Rich, creamy, dairy-free, this cashew milk easy to make and it needs no straining (a triumph!)! This Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe is my go-to milk for every day, perfect to enjoy alone or in sweet and savory recipes. This recipe is vegetarian, vegan and gluten free.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review: “My seven year old daughter says, “It’s so good!!!” What a great alternative!, and so easy too! Thanks!”
Table of Contents
How Do You Feel About Nut Milk?
I’ve been playing around with a few different homemade nut milks, and so far, this cashew nut milk recipe has my attention. I tried almond milk, but could never figure out what to do with all the leftover pulp. Even trying to use the pulp in smoothies and brownies, it just didn’t work for me. And I can’t bear the thought of composting or throwing it out.
This cashew milk recipe is simple to whip up, perfect for everyday, is creamy, has a neutral flavor and is so creamy and rich. You’re going to love it!
Quick Guide: How to Make Cashew Milk
Quick to whip up with just a bit of planning, here’s how to make this cashew milk recipe (see recipe card below for details):
- First, soak the cashews in very hot water for up to 15 minutes (for quick cashew milk), or soak overnight in room temperature water.
- Second, rinse and drain the cashews.
- Next, transfer the cashews to a high speed blender, pour in the water and any other inclusions (sweetener, vanilla, cinnamon…) if using.
- Last, blend on high speed for about 30 seconds until smooth and creamy.
Although I’ve not experienced this Vitamix, if you find your cashew milk still has some chunks, strain the solids out using a nut milk bag, cheese cloth or other fine strainer. Transfer to a Mason jar or other storage container and enjoy.
How to Use Homemade Cashew Milk in Recipes
Cashew milk is perfect for every day whether you’re dairy free or reducing dairy in your diet. Cashew milk can be used like dairy milk in many recipes. Depending on how much you dilute the cashews will depend on the recipe you’re using them in. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Sweet or Savory: For savory cooking, I use it as is without any inclusions (cinnamon, vanilla…) and same for most baking. However, if enjoying it simply with Maple Pecan Granola or Sourdough Cookies, for example, I typically add dates or maple, cinnamon and vanilla.
- For baking, I dilute it, adding an additional cup of water to the full recipe. Or within a recipe use half cashew milk, half water. It yields the consistency about 2% milk.
- For savory cooking, I make it without any inclusions (cinnamon, vanilla…).
- For latte frothing or cutting Cold Brew Coffee, drip coffee or for an Earl Grey Latte, I make it as is, like half & half with a sweet edge.
- Cream, Half & Half, Whole or 2% Milk: The consistency of this cashew milk recipe is about like half & half. If a thinner or thicker milk is preferred, adjust the amount of water used when blending by about one cup either way. It’s completely adjustable.
Pro Tips
- A high-speed blender is a must for nut milk. To get the cashews perfectly smooth, I use Vitamix. You don’t have to strain the blended cashews, if using a VitaMix so all the fiber and nutrients are retained. Just soak the cashews overnight at room temperature water, then blend.
- For Quick Cashew Milk: soak the cashews for 15 minutes in very hot water, rise, then blend.
- Sweetener (or not) of Choice: Sweeten this cashew milk recipe with dates