Last Updated on November 20, 2024

Learn how to make this simple vegan cream cheese recipe with just four ingredients. This creamy, dairy free spread is perfect for bagels, crackers, or as a delicious addition to your favorite sandwiches and snacks!

Make your own vegan cream cheese recipe at home with simple ingredients like cashews and rejuvelac. This vegan cashew cheese recipe is rich, creamy, and perfect as a spread or dip. Homemade vegan cheese is not only delicious but also more sustainable and customizable than store-bought options. Learn all about cashew vegan cheese and its health benefits, plus get answers to common questions!

the average American diet

Americans consume way too many animal products, and the average American diet is completely unsustainable.

Only 4% of the American diet comes from fruits and vegetables. A quick scroll through my Facebook feed shows people proudly sharing pictures of their dinner plates. Not a single one has vegetables. It’s all pasta, bread, meat stuffed in more meat, and covered in cheese.

It has to end. Our highly processed diet is killing us and the planet.  

homemade vegan cheese

I’m severely allergic to cow dairy. While sheep, goat, and buffalo options are fine, they’re nearly impossible to find in bulk. That’s why I turned to this vegan cashew cheese recipe. I discovered Artisan Vegan Cheese by Miyoko Schinner at the library, and it was amazing! Her inspiring story is worth reading too.

After my research, I realized there was a sustainable, vegan cream cheese recipe for me – I just needed to make it! I’m proud to say I nailed the flavor and texture on the first try, and now I’m sharing it with you. You can thank me later!

what is cashew vegan cheese?

While there are many ways to make vegan cheese, they all share one key feature: no animal or animal by products are used in the process. Since vegan cashew cheese contains no dairy, it’s safe for those with dairy allergies. 

My recipe is made with a combination of cashews and fermented rejuvelac. 

what is rejuvelac?

Rejuvelac is a fermented liquid made from sprouted grains. It’s naturally vegan and super easy to make yourself.

Fermented rejuvelac offers several key health benefits. If you’ve never heard of it, you might be a little hesitant to try it — but trust me, it’s so good for you!  

• Increases good bacteria in your gut and is a natural probiotic
• Packed with B vitamins, which give you a boost of energy
• Reduces inflammation
• Aids in digestion
• Great source of antioxidants

tools needed to make my vegan cream cheese recipe

You’ll need a clean 16oz and 32oz mason jar, some cheesecloth or loose knit fabric, or a mesh sprouting lid, and a cup of millet.

Millet is a common grain found in bulk, and it’s gluten free with a lemony, cheesy flavor. You can use other grains, but be sure to research the proper fermentation technique for each.

This process can be long and tricky, but don’t worry! I did plenty of research and will guide you through every step. This was my first time making cashew vegan cheese, and it turned out great — don’t be discouraged! 

how to make rejuvelac

step 1: prepare the millet

Place the millet in a 16oz mason jar and cover it with filtered water (I used water from my fridge). If you don’t have filtered water, boil and cool some. Let the millet and water sit overnight.

step 2: dump, rinse, and repeat

In the morning, dump out the water and rinse the millet. Place it back in the 16oz jar, cover the top with the cheesecloth, and turn the jar upside down to drain.

Repeat this process when you get home from work or before bed. Rinse the millet, place it back in the jar, cover with cheesecloth, and turn it upside down to drain. Repeat twice a day until you see tiny tails start to sprout.

step 3: move the sprouts

Transfer the sprouts to the 32oz mason jar and fill it almost all the way with filtered water. Place the lid on top, but don’t screw it down. Let it sit for 48 hours in a place with a constant temperature, away from direct sunlight. I kept mine in the pantry.

step 4: drain and serve

Congratulations, you now have rejuvelac! Drain the liquid into a glass container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

You can use the grains twice, but it only takes 24 hours the second time. After that, compost the grains — you’ll only be using the liquid.

Pro Tip: If you notice an odor, bad taste, or mold at any point, THROW IT OUT!  

how to make homemade vegan cream cheese

Now, let’s get to the cheese! This vegan cashew cheese recipe makes around a pound, which should fill about 3/4 of a 32oz jar.

• 1/2 Cup of Rejuvelac
• 2 Cups of Cashews soaked overnight
• 3 Tablespoons of Nutritional Yeast           
• 1 Teaspoon of Salt

step 1: combine ingredients

In a food processor, combine the soaked cashews and rejuvelac. Blend for several minutes until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a glass bowl, cover it with a dish towel, and leave it on the counter for up to three days.

Note: I didn’t experience any mold, but if you see some at this stage, don’t worry, it’s perfectly fine. Just scrape it off – we are making vegan cheese!

step 2: chill, add herbs, and serve!

Stir in the salt and nutritional yeast, then store the mixture in the fridge for at least 6 hours to firm up.

Feel free to add any herbs or seasonings you like to customize your homemade vegan cream cheese. Once it’s chilled, serve and enjoy!

vegan cashew cheese recipe faqs

what do I serve with this vegan cream cheese recipe?

Seriously, you can devour it with anything! It’s so good. It tastes just like goat cheese. I like it on crackers, pizza, tarts, sandwiches — you name it!

how long does it last?

It will keep in the fridge for up to a month! For best results, store it in an airtight mason jar or other glass container.

does vegan cheese taste like cheese? 

Yes, it does taste like cheese! The flavor is similar to goat cheese — creamy with a slight tang, though not as tangy as feta.

I know it might seem like a lot of work, but it’s not. The total active time is around 30 minutes, it’s just a lot of waiting. But it’s exciting, delicious, waste free, and great for the environment. It’s a total win. Now that you know how to make vegan cheese, it’s definitely worth a try!

how do I know if my vegan cream cheese has gone bad?

If your cheese develops an off smell, unusual color, or visible mold (other than the natural fermenting mold you may scrape off during the process), it’s best to discard it.

can I use this vegan cheese for cooking?

Yes! This vegan cream cheese recipe is versatile and can be used in various dishes, from spreading on bagels to using it in vegan dips, and sauces, or even as a substitute for dairy cheese in recipes.