If you’re looking for an easy, dairy-free milk option, creamy cashew milk is just about as good as it gets! Unlike almond milk, cashew milk doesn’t require straining, so it’s as easy as blending and pouring. I’ll show you how easy and versatile cashew milk is.
Unlike almonds, cashews only need a very quick soak and rinse to get them ready for blending. Honestly, even 10 minutes in a bowl of water is enough soaking time for cashews. This is the first step in making Creamy Cashew Milk.
After that, they get combined with water for a quick blend (read my comparison of the Vitamix and the Blendtec) and NO STRAINING through a nut milk bag!!!:
Can you tell how excited I am not to have to strain the milk, ha ha? I always make a huge mess and that just slows me down. I’m also excited because cashew milk is super versatile in that it can be used as a base for savory or sweet recipes.
You know me, I have a sweet tooth, so adding some brazil nuts and carob powder makes for an uber-chocolate-y creamy cashew milk that you can use to make homemade vegan fudgesicles (feel free to use cocoa powder if you prefer):
I like using a blend of cashews and hemp seeds for green smoothie bases:
You might have noticed that all of these nuts and seeds come from NOW Foods. The folks there sent me a big batch of options as part of this sponsored post (all opinions are my own). Note: you can buy raw, organic cashews by NOW on Amazon.com (affiliate link included):
Here’s a video how-to on making Creamy Cashew Milk that you’re sure to love!
For the simplest of cashew milk recipes, here’s the basic one that is perfect for pairing with breakfast cereals or as a base for dairy-free soups or dressings:
Print
Basic Cashew Milk
Prep Time: 30 mins- Cook Time: 1 min
- Total Time: 31 minutes
Yield: 4
Category: Beverage
Method: High-Speed Blender
Cuisine: Dairy-free, vegan, paleo
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
Homemade cashew milk is super easy to make, and can be used for your dairy-free needs.
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic cashews, soaked for 30 minutes in filtered water, rinsed well and drained
- 4 cups filtered water
Instructions
- Combine the cashews and water in a high-speed blender. Process for about 45 seconds or until completely blended.
- Store the milk in an air-tight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
Add the seeds of 1 vanilla bean or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to make a creamy vanilla version!
Other easy cashew milk combination ideas:
- 1/2 cup organic cashews + 1/3 cup brazil nuts + 1 tablespoon carob or cocoa powder for a Cashew-Brazil Chocolate Milk or the base of homemade fudgesicles
- 1/2 cup organic cashews + 1/4 cup hemp seeds + 3 cups filtered water for a Cashew-Hemp Milk perfect for green smoothies (see my list of recipes)
- 1/2 cup organic cashews + 1/3 cup sunflower or pumpkin seeds for the base of creamy, dairy-free salad dressings
What’s your favorite way to use cashew milk? What other combinations of nuts and seeds do you like for dairy-free milks? Let me know in the comments!
You might recognize this recipe, but I’ve updated it with nutrition info. I hope you enjoy.
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Debbie Ward says
oh Carrie I sure do hope this brand will become available on the east coast!!! I will look forward to trying them 🙂 at the moment we buy almond milk and coconut milk which yes is processed at a plant…I tell myself it’s better than cows milk…I know that add stuff to it… my older aunt did find some cashews labeled raw at Trader Joes and grabbed a bag for me… so I will need to attempt milk or oh yummy fudge sickles (my fav as a kid) loving the thought of not having to pour mixture into a nut milk bag and squeezing it through and dealing with the leftover pulp and omg cleaning the bag out!!! love you girl!!!
Carrie Forrest, MBA/MPH says
Thanks, Debbie!!! I love hearing from you and really appreciate your warmness. LMK how your cashew milk and fudgesicles turn out. I promise that these recipes are really super easy, and I am the laziest person in the kitchen in the whole world. :0)
Nancy A. says
Where can I find these cashews? Are they online? I use almond milk now, but would love to try the cashew milk! No straining would be wonderful!!! Love your articles!!
Carrie Forrest, MBA/MPH says
I put a few links in the blog post and recipe, Nancy, but I’m more than happy to share here. Thanks for asking and for such kind words. XOXO.
Nancy A. says
Sorry, guess I was so excited I didn’t see the links! It looks so good and creamy! Thank you and I will definitely make this!!!
Carrie Forrest, MBA/MPH says
No worried, Nancy! I think I probably need to do something to make my links more noticeable. Enjoy your creamy, delicious cashew milk! 🙂
Melissa K. says
I discovered homemade cashew milk months ago. It is ALL I make (with my Vitamix). I have also experimented with less rich concentrations to keep the calories low (in my 60s, every calorie has to count, lol). My favorite for everyday use..coffee, oatmeal, etc. is a ratio of 1/3 cup soaked cashews and 3 2 /3 cups water. Really tastes great, looks a lovely opaque white, with a concentration of 1/11. And, money saving!
Use the rich stuff for other things!
Carrie Forrest, MBA/MPH says
Thanks, Melissa, I love that super helpful input. Glad to find another long-time cashew milk fan. XO! 🙂
Judy says
Carrie; It doesn’t get easier then these recipes. Thanks, I am going to give them a try.
Carrie Forrest, MBA/MPH says
Let me know which combination you make, Judy, and how you like the cashew milk. Have a great weekend!
Judy says
Yesterday I tried the cashew milk and it’s so good. A lot of times it’s so easy to eat real food – there was no work to it at all. Thanks Carrie. judy.
Carrie Forrest, MBA/MPH says
Great, Judy! So glad you like it. It’s so easy and I almost felt silly posting such a simple recipe, but sometimes simpler is better. 🙂 Have a great week!
Marla says
HI Carrie,
I use the Now brand products and I have been very happy so far with them. I usually by them on line. Your recipe for cashew milk is so simple and so much healthier than the store bought brands that have so little nutrition to them. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & tweeted.
Carrie Forrest, MBA/MPH says
Thanks, Marla!!! I agree, I have been very happy with the NOW line, especially the organic products. I’m glad you like my cashew milk recipe, so simple yet so delicious! Have a great week.
kimmythevegan says
Ah!! No straining! I love it. If I ever make homemade mylk, I always make hemp since I don’t have to strain it. I’ll definitely try this! Yay for lazy nutmylk making haha ;p
Elana says
Hi Carrie, I hope you can answer this question for me: why is it necessary to use filtered water when making nut milks? Just curious, thank you!
Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition says
It’s not necessary, just a preference to keep out chlorine or other flavors from tap water. 🙂
Mabel says
Thanks for this easy to make recipe!
★★★★★