Looking for cashews substitutes? Cashews are a popular ingredient in many vegan recipes, especially when it comes to creating creamy sauces, dairy-free cheeses, and rich desserts.
However, whether due to allergies, cost, or simply a desire to try something new, there are plenty of reasons to seek out alternatives.
Thankfully, there are several plant-based options that offer similar texture and flavor profiles. In this post, we’ll explore the different uses of cashews and provide you with effective substitutions for your favorite vegan recipes. We will also provide you with some recipe examples.
I love to use cashews in a variety of recipes, but especially to make vegan cheese and to make creamy sauces.
But the are many alternatives that you can use for all occasions. In this blog post I will show you what you can use instead.
Whether you’re looking to save money, have a cashew allergy, or want to experiment with new ingredients, I’ve got you!
What are Cashews Used For?
In vegan cooking and in general, cashews are often used due to their ability to blend into a smooth, creamy consistency when soaked and pureed. Their neutral taste makes them a versatile ingredient for:
- Vegan Cheese: Cashews are a key ingredient in many plant-based cheese recipes, providing the rich, creamy base that mimics dairy cheese.
- Creamy Sauces: Cashew cream can be used as a base for Alfredo sauce, salad dressings, or even vegan sour cream.
- Desserts: Cashews can replace dairy in cheesecakes, ice creams, and other creamy desserts, offering richness and a smooth texture.
- Dips and Spreads: From hummus to vegan queso, cashews help to thicken and add richness to dips and spreads.
Cashew Substitutes For Vegan Cheese
Cashews are often the base for creamy, spreadable, or melty vegan cheeses due to their high fat content, mild flavor and smooth texture. If you’re looking for alternatives, here are some excellent substitutes:
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia Nuts are my favourite alternative to cashews for vegan cheese. They are rich, buttery, and naturally creamy, making them ideal for indulgent soft cheeses, such as vegan brie or ricotta, as well as other cheeses like parmesan.
Their neutral flavor works well with both savory and sweet cheese recipes.
You can use the same amount of macadamia nuts instead of cashews.
Almonds
Blanched and soaked almonds can be transformed into a creamy consistency that’s great for hard cheeses or ricotta-style vegan cheese.
Almonds have a more noticeable flavor than cashews, but the creaminess they provide makes them a worthy substitute.
You can use the same amount of almonds instead of cashews.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a fantastic nut-free substitute. When soaked and blended, sunflower seeds create a creamy, slightly nutty base similar to cashews.
They work well in soft cheeses and spreads, though the flavor can be more pronounced, so balancing it with nutritional yeast or lemon juice is key.
Other seeds that can be used are pumpkin and hemp seeds.
You can use the same amount of seeds instead of cashews.
Soy Milk
For soft cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese, combining soy milk with a coagulant (like lemon juice, vinegar or nigari) can result in a soft, curd-like texture that’s perfect for soft vegan cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese.
For a nut-free alternative, this is a great substitute with a neutral taste.
Firm Tofu
Firm tofu, blended, is excellent for replicating creamy cheeses such as vegan cream cheese or soft ricotta. It absorbs the flavors you add and gives a rich, soft consistency that is perfect for spreads. It’s usually blended with ingredients such as nutritional yeast, miso paste and more.
Cashew Substitutes In Cream Sauces
Cashew-based sauces are beloved for their richness and smooth texture, but there are several substitutes that offer similar creamy results:
Silken Tofu
This soft, silky tofu is an excellent alternative for creamy sauces like Alfredo, salad dressings, and even vegan sour cream. It blends smoothly and takes on the flavors you mix it with, making it a versatile, low-fat substitute.
White Beans
Cooked cannellini or great northern beans are a fantastic substitute for cashews in sauces.
They blend into a creamy texture and have a neutral flavor that makes them perfect for cream sauces, gravies, and even soups. Beans also add a boost of protein and fiber.
Plant Milk
Plant milk, it can be any, from almond to soy to oat, can be thickened with cornstarch or flour and be used as a base for creamy sauces.
Cauliflower
Steamed or boiled cauliflower, when blended, offers a surprisingly creamy texture that works well in sauces like vegan Alfredo or cheese sauces.
Its neutral flavor makes it a versatile option, and it’s low in calories while providing a smooth, velvety consistency.
