This easy 2-ingredient cashew cream recipe is a silky, dairy-free alternative to heavy cream that works beautifully in pasta, soups, sauces, smoothies, and coffee.
Made from just blended cashews and water, it delivers the same rich, creamy texture of heavy cream—but with heart-healthy fats, plant-based protein, and far fewer calories. It’s one of the simplest ways to make everyday meals taste luxurious while still supporting steady energy and long-term health.
The first time I made homemade cashew cream, it felt like a true kitchen upgrade. I felt more food-educated, more advanced, and more in love with what real ingredients can do. Suddenly, I could enjoy creamy pastas, velvety soups, and stable, frothy lattes without dairy heaviness. It wasn’t just a substitute—it was a smart, nutritious base that made my cooking feel easier, more intentional, and so much more delicious. Cashew cream remains one of my favorite healthy cooking staples because it transforms real ingredients into something special while helping you feel your best.
🥣 Stir Into Soups and Sauces for Instant Creaminess
Add 2–4 tablespoons to blended or chunky soups and sauces like tomato, mushroom, or lentil curries. It makes them silky without altering the flavor.
🍝 Make Creamy Pasta Sauces
Swap for heavy cream in Alfredo, tomato-cream, pesto-cream, or mushroom sauces. It melts right into warm pasta water.
🥤 Blend Into Smoothies for More Staying Power
A spoonful adds healthy fats and protein for better energy and a thicker, more satisfying texture.
🥗 Make Dairy-Free Salad Dressings
Whisk or blend with lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, or spices to make creamy ranch-style or green goddess dressings.
🌮 Drizzle Over Bowls, Tacos & Roasted Veggies
Chipotle bowls: chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika, lime
Asian bowls: soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, sesame oil
Roasted veggies: lemon, olive oil, herbs, Dijon
🧇 Topping for Breakfast or Desserts
For waffles, pancakes & fruit dip: maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, lemon zest
Perfect for yogurt bowls, fresh fruit, overnight oats, or topping breakfast bakes.
🥘 Swap for Heavy Cream
Replace heavy cream in sauces, casseroles, gratins, mashed potatoes, or creamed vegetables. It provides the same creaminess with less heaviness.
☕ Add to Coffee or Tea
Blend a spoonful into hot coffee, chai, or matcha for an instant dairy-free latte.
Cashews are rich in heart-healthy fats—the same kind found in olive oil—that support cardiovascular health and help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Cashew cream also delivers plant-based protein plus magnesium and copper, key minerals that support steady energy, metabolism, and brain function.
Because cashew cream is naturally concentrated, just a couple tablespoons make any dish taste creamy and indulgent while helping keep blood sugar steady. For the best long-lasting energy, pair cashew cream with fiber-rich vegetables, whole grains, and protein—like creamy veggie soups, bean stews, or whole-grain pasta with greens. Fiber slows digestion while healthy fats improve absorption, giving your body more time to use nutrients effectively.
