How To Make Raw Cashew Cream

Raw cashew cream is made by soaking raw cashews, blending them with water until smooth, and using the result as a creamy dairy-free base.
 
All you need are raw cashews, water, and a blender, and you can make cashew cream as thick or as thin as you like.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make raw cashew cream at home without any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, you’re in exactly the right place.
 
This simple raw cashew cream recipe turns a handful of nuts into a silky, versatile cream you can use in sauces, soups, desserts, and even coffee.
 
Once you learn how to make cashew cream raw and creamy, it becomes one of those staples you keep on hand all the time.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through why raw cashew cream works, how to make it step by step, and how to adjust the texture for any recipe.
 
Let’s get started.
 

Why Raw Cashew Cream Works

Raw cashew cream works so well, and homemade cashew cream is genuinely one of the easiest dairy-free basics you can make.
 
Here’s why:
 

1. Cashews Blend Into a Smooth, Creamy Texture

The reason raw cashew cream gets so silky is because cashews are soft and low-starch compared to other nuts.
 
When cashews soak in water, they plump up and soften, which makes them blend into a seriously smooth cashew cream.
 
That’s why raw cashew cream comes out creamy rather than grainy, even in a regular blender.
 

2. Raw Cashews Have a Mild, Neutral Flavor

Raw cashews taste mild and slightly sweet, so raw cashew cream won’t overpower the dish you’re making.
 
This neutral flavor is why cashew cream substitutes for regular cream or milk so well in both sweet and savory recipes.
 
You can add salt, vanilla, sweetener, or herbs, and the cashew cream takes on whatever taste you want.
 

3. Homemade Cashew Cream Skips the Additives

When you make raw cashew cream yourself, you know exactly what’s in it: cashews and water.
 
Store-bought creams often contain gums, stabilizers, and preservatives that a simple cashew cream recipe avoids entirely.
 
Plus, homemade cashew cream costs far less per batch, which is a nice bonus.
 

How to Make Raw Cashew Cream Step by Step

Learning how to make cashew cream takes just a few simple steps.
 
Here’s the process from start to finish:
 

1. Soak Your Raw Cashews

Soaking is the most important step when making raw cashew cream.
 
Place one cup of raw cashews in a bowl, cover them with filtered water, and let them soak for at least four hours, or overnight for the best results.
 
If you’re short on time, soak the cashews in hot water for about 30 to 60 minutes instead.
 
Drain and rinse the cashews before blending.
 

2. Blend Cashews With Water Until Smooth

Add the soaked cashews to your blender with about three-quarters of a cup of fresh water.
 
Blend on high for one to two minutes until the cashew cream is completely smooth.
 
For a thicker cashew cream, use less water; for a thinner one, add a splash more until you reach your desired consistency.
 
Scrape down the sides and blend again to make sure no bits remain.
 

3. Adjust the Texture and Season It

This is where raw cashew cream becomes your own.
 
For a savory cashew cream, add a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon, or a little garlic.
 
For a sweet cashew cream, blend in a splash of vanilla or a touch of maple syrup.
 
Taste as you go and adjust until the cashew cream tastes just right.
 

4. Store Your Homemade Cashew Cream

Pour the finished raw cashew cream into a jar with a lid and keep it in the fridge for up to four days.
 
It will thicken as it chills, so stir in a little water or plant milk before using it again.
 
You can also freeze cashew cream in small portions and thaw it whenever you need it.
 

How to Use Raw Cashew Cream

Once you know how to make cashew cream, you’ll find endless ways to use it.
 
Here are a few favorite ideas:
 

1. As a Dairy-Free Substitute for Cream

Spoon raw cashew cream into soups, curries, and pasta sauces in place of heavy cream.
 
The cashew cream adds richness without any dairy, so it works wonderfully in plant-based cooking.
 

2. In Coffee, Smoothies, and Desserts

A splash of thin cashew cream makes coffee taste luxurious, while a thicker version works as a base for puddings and no-bake desserts.
 
Blend it into smoothies for extra creaminess, and nobody will guess there’s a nut in there.
 

3. In Dressings and Dips

Whisk raw cashew cream with lemon juice, herbs, and seasoning to make creamy dressings and dips.
 
Because cashew cream is so versatile, one batch can cover several meals.
 

So, How Do You Make Raw Cashew Cream?

Raw cashew cream is made by soaking raw cashews, blending them with fresh water, and adjusting the texture and seasoning to taste.
 
All you need are raw cashews, water, and a blender, and the whole process takes just minutes once the nuts are soaked.
 
So the next time a recipe calls for cream, reach for cashews instead and whip up a batch of fresh, homemade raw cashew cream.