 1/2 cup of water & it was the perfect consistency. If you want it thinner, add a tablespoon at a time till desired consistency.
3. Serve and Enjoy!

If you have 15 minutes and want to whip up a delicious and healthy dessert that everyone will love then I highly recommend giving this cashew ‘cream’ a try. I’m not here to say you can’t ever have just ‘whipped cream’ but this vegan version (plants that are full of health!) is a great alternative to throw into the mix.

LOOKING FOR MORE RECIPES WITH CASHEWS?

• Cashew ‘Cheese’
• Homemade Trail Mix
• Almond Butter Energy ‘Bites’ – made with almond butter initially, but when swapped out with cashew butter, oh my goodness!

This post includes affiliate links to things I use often in my kitchen and would only recommend necessary kitchen tools!

Print