American Cuisine, Basics, Cheeses, Dips & Dressings
Vegan Cashew Tofu Cream Cheese Spread Creamy & Easy
Say goodbye to bland, store-bought vegan cream cheese and hello to a symphony of flavors with this homemade cashew tofu cream cheese spread. Creamy, tangy, and oh-so-spreadable, this recipe is a plant-based masterpiece that will elevate your morning bagel game to new heights.
With the perfect balance of protein-packed tofu and rich, buttery cashews, this cream cheese alternative is a nutritional powerhouse that will keep you satisfied all morning long. And, with the added nutty, cheesy flavor of nutritional yeast, it’s a B vitamin bonanza that’s sure to delight your taste buds. This recipe is the perfect dairy-free substitute for cream cheese. If you’re interested in more homemade plant-based cheese recipes, feel free to explore my complete vegan cheese recipe collection here.
Ingredients & Substitutions: What Is In A Cashew Tofu Cream Cheese Spread
Let’s take a look at the star of the show. The ingredients that make up this delicious and creamy Cashew Tofu Cream Cheese Spread!
First up, we have a brick of extra firm tofu. This provides the perfect base for the spread, giving it a thick and creamy texture that’s perfect for spreading on toast or bagels.
Next, we have soaked cashews. These little gems are packed with healthy fats and add a subtle nuttiness to the spread that pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
To add a little bit of tanginess to the spread, we’ve added fresh lemon juice. This gives the spread a bright and fresh flavor that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Of course, no spread would be complete without a little bit of salt, and this recipe calls for just the right amount to bring out all the other flavors.
To give the spread a cheesy flavor, we’ve added nutritional yeast. Don’t be fooled by the name, this is not your typical baking yeast. Nutritional yeast is a delicious and healthy ingredient that adds a cheesy flavor to all kinds of dishes.
Finally, we have a teaspoon of dried spices of your choosing. This is where you can get creative and really make the spread your own. Whether you choose garlic, onion, dill, Italian spice, everything bagel spice, or any other spice you love, this is where you can add a little extra pizzazz to the spread.
To bring all these ingredients together, we’ve also included a quarter cup of water. This helps to thin out the spread just enough to make it perfectly spreadable.
With these simple yet delicious ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of Cashew Tofu Cream Cheese Spread in no time!
Helpful Tools
Having the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to cooking, and making Cashew Tofu Cream Cheese Spread is no exception! Here are a few helpful tools to keep in mind:
- High-powered blender or food processor – You’ll want to use a blender or food processor that is powerful enough to blend the cashews and tofu into a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure that you get the right balance of flavors in your cream cheese, it’s important to measure out your ingredients accurately. Make sure you have measuring cups and spoons on hand.
- Rubber spatula – A rubber spatula is great for scraping down the sides of your blender or food processor while blending your mixture.
- Airtight container – Once you’ve made your Cashew Tofu Cream Cheese Spread, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
- Optional: Bagel slicer – If you plan on serving your cream cheese spread on a bagel, a bagel slicer can come in handy for getting those perfect slices.
By having these tools on hand, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of delicious and healthy dairy-free cream cheese spread with ease. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy!
How To Make This Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative Recipe
Are you ready to create your very own batch of dairy-free Cream Cheese Here’s how!
First, start by covering your cashews in boiling water and allowing them to soak for at least 10 minutes. This step is important as it helps to soften the cashews and make them easier to blend.
Once your cashews have soaked, drain them and add them to a high-powered blender or food processor along with the rest of the cream cheese ingredients. Blend everything together until it becomes thick, smooth, and creamy. Don’t forget to stop occasionally and scrape down the sides of your blender or food processor to ensure everything gets blended evenly.
If you’re having trouble blending your mixture, add one tablespoon of water at a time to loosen it up. Be careful not to add too much water though, as we want our cream cheese to have a thick and creamy consistency.
And that’s it! Your Cashew Tofu Cream Cheese Spread is now ready to serve. Spread it on your favorite bagel or use it in any recipe that calls for cream cheese. The possibilities are endless!
So go ahead and give it a try. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed with this delicious and healthy alternative to traditional cream cheese. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks For Creating The Perfect Consistency:
- Soaking the Cashews: The Key to a Silky Smooth Spread Soak cashews in boiling water for at least 10 minutes before blending to soften them. This step is crucial to ensure a velvety texture. Once done, drain and rinse before using in the recipe.
- Blending to Perfection: Achieving that Cream Cheese Consistency Blend tofu, soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and salt in a high-powered blender or food processor until smooth and creamy. Pause and scrape down the mixture as needed. If too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time. Add spices for a unique twist.
- Make it Your Own: Adding a Personal Touch Experiment with different herbs, spices, or sweeteners to customize the flavor of your cream cheese. Enjoy on bagels, crackers, or as a dip.
Toppings For the Vegan Cream “Cheese”
Get creative with your cashew tofu cream cheese. Top it off with a variety of herbs and spices to take the flavor to the next level. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese
Add in 3 cloves of roasted or fresh garlic and 1 tsp of Italian spice blend for a savory and aromatic spread.
Lemon Dill Cream Cheese
Give your cream cheese a tangy and fresh touch by adding in the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tbsp of lemon zest, and 1/4 cup of finely diced fresh dill.
Classic Herb Cream Cheese
Keep it simple with a sprinkle of Italian spice, garlic, and onion powder for a classic herb-flavored cream cheese that’s sure to please.
FAQ: Cashew Tofu Cream Cheese
Yes, soaking the cashews helps to soften them and makes them easier to blend. It also helps to create a smoother texture for the cream cheese spread.
While silken tofu can be used, it may result in a softer texture for the cream cheese spread. Extra firm tofu works best for achieving a thick and creamy consistency.
It’s best to soak the cashews before blending to achieve a smoother texture. If you’re short on time, you can soak the cashews in hot water for 10-15 minutes instead of overnight.
The spread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Absolutely! You can add your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor. Some popular options include garlic, onion, dill, Italian seasoning, or everything bagel seasoning.
Yes, you can use it in any recipe that calls for cream cheese. It’s a great dairy-free alternative that still provides a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Cashew Tofu Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 brick extra firm tofu (350g)
- 1 cup soaked cashews
- 1 ½ tbsp fresh lemon juice (half a lemon, juiced)
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast (use 1/8 cup if you like less nooch)
- 1 tsp dried spices of your choosing, optional (garlic, onion, dill, Italian spice, everything bagel spice, etc)
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Cover your cashews in boiling water and allow them to soak for at least 10 minutes. (If you can leave them longer, even better!)
- Drain your soaked cashews and add them to a high powered blender or food processor with the rest of the cream cheese ingredients.
- Blend until thick, smooth and creamy. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides while blending. If you are having troubles blending, add 1 tbsp of water at a time to loosen the mixture. Be careful not to add too much as we want the cream cheese to have a thick consistency.
- Serve on a bagel, or use in any recipe that calls for cream cheese. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Herb and garlic cream cheese. Add 3 cloves of roasted or fresh garlic, and 1 tsp of Italian spice blend. (This one is for the garlic lovers!)
- Lemon Dill cream cheese. Add the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tbsp of lemon zest, and 1/4 cup fresh dill finely diced.
- I also love to just add a dash of Italian spice, garlic and onion powder for a simple herb flavoured cream cheese.
In conclusion, this vegan cashew tofu cream cheese recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional cream cheese. Made with simple, plant-based ingredients like tofu and cashews, this cream cheese alternative is packed with protein and healthy fats. Plus, with the addition of nutritional yeast, it’s also a great source of B vitamins.
It’s easy to make, versatile, and can be customized to your taste preferences by adding different herbs and spices. Whether you’re spreading it on a bagel or using it as a dip, this dairy free cream cheese is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious, creamy taste of this vegan cream cheese alternative.
Loved this vegan spread! So good and I use it on not only bagels 🥯 but crackers too! Thanks for sharing 🥰
Thank you so much for trying, it does go great as a spread on crackers!
This tofu cashew spread was exactly was I have been searching for! Tastes so good!! I added a little extra Nooch for a even more cheesy flavor.
Thank you for trying out this recipe!
stumbled upon this cashew tofu cream cheese spread recipe, and I’m so glad I did! As someone who tries to avoid dairy, I was looking for a cream cheese substitute that was not only delicious but also healthy. This recipe did not disappoint. The combination of soaked cashews and tofu created a creamy, velvety texture that was perfect for spreading on my morning bagel. I also appreciated the tips and tricks included in the recipe, such as soaking the cashews and using a high-powered blender. Overall, this recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a dairy-free alternative to cream cheese. Highly recommend giving it a try!
Hi Laura, thank you so much for your feedback, so happy you liked the recipe 🥰