Name: Vegan Chipotle Cashew Crema
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Raw cashews (unsalted); 1 cup Water; 1 clove Garlic; 1/2 Lime (juiced); 1 tbsp Lemon juice; 1 tsp Apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Pepper; 1 1/2 tsp Chili powder; 1 1/2 tsp Cumin; 1 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika

Smoky, creamy, and deeply flavorful-this chipotle-spiced cashew crema comes together in 10 minutes and goes with everything.

Why You'll Love Vegan Chipotle Cashew Crema

It's creamy without the cream, smoky without a grill, and bold enough to carry any dish it touches. Whether you're plant-based or just sauce-obsessed, this one's going in your regular rotation.

Tips and Tricks

Use boiling water to quick-soak cashews if you're short on time.
Letting the garlic sit in lime juice helps tame the raw edge while boosting citrus notes.

Variations

Add chipotle in adobo for more heat and smoke.
Stir in fresh cilantro for a green crema version.

Substitutions

Sub raw sunflower seeds for cashews for a nut-free version (soaked the same way).
White vinegar can stand in for apple cider vinegar in a pinch.

Best served with

Grilled veggies or roasted sweet potatoes
Tacos, burrito bowls, or nachos
Drizzled over salads or grain bowls

How to Store Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Stir before using. Freezing not recommended due to texture change.

Common Questions

Can I make this without soaking the cashews?

You'll get the creamiest results from soaking, but a high-speed blender can handle unsoaked cashews in a pinch.

Is it spicy?

It's more smoky than hot, but you can dial up the heat with extra chili powder or a spoonful of chipotle in adobo.

Close-up view of a glass jar filled with a thick, orange-brown paste or sauce with a smooth, slightly textured surface.

Vegan Chipotle Cashew Crema

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Smoky, creamy, and deeply flavorful-this chipotle-spiced cashew crema comes together in 10 minutes and goes with everything.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course: Dressing/Condiment

Cuisine: Californian, Plant-Based

Calories: 785

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients

1 cup Raw cashews unsalted
1 cup Water
1 clove Garlic
½ Lime juiced
1 tablespoon Lemon juice
1 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper
1 ½ teaspoon Chili powder
1 ½ teaspoon Cumin
1 ½ teaspoon Smoked paprika

Equipment

Blender
Mixing bowl

Method

Soak raw cashews in water overnight (or pour boiling water over them and soak for 10 minutes to speed up).
Mince garlic and mix with lime juice. Let sit 30 minutes to mellow the bite.
Add soaked cashews, garlic-lime mix, and remaining ingredients to a blender.
Blend until completely smooth, adding more water to adjust consistency if needed.
Season with additional kosher salt to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 785kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 29gFat: 58gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 31gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 2759mgPotassium: 1205mgFiber: 8gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 2430IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 129mgIron: 12mg