Learn how to make creamy Vegan Cream Cheese with this easy step-by-step guide! Homemade cream cheese is so rich and smooth. It's perfect for breakfast bagels, snacks, and more!
1cupraw cashewssoaked overnight, then drained and rinsed
2tablespoonswater
3tablespoonsplain vegan yogurt
1tablespoonslemon juice
½teaspoonsea salt
Instructions
In a high speed blender, blend all the ingredients together until blended and completely creamy, smooth and incorporated. Scrape down the sides if needed, and blend to combine. I prefer to use a smaller blender for this, and a tamper to get all of the ingredients mixed in.
Pour the contents into a very clean and dry glass bowl or tall jar using a silicone spatula or wooden spatula (not metal). Smooth it down.
Cover the bowl/jar with some cheesecloth or even a clean dry paper towel and secure with a rubber band. Place in a warm, dry place. If you live in a tropical country, you can leave it on your countertop. If you don't, place it in your oven with the oven OFF and the oven light on (do not place it right after cooking something, this will be too hot). Leave the cream cheese undisturbed as much as possible for 24-48 hours. I recommend leaving it for the full 48 hours.
If you see a small slightly yellow film on top that is normal. If you see any pink spots, that is mold and you should discard it all. This will usually happen if some of your equipment isn’t clean, so give it all a good scrub before using.
The mix should be much thicker now and taste a lot cheesier. Stir to combine fully. Cover the jar/bowl or transfer to a new clean jar/bowl and cover and place in your fridge. It should also thicken up in the fridge and you can start using it now!
Taste your cream cheese and add more salt if desired. If you want your cream cheese any thinner, strain/drain it in cheesecloth or paper towel or a fine mesh colander for about 30 minutes to strain off any extra liquid.
Video
Notes
How to Blend the Ingredients: For the first step, I prefer to use a smaller blender and a tamper to get all of the ingredients mixed in.
How to Tell if There is Mold on Your Cream Cheese: If you see a small, slightly yellow film on top, that is normal. If you see any pink spots, that is mold and you should discard it all. This will usually happen if some of your equipment isn’t clean, so give it all a good scrub before using.
Chill Your Cream Cheese Before Using: As stated above, this makes the cream cheese nice and thick for spreading on your favorite bagels, crackers, etc.
Where to Leave Your Cream Cheese for the 24-48 Hours: If you live in a tropical country, you can leave it on your countertop. If you don't, place it in your oven with the oven OFF and the oven light on (do not place it right after cooking something, this will be too hot).