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Cashew cream is a hidden secret in many vegan kitchens. It's thick, creamy, and can be made so similar to cream cheese dips, cream cheese frosting, and white sauces that you won't be able to tell the difference. Cashews, surprisingly, can be turned into any number of faux-dairy dishes. Cheesecakes, Alfredo sauces, salad dressings...you name it, and it can be done! This is due partly to the soaking process that we use for the cashews, which makes them soft and blendable. The versatility and health benefits of vegan cashew cream make it an excellent alternative to regular cream cheese frosting, offering a dairy-free and vegan option for cream cheese lovers.
What is Cashew Icing?
Cashew icing is a delightful vegan frosting made from soaked cashews, which are blended with water and other ingredients to create a smooth and creamy texture. This versatile icing is a fantastic alternative to traditional frosting recipes, and it's dairy-free and can be customized with a variety of flavors. Whether you're topping cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, or using it as a dip for fruits and vegetables, cashew cream icing is sure to impress. The secret lies in the soaked cashews, which blend into a luscious, creamy base perfect for any sweet treat.
Do you know why we ask you to soak the cashews in filtered water in the refrigerator overnight? It will make them easier to digest and ultimately provide you with a more nutritious result. Make sure to rinse and drain the cashews after soaking, because the liquid will be bitter after the process. Here, you can read more about the benefits of soaking nuts and seeds.
You can use cashew cream in any number of ways. We've used this as an icing for many of our baked goods since you can sweeten up the basic recipe perfectly for cakes and snack bars. If you want to use this as a sauce for pasta, omit the vanilla, cinnamon, and honey, and add in black pepper and garlic. This would also be amazing on white pizza!
Gallberry Blossom Honey tastes delicious in this recipe!
Health Benefits of Cashew Cream Icing
Cashew icing is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to traditional frosting recipes. Made with natural ingredients, it's free from dairy and refined sugars. Cashews are packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. They also contain antioxidants and magnesium, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar can lower the glycemic index of the icing, making it a better choice for those with dietary restrictions. Enjoy the sweet, creamy goodness of cashew icing while reaping its health benefits!
Ingredients and Substitutions
The basic ingredients for cashew icing include soaked cashews, water, and a sweetener such as maple syrup or powdered sugar. We sweeten our cashew cream icing with honey, but if you prefer not to eat honey, you can use maple syrup. To enhance the flavor and texture, you can add lemon juice, vanilla extract, and coconut oil. For a tangy, cream cheese-like flavor, the splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar works wonders. If you're out of cashews, don't worry! Almonds or hazelnuts can be used as substitutes, though they may alter the flavor slightly. If you want a creamier texture and more tangy flavor, you can also add in coconut yogurt.This flexibility allows you to tailor the cashew frosting recipe to your taste and dietary needs.
How to Make Cashew Cream Icing with Honey
Step 1: Gather Ingredients & Prep Raw Cashews
First thing's first, you're going to want to make sure you have all the ingredients you need for this recipe. To make it easy, here's a list:
- Raw cashews
- Coconut oil
- Vanilla extract
- Bee Inspired Honey
- Cinnamon
- Lemon juice
- Sea salt
- Water
You need to make sure you soak the cashews overnight to make them soft and able to blend. Put the raw cashews in a bowl filled with water. Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight.
Step 2: Drain & Blend Soaked Cashews
Drain the soaked cashews and put them in a food processor with the vanilla extract. Blend until smooth, and scrape down the sides periodically.
Step 3: Mix Remaining Ingredients
Once smooth and creamy, remove the cashew and vanilla mixture from the food processor into a bowl. Fold in the remaining ingredients and stir until a thick texture (frosting texture) is formed. If too thick, add one tablespoon of water and mix until it is the right consistency.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Use for frosting baked goods, like cinnamon rolls, or as a sweet dip for fruit. Enjoy!
Looking for more sweet treats with honey? Check out our kosher honey lollipops!
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
Achieving the perfect consistency for your cashew icing is all about blending the ingredients until they're smooth and creamy. Using a high-speed blender or a food processor, start with a small amount of liquid and gradually add more as needed. If you icing is too thick, a little extra water or non-dairy milk, like almond milk, can help. Conversely, if it's too thin, adding more cashew cream or powdered sugar will thicken it up. The goal is to reach a frosting-like texture that's easy to spread or pipe onto your favorite baked goods.
Storing Cashew Cream
This cashew cream is preservative-free, so it won't keep very long. For best results, use right away, or freeze in an ice cube tray for later use. When freezing your cream, pop the cubes into a freezer bag when solid. If you'd like to make a dip or sauce a few days in advance, just thaw and store in a sealable container in your refrigerator for a week tops.
Add cashew cream icing on top of lavender lemon honey cake
Adapting our Vegan Cashew Cream Icing
This cashew cream recipe is not perfect until you make it yours. Play with your food, and let us know how it goes. Here are some ideas:
- Double the filtered water and make cashew milk.
- For savory dishes, leave out the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and honey.
- Add in nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Blend in one tablespoon of cocoa powder for chocolate frosting.
- Fold in a few tablespoons of crushed pecans or shredded coconut.
- Make this cashew cream and frost cupcakes or use it as we did in our Honey Carrot Bars.
- Consider using coconut cream to enhance the texture and flavor of the icing.
If you make a batch of our Cashew Cream, share a photo with the hashtag #beeinspired on Instagram. We love seeing your photos!
