Cashew Coffee Creamer
This Cashew Coffee Creamer recipe tastes just as rich and creamy as dairy. Elevate your morning cup of coffee with this healthy yet luxurious plant-based alternative.
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Cashews are awesome for replicating creamy dishes. We love them in this cashew-based Caesar dressing and in this Alfredo sauce for creamy pasta or to drizzle on veggies or add to casseroles. Even sour cream for dips can be duplicated with cashews!
Why YOU will love this recipe
- Making this dairy-free creamer couldn’t be easier! No straining through a nut milk bag or clunky food processor is necessary. Just blend in a simple blender and done.
- There may be quite a few benefits of being dairy-free such as improved digestion, clearer skin, and less congestion.
- It truly will elevate your cup of coffee, making mornings much more enjoyable.
- This cashew creamer recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Bonus!
Ingredients
- raw cashews – raw cashews tend to blend into a creamier texture as opposed to toasted nuts which could be drier.
- filtered water – freshly filtered water ensures that any impurities are removed, which can contribute to cleaner and more enjoyable milk.
- vanilla extract – this is optional but does bring a lovely subtle sweetener without any added sugars.
- fine sea salt – just a pinch to bring out the flavors.
Equipment
- water filter – For the soaked cashews, we use filtered water and love this Propur pitcher. We use filtered water for drinking and cooking so this pitcher gets a lot of use.
- blender – a high-speed blender like a Vitamix or Blendtec is usually superior, but we regularly make this recipe in our Nutribullet blender and it works just as well as the high-powered blender.
Instructions
Step 1
First, place the raw cashews in a glass container with a lid and cover the cashews with filtered water. Snap the lid in place and soak the cashews for about 4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
This is important so the nuts soften and will blend easily into the cream.
Step 2
Then, after the soaking period, drain off the water.
Step 3
Next, after straining the water place the soaked cashews into the blender.
Then, add the filtered water, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
Step 4
Finally, simply blend until the mixture is a smooth consistency with no chunks of nuts left behind.
Add more water if the mixture is too thick for your liking. It should be easily poured.
Step 5
Pour it into a glass jar with a lid for storage.
It is now ready for your morning java!
Expert tip
Soak, soak, soak. Soaking the cashews makes them nice and soft which in turn makes the blending process MUCH easier.
The end result is a silky smooth coffee creamer.
Recipe variations
- Mix in a teaspoon of hazelnut extract along with a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a mocha-inspired creamer that’s both nutty and chocolatey.
- Sweeten it up by adding a couple of tablespoons of maple syrup or date syrup.
- Add a bit of warm spice by sprinkling in some ginger, cinnamon, and/or nutmeg to the mixture before blending.
Serving suggestions
- First and foremost enjoy this recipe as a dairy-free alternative to your morning coffee or tea. Try it with this Chai Coffee!
- Create a dairy-free hot chocolate by adding cashew creamer to your Hot Chocolate Mix. Heat it gently and enjoy a comforting and creamy treat.
- Add a splash to your favorite smoothie recipes to enhance the creaminess, like in this Orange Avocado Smoothie.
- Pour cashew creamer over your morning oatmeal or cereal for a creamy and slightly nutty flavor. We love it with Peanut Butter Granola! It’s a great way to add richness without using dairy.
FAQS
Cashews are very high in iron and zinc. They are low in sugar and rich in fiber, heart-healthy fats, and plant protein. Cashews are also a good source of copper, magnesium, and manganese — nutrients important for energy production, brain health, immunity, and bone health.
A plant-based alternative such as cashew creamer may definitely have health benefits as listed above. It is a healthier alternative for individuals who are lactose intolerant, or allergic to dairy.
Storage tips
Store the freshly made cashew coffee creamer in a mason jar with a lid in the fridge for 4-7 days.
Make sure to give it a good shake before using.
More healthy cashew recipes
**This recipe was originally published on December 9, 2019, and republished on March 18, 2021, and updated again on December 5, 2021, and again on August 15, 2023, with recipe updates, new photos, and writing.**
If you’ve tried our homemade Cashew Coffee Creamer, please rate the recipe and let us know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!
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Cashew Coffee Creamer
Ingredients
- ¾ cup raw cashews
- ¾ cup filtered water
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ⅛ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Place the cashews in a bowl and cover them with filtered water. Let these soak for 4 hours or overnight.
- Drain the water from the cashews and add the soaked cashews to your blender. Top them with 3/4 cup of fresh filtered water, vanilla, and sea salt.
- Blend until creamy, adding more water if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
Video
Notes
Storage tips
- Store the freshly made cream in a mason jar with a lid in the fridge for 4-7 days.
- Make sure to give the jar a good shake before using.
Love this recipe. I have been looking for a plant base creamer and did not like any from the supermarkets. They are expensive and they all have an after taste. Thanks for the recipe.
Awesome Iris!! I agree 100% – the manufactured ones can taste a little meh. Thanks for the great comment. 🙂
I always buy creamer in the stores but now I see this is actually pretty easy to make at home. Thanks! I will definitely give it a try.
Yup! So easy! Do give it a try 🙂
This is great my son will love this and I am going to make it for him for Christmas morning perfect timing!
Ah that’s so sweet! I hope he enjoys 🙂 Merry Christmas!
i am literally so grateful for finding this recipe. it is perfect for my mornings thanks
I love coffee, first thing in the morning, and most days I drink a second one in the afternoon. Your recipe is something that I will definitely try, it looks so good!
