Jul 22, 2021

vegan smoked cream cheese

Updated: Nov 6, 2021

Smoky, smooth, rich and creamy! This cream cheese is vegan, gluten-free, oil-free and made with cashew cheese and flavoured with liquid smoke.

This smoky cream cheese on a homemade bagel with pickled cucumber ribbons.... oh so good!

One of my favourite memories is eating cream cheese bagels walking the streets of New York. It is amazing how something so simple can bring so much joy!

Since that trip I have changed to a vegan diet and boy was I happy when I realised I could still enjoy a (vegan) cream cheese bagel. Thanks to cashew nuts, I can make a very satisfying and delicious vegan alternative.

Why cashew nuts?

Cashews soaked overnight in water have a very creamy, rich texture when blended in a high-speed blender. Due to its mild flavour cashews are a good base to create and add different flavours. They are great to use for most dairy alternatives.

To make this you will need

Raw cashew nuts.

The cashew nuts need to soak in water overnight to soften.

Liquid smoke.

This adds that rich smoky flavour to the cream cheese. If you don't have liquid smoke you could try smoked paprika powder. I have not made it with smoked paprika, but I am sure it will work just fine.

Salt.

If you are not using liquid smoke, you can also use a smoked salt to add that smoky flavour.

Fresh lemon juice.

I definitely recommend using fresh lemons, rather than bottled lemon juice.

Apple cider vinegar.

Use a good brand.

Onion powder.

Since this will all be blended, you can also use onion granules if you don't have onion powder.

Why you will love this cream cheese

it is rich
it is creamy
it is smoky
it is full of the good fats
it is oil-free
you only need a few ingredients to make this

Enjoy this on a slice of sourdough bread or bagel (preferably homemade) with

oven-roasted or fresh tomato slices and basil
pickled cucumber ribbons
vegan carrot lox and capers
pickled peppers
oven-roasted vegetables

VEGAN SMOKED CREAM CHEESE

Smoky, smooth, rich and creamy! This cream cheese is vegan, gluten-free, oil-free and made with cashew cheese and flavoured with liquid smoke. This smoky cream cheese on a homemade bagel with pickled cucumber.... oh so good!

Soaking time: Overnight

Time: 15 min (depending on your blender this could take less or more time)

INGREDIENTS

1 ¼ cup raw cashew nuts, soaked overnight
¼ cup filtered water
8 – 10 drops liquid smoke (or more or less to your liking)
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp onion powder

INSTRUCTIONS

Add all the ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Taste and adjust as needed.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.