How to Make the Perfect Vegan Bagel Cashew Cream Cheese
American · Easy · 10 min · 8 servings
This silky smooth cashew cream cheese is a completely vegan alternative to traditional dairy cream cheese with a tangy richness that rivals the real thing. Spread generously over toasted bagels this vegan spread transforms a simple brunch into something truly special.
Why this recipe works
This Vegan Bagel Cashew Cream Cheese recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 10 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 160 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups raw cashews soaked overnight
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 clove garlic
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Soak the cashews
Place raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse thoroughly before using.
Step 2: Blend the base
Add soaked cashews, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, and water to a high-speed blender or food processor.
Step 3: Blend until silky
Blend on high for 2 to 3 minutes until completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed. Add more water one tablespoon at a time if too thick.
Step 4: Taste and adjust
Taste the cream cheese and adjust lemon juice for tanginess, salt for seasoning, or nutritional yeast for more cheesy depth.
Step 5: Chill and serve
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before spreading on toasted bagels with your favorite toppings.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- raw cashews → raw macadamia nuts for an even creamier buttery flavor
- apple cider vinegar → white wine vinegar for a slightly milder tanginess
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not soaking cashews long enough which results in a grainy rather than silky smooth texture
- Skipping the refrigeration step which means the cream cheese is too loose to spread neatly
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 160 calories, 5g protein, 9g carbs, 12g fat, 1g fiber.
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