Thanks Martha! I hope you enjoy when you do try it. 🙂
This is super neat! I had no idea that it was even possible to make your own coffee creamer. It’s not really a think in the country that I live in and I really miss it
Awesome! I hope this is useful for you then 🙂
Yummm! I agree with what u said about coffee. I kinda make coffee more of an event as well only drinking it during weekends or something. Also, cashew milk sounds like a great alternative!
It really elevates the experience! 🙂
I’ve heard so much about the health benefits of cashew, especially for men. And since this looks easy enough to make, I’m def trying my hands on it soon. Cheers
Yes please give it a try! It’s super easy 🙂
Wow I had no idea you could make your own coffee creamer thanks for sharing this recipe
Right? And it is super easy. Thanks, Kimberly!
This sounds so delightful and easy to make! I am a huge coffee lover and always willing to try something new! I never really looked into dairy alternatives for but I had no idea about all the benefits for cutting out dairy, who doesn’t want clearer skin? ❤️ Can’t wait to try this and thank you for sharing!
Right?? And super easy too! Thanks Meg 🙂
I’m bookmarking this since it’s such an original recipe – and cashew nuts are so delicious. Will try this out tomorrow morning in my coffee 😉
Cashews are perfect for vegan milk!!
Great options for my vegan sister! Great read
She will LOVE this cream. 🙂 Thanks, Renee!
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for sharing this recipe. It’s really good! What do you think about switching out the vanilla extract for almond extract or another flavor? Vanilla extract is great and works fine, but I’m just trying to think of some alternatives to keep it interesting!
Thanks,
Sara
I think that sounds like a great idea! I haven’t tried different flavours but I’m sure almond would be delicious or even peppermint for the holidays. Let me know if you try! I’m curious to hear. 🙂 Thanks, Sara!
Hi! Thank you for sharing this recipe. I’m struggling to go dairy free and in my new venture I’m having a hard time finding things that can replace the textures and flavors that I enjoy. I really enjoyed my cashew based pasta sauce so I am definitely going to give this a go as I can’t find a cream substitute to add to my coffee. It’s just not the same!
My question to you is, how long can this be stored in the fridge for approximately?
It can be kept refrigerated for 4-5 days. You’re going to love it!! Thanks Brittny.
Loved this! It was surprisingly creamy and very simple to make. I’m happy that I can use this now and will save so much plastic waste and can do it at home. 😃
Yes to saving on plastic too!! That is an often overlooked bonus to making your own “milks”. So happy you enjoyed Lindsey. 🙂 Thanks for the great comment.
Can this be warmed up? I have made oat milk and need a few tried to perfect it, but heating it makes like a custard- which wouldn’t work well for coffee. So wondering if this creamer can be heated after refrigetion.
Thanks!
Hey Gerry! I haven’t tried it warm. It is definitely possible that it will thicken up a bit as it heated up.
Thanks Sharon, after seeing your Alfredo recipe I figure warming up should be ok:)
Awesome Gerry!! Tell me how it goes. 🙂
I’m more of a black coffee kind of girl but I must admit that the creaminess I’d definitely catching my attention! Pinning to try later 😉
I could never do black coffee! Tea yes, but I need something creamy for my morning java. 🙂 Hope you try it! Thanks Melanie.
I wake up thinking about coffee haha!! I tend to make it with store-bought oat milk when I’m busy because it’s soooo creamy and only slightly sweet but I’ve been experimenting with lots of homemade nut milks recently. Cashews are definitely a great option!
Oat milk sounds interesting! I’ll have to try that out too. Thanks Aryane. 🙂
Looks fantastic. Really creamy. Cashews make such good ‘milk’ 🙂
They sure do! Almost better than actual milk. Haha. Thanks Heidi. 🙂
I am delighted to come across your recipe for dairy free coffee creamer, Sharon. I appreciate that you shared it with us. I will pin to make soon. It will be very useful.
Oh wow, Sharon. I love this! Can’t wait to try this out! One question: what cashews did you use? Raw? Roasted? Unsalted?
I used raw! Thanks Lisa. I’ll specify in the recipe. 🙂
I try to avoid milk and cream in my coffee, and usually go for almond or cashew milk, so this coffee creamer sounds like a must try for me! Thanks for sharing Sharon!
It’s such a decadent alternative! Even better than the dairy version in my opinion. 🙂 Thanks Leanne!
I’m pinning this recipe to try, as I’m intolerant of casein. So while I can have pure cream, I can’t have any with any milk in it. This creamer will be handy for the times I can’t get my pure cream. Or maybe I’ll just decide to use it all the time!
This is a difficult time of year for you to cut out dairy and sugar, but I’m glad that you know how to get the problem fixed!
It IS difficult, Cathy! I have to admit, I have slipped a few times with the sugar and cheese. Whomp whomp. 🙂 But the creamer is lovely! It can totally replace my old cream for good.
I’d love to try this! My niece can’t have dairy so this would be perfect for her 🙂
It’s so easy! I love that you don’t have to strain it. I hope your niece enjoys! Thanks Jo.
Sharon, I love this. I’m always looking for new ways to spice up my coffee and tea!
Thanks Kristen! This one is a keeper. So yummy for being sugar free. 🙂
I’m also a coffee person in the morning. I cannot stand making a cup of coffee everyday before working although my colleague advised me to stop because I will become dependent on it. Well, I still keep enjoying it since I’m already addicted 😂 This vanilla cashew creamer sounds interesting! Gonna try to replace with my fresh milk to see how it works 😉
– Natalie
I’m pretty dependent too! But I do enjoy coffee and try not to overdo it. I hope you like the creamer! Have a great weekend, Natalie. 🙂