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You can use cashew cream in soups, sauces, desserts, coffee, and even as a base for dairy-free cheese.
It’s one of the most versatile plant-based ingredients you can keep in your kitchen, and once you know what to do with cashew cream, a whole new world of cooking opens up.
Whether you made a batch yourself or bought some at the store, this creamy, silky ingredient can replace dairy in dozens of recipes without anyone noticing the difference.
In this post, we’ll walk through the best things to do with cashew cream, from savory dishes to sweet treats, so you never waste a spoonful again.
Let’s dive in.
What To Do With Cashew Cream: Savory Uses
Cashew cream shines brightest in savory cooking, and here’s how to put it to work:
1. Make Creamy Soups Without Dairy
One of the easiest things to do with cashew cream is stir it into soups.
A swirl of cashew cream transforms tomato soup, butternut squash soup, or roasted red pepper soup into something rich and velvety.
Just stir it in at the end of cooking over low heat so it doesn’t split, and you’ll get that luxurious texture cream usually provides.
2. Build Dairy-Free Pasta Sauces
If you’re wondering what to do with cashew cream when pasta night rolls around, the answer is simple: use it as a base for Alfredo-style sauces.
Blend cashew cream with garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and a pinch of nutmeg, then toss it with hot pasta.
The sauce clings to every strand and tastes remarkably close to the real deal.
3. Swap It for Heavy Cream in Curries
Cashew cream is a fantastic substitute for heavy cream in Indian and Thai curries.
Add a splash near the end of cooking to mellow out the spices and add body without overwhelming the dish.
It’s also a smart way to use up leftover cashew cream before it spoils.
4. Use It as a Base for Vegan Cheese
Another clever thing to do with cashew cream is turn it into soft cheese.
Blend it with probiotics and let it ferment, or simply mix it with lemon juice, salt, and herbs for a quick spreadable cheese.
Spread it on crackers, sandwiches, or bagels for a dairy-free snack that actually satisfies.
Sweet Ways to Use Cashew Cream
Cashew cream isn’t just for savory dishes, and here are some sweet ideas worth trying:
1. Whip It Into Dessert Toppings
One of the most delightful things to do with cashew cream is whip it into a dairy-free alternative to whipped cream.
Chill the cream, add a little maple syrup and vanilla, then whip until fluffy.
Spoon it over berries, pies, or cakes for a treat everyone at the table can enjoy.
2. Blend It Into Smoothies
Toss a spoonful of cashew cream into your morning smoothie for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
It blends seamlessly and makes even the simplest fruit smoothie taste indulgent.
3. Make Dairy-Free Ice Cream
If you’re looking for what to do with cashew cream when dessert cravings hit, try making ice cream.
Whisk cashew cream with sugar, vanilla, and cocoa powder, then churn it or freeze it in a loaf pan, stirring occasionally.
The result is a scoopable, creamy frozen treat without a drop of dairy.
4. Stir It Into Coffee or Hot Chocolate
Cashew cream makes a lovely dairy-free creamer for coffee and hot chocolate.
It adds richness without curdling, and a little goes a long way.
Tips for Storing and Using Cashew Cream
Knowing what to do with cashew cream also means knowing how to store it properly.
1. Keep It in the Fridge
Homemade cashew cream lasts about four to five days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Store-bought versions may last longer, so always check the label.
2. Freeze It in Portions
If you have more cashew cream than you can use, freeze it in ice cube trays.
Once frozen, pop the cubes into a bag and grab one whenever a recipe calls for cream.
3. Adjust Thickness as Needed
Cashew cream thickens as it sits, so thin it with water or plant-based milk before using it in recipes.
That way, it stays pourable and blends easily into whatever you’re cooking.
4. Season It Well
Cashew cream is fairly neutral, so don’t be shy with salt, acid, and spices.
A squeeze of lemon or a pinch of salt can completely change how it tastes in a dish.
So, What To Do With Cashew Cream?
You can use cashew cream in soups, sauces, desserts, coffee, and as a base for dairy-free cheese, so there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy it.
It swaps beautifully for dairy cream in savory recipes and adds richness to sweet treats alike.
The key is to store it well, season it thoughtfully, and experiment freely.
With so many things to do with cashew cream, that batch in your fridge won’t last long.