Hey there, fellow food lovers and art enthusiasts! Robert Kline here, your guide to all things handmade and delicious. Today, we’re diving into the creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible world of vegan cream cheese.
This isn’t just any store-bought spread; this is a homemade masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and have you wondering, “Is this really vegan?” The answer is a resounding YES!
Gathering Your Artistic Tools (Ingredients)
Just like any art project, we need the right tools, or in this case, ingredients. Don’t worry, this isn’t a trip to a specialty store; you’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store.
- Raw Cashews: The base of our creamy creation.
- Lemon Juice: For that perfect tangy bite.
- Coconut Cream: Adding richness and a beautiful white color.
- Distilled White Vinegar: Trust me on this one; it works magic!
- Salt and Onion Powder: Rounding out the cheesy flavor.
- Dried Dill (Optional): A touch of freshness.
Crafting Your Vegan Masterpiece (Instructions)
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get our hands dirty – in a good way, of course!
Step 1: Soaking the Cashews
Soak your cashews in hot water for an hour. This softens them up, making them easier to blend into a silky smooth dream.
Step 2: Blending Magic
Drain the cashews and toss them into a blender with the lemon juice, coconut cream, vinegar, salt, and onion powder. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 3: Adding the Finishing Touch
Transfer your creamy mixture to a bowl and stir in the dried dill. And voila! Your homemade vegan cream cheese is ready to be enjoyed.
Serving and Storing Your Creation
This cream cheese is amazing right away, but it gets even better after a night in the fridge. The texture becomes firmer, perfect for spreading on bagels or crackers.
Store your homemade cream cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can even freeze it for up to 3 months!
Robert Kline Art’s Expert Tips:
- Nut Substitutions: While cashews work best for this recipe, you can experiment with other nuts like almonds. However, the texture might vary.
- Coconut Cream Alternatives: Coconut cream creates the best texture, but you can use other non-dairy milk, cream, or even water if needed.
- Vinegar Variation: Stick with distilled white vinegar! It provides a unique flavor that other vinegars just can’t replicate.
- Food Processor Option: If you don’t have a blender, a food processor will work. However, the texture might be slightly grainier.
bagel cut in half with vegan cream cheese in it
Final Thoughts
Creating this vegan cream cheese is a testament to the art of transforming simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your creations with me. Leave a comment below, tag Robert Kline Art in your social media posts, and don’t forget to explore the other unique handmade gifts and creations on our website. Happy crafting, everyone!