Coconut Milk/Cream
Coconut cream is a popular substitute for creamy vegan sauces. It adds richness and thickness but does impart a coconut flavor, which may not work for all recipes.
If you’re making something like Alfredo or cream-based soups, use full-fat coconut milk for best results.
Dairy-Free Cream
Store-bought dairy-free creams, such as soy cream, oat cream, or almond cream, are also great alternatives for cashew-based sauces.
These products are designed to mimic the richness of dairy cream and are perfect for creamy pasta sauces and soups.
Blended Cooked Potatoes
This might sound weird but cooked potatoes are a great substitute for cashews in creamy sauces due to their starchy, thickening properties.
When boiled and blended, potatoes create a smooth, velvety texture that works well in sauces like vegan cheese sauce, and Alfredo.
Their neutral flavor allows them to blend seamlessly into savory dishes, and they help achieve a rich consistency without the need for nuts. I like blending cooked potatoes with cooked carrot and onion and nutritional yeast for a delicious cheesy sauce.
Cashew Substitutes For Desserts
Cashews add a rich, creamy texture to vegan desserts, but here are some excellent alternatives:
Silken Tofu
Silken tofu works wonders in creamy desserts like puddings, vegan cheesecakes, and mousse. It blends smoothly into a custard-like texture and takes on the flavors of the ingredients you add.
When combined with other ingredients, such as chocolate, after chilling it the fridge its texture becomes thick and airy. It’s also high in protein and low in fat, making it a lighter alternative.
Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is one of the best substitutes for cashews in vegan cheesecakes, mousses, and ice creams. Its rich, thick texture works well for creamy desserts, though it can add a coconut flavor.
It pairs especially well with tropical or chocolate desserts.
Dairy-Free Cream
Store-bought dairy-free creams again work great for desserts like tarts, mousses and ice creams.
Cashew Substitutes For Dips And Spreads
Cashews are commonly used to create thick and creamy vegan dips, but you can achieve similar results with these substitutes:
White Beans or Chickpeas
Blended white beans or chickpeas are great alternatives for dips like vegan queso or hummus. They offer a creamy consistency and mild flavor, making them versatile for a range of savory dips and spreads.
Sunflower Seed Butter
This nut-free alternative offers a creamy, neutral base for dips like vegan queso, spinach dip, or ranch dressing. Sunflower seed butter has a mild flavor and can be adjusted with seasoning to suit a variety of recipes.
Peanut or Almond Butter
While stronger in flavor than cashews, peanut or almond butter can be used in dips where their nutty taste complements other ingredients, like in spicy queso, satay-style spreads, or nutty hummus.
Cooked Potatoes
Blended potatoes add a creamy, starchy texture to dips like vegan queso or ranch dressing. Their neutral flavor allows them to blend seamlessly into savory dips, providing a thick, satisfying consistency.
Cashew Butter Substitutes
Almond Butter
Almond butter is a close match to cashew butter, offering a creamy texture with a slightly nuttier flavor. It can be used as a 1:1 substitute in most recipes, from baked goods to sauces, and works well in both sweet and savory dishes.
Sunflower Seed Butter
This nut-free option is creamy and rich, with a slightly earthy taste. Sunflower seed butter is perfect for sauces, spreads, and baking, though it has a stronger flavor than cashew butter. It’s a great alternative for those with nut allergies.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is an affordable and easy-to-find substitute, but its flavor is stronger than cashew butter. Use it in smoothies, sauces, or baked goods where its bold taste complements other ingredients. It may overpower more delicate dishes.
Tahini
Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, offers a creamy texture with a slightly bitter, earthy flavor. It’s ideal for savory recipes like dressings and dips. While thinner than cashew butter, it can still be used as a substitute in many dishes.
Final Thoughts
Cashews is versatile ingredient, but there are many other options that can provide similar creamy textures and rich flavors. It all depends on your needs.
If you are making trail mix or granola, you can use any other nut or seeds.
If you are trying to replace cashews in a vegan cheese, go for macadamia or almonds. For a nut-free alternative try sunflower seeds, tofu or soy milk.
Need them for a creamy sauce? Try silken tofu, coconut milk or even cauliflower or potatoes.
Hope you found this list helpful!
