Published: · Modified: by Shane Martin · This post may contain affiliate links.
Jump to Recipe
This Homemade Cashew Milk recipe makes the creamiest dairy-free nut milk andrequires nostraining! Perfect for coffee and cereal, two ingredientsare all you need to make this delicious plant-based beverage.Veganandgluten-free!
Growing up in the South, whole milk was our official drink of choice, and we consumed it like water. Fast forward many years later, and I’m no longer drinking animal secretions, but I still get a craving for something creamy from time to time.
So, what do I do? I whip up a batch of homemade cashew milk, and all is right in the world. And, if you need any more convincing, wait until you try this Christmas Morning Cashew Coffee.
These days, there’s no shortage of non-dairy milk alternatives. There’ssoy milk,coconut milk, oat milk, and many others. But this easy homemade cashew milk is by far the creamiest dairy-free nut milk I’ve ever tried. Its creamy texture is perfect on top of cereal, my morning coffee, or simply enjoying ice-cold with freshly bakedvegan chocolate chip cookies.
It would be an understatement to say it has officially become my favorite dairy-free milk of choice. It’s a super easy recipe that requires very little effort, but the payoff is pretty awesome.
Cashewshave a mild sweetness and are super rich and creamy once they’re blended. This is why they make an excellentsourcream,veganqueso, orcreamy spinach artichoke dip. Plain and simplecashewcreamis an excellent replacement in any recipe calling for regular dairy heavy cream.
If you are looking for a healthy,non-dairy milk substituteand are ready to ditch the cow’s milk, it’s time to try making some delicious cashew milk.
Table of Contents
What are the health benefits of cashew milk?
Making homemade cashew milk is much healthier than buying it at the grocery store because you eliminate all the additives and preservatives. And the best part about this recipe is nothing goes to waste.
Cashews are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, a great source of protein, and full of vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E, all of which are essential for bone health, muscle function, and skin health.
IngredientsYou’ll Need
Two simpleingredientsare all that’s required to makehomemade cashew milk. Here’s what you’ll need…
How To Make Cashew Milk
If it’s your first time making homemade nut milks, let me assure you this recipe is an easy way to start. There’s no straining, so there’s no messy nut bag to clean. Just blend, pour, and enjoy!
- Star by soaking whole cashews in hot water.
- Place thecashewsinto a high-poweredblenderalong with all the otheringredients.Blendon high for 1-2 minutes or until the cashew milk is smooth and creamy. If you don’t have a high-poweredblender, you may have to use afine-mesh straineror nut milk bag afterblending.
- Pour the cashew milk into a glass storage container and place it in the fridge.
You can drink cashew milk straight or use it in anyrecipelike you would any other non-dairy ordairy milk.
How Do I Store Homemade Cashew Milk?
Storing your homemade cashew nut milk is simple. Here’s what you need to know:
- Refrigeration:Store your cashew milk in an airtight container or in glass bottles with a lid in the refrigerator. It’s best if consumed within3-5 days.
- Shake Well:Before using your cashew milk, shake it well, as it may naturally separate in the fridge.
- Freezing:If you want to extend its shelf life, cashew milk can be frozen in ice cube trays, so you can easily use what you need.
Versatility in the Kitchen
Cashew nut milk’s versatility extends beyond just a dairy milk replacement. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate it into your daily cooking:
- Smoothies:Cashew milk adds a creamy texture and a subtle nutty flavor to your favorite smoothie recipes.
- Coffee and Tea:It’s an excellent coffee creamer that gives you a rich and smooth beverage.
- Cereal and Oatmeal:Pour it over your cereal or mix it into your morning oatmeal for a dairy-free breakfast.
- Baking:Use cashew milk in place of dairy milk in recipes for pancakes, muffins, and more.
- Sauces and Soups:Cashew nut milk can be used in savory dishes, like creamy pasta sauces or comforting soups.
Variations to Explore
One of the exciting aspects of homemade cashew nut milk is the ability to customize its flavor. Here are a few flavor variations to experiment with:
- Sweet Vanilla:Add a touch of vanilla extract and a sweetener like maple syrup or a couple of dates for a delightful vanilla flavor.
- Chocolate Dream:Mix in some cocoa powder or melted chocolate chips along with a sweetener for a rich and chocolatey twist.
- Spiced Delight:Enhance your cashew milk with some homemade chai spice and a dash of maple syrup for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Strawberry Sensation:Blend fresh or frozen strawberries for a fruity, refreshing, creamy cashew milk sweet treat.
FAQ About Making Cashew Milk
What is cashew milk, and how is it different from other nut milks?
Cashew milk tends to be creamier and has a mild, slightly sweet taste.
Is it necessary to soak cashews before making cashew milk?
Soaking cashews before making cashew milk is not mandatory but highly recommended if you’re using a regular blender. Soaked cashews are easier to blend and give you creamy milk. You don’t have to soak them for a long time. A quick soak of 10-15 minutes is adequate.
What is the ideal cashew to water ratio for making cashew milk?
The ideal ratio for cashew milk is typically 1:4, which means one cup of cashews to four cups of water. However, you can adjust the ratio to achieve your preferred consistency, making it thicker or thinner by adding less or more water.
Is making your own cashew milk more cost-effective than other store-bought nut milks?
Making your own nut milk at home can be more cost-effective than buying pre-packaged varieties. By purchasing cashews in bulk and making your own milk, you can save money and avoid added preservatives or sweeteners often found in store-bought alternatives.
Can I use cashew milk in place of other plant-based milks in recipes?
Yes, cashew milk can generally be used as a replacement for other plant-based milks in most recipes. However, keep in mind that its unique flavor and creaminess may subtly alter the taste and texture of your dishes, so experiment to see what works best for your specific recipe.
Top Tips
- Use a high-speedblenderto smooth the cashews so you don’t have tostrainthem. I useVitamix.
- Sometimes, cashew milk separates. All you need to do is give it a shake.
- I prefer making cashew milk with justcashewsand water. If you want to sweeten it, you can use Medjool dates or maplesyrup.
- If using cashew milk in savoryrecipes,don’t sweeten it. If making sweeterrecipeslikeveganblueberry pancakesorfrench toast casserole, sweeten the milk just a tad.
- You’ll want to use this milk within 3 days, or it starts to sour. A half batch can be made as well.
- If you want thinner or thicker milk, simply adjust the amount of water used whenblendingby about ¼ – ½ a cup. Make it work for you.
Serving Suggestions
- pumpkin granola,chocolate granola, oroil-free crunchy granola
- vegan blueberry pancakes
- the best vegan sausage gravy
More Vegan Recipes Using Cashews
- cashew mayo
- ranch dressing
- the best and easiest vegan queso
- vegan mozzarella cheese
Be sure to,so you never have to miss arecipe. Be sure to leave a comment with a star rating if you try thisrecipe. I would be eternally grateful because it helps more than you know! Blessings.
How To Make Cashew Milk
5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star
5 from 5 reviews
Homemade Cashew Milk is my favorite everyday dairy-free milk. It’s creamy, rich, so easy to make, and requires no straining! 2 ingredients are all you need to make this delicious plant-based milk alternative. Vegan and gluten-free!
- Author: Shane Martin
- Prep Time: 10 mins.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: How-Tos
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup raw cashews (unsalted and not roasted)
- 4 cups filtered water
Optional
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp. vanilla
- ⅛ tsp. sea salt
Instructions
- Soak the cashews in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
- Place the cashews into a high-powered blender along with all the other ingredients. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes or until the cashew milk is smooth and creamy. If you don’t have a high-powered blender you may have to use a fine-mesh strainer after blending.
- Pour the cashew milk into a glass storage container and place it in the fridge.
Notes
Nutrition info does not include “optional” ingredients.
Use a high-speed blender to get the cashews perfectly smooth so you don’t have to strain them: I useVitamix.
Sometimes cashew milk separates. All you need to do is just give it a shake.
I prefer making cashew milk with just cashews and water. If you want to sweeten it you can use dates or maple syrup.
If using cashew milk in a savory recipe don’t sweeten it. If making sweeter recipes like vegan blueberry pancakes or french toast casserole, sweetening the milk just a tad.
You’ll want to use this milk pretty quick, within 3 days or it starts to sour. A half batch can be made as well.
If you want thinner or thicker milk simply adjust the amount of water used when blending by about ¼ – ½ a cup. Make it work for you.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 104
- Sugar: 1.1 g
- Sodium: 7 mg
- Fat: 8.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.7 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Protein: 3.4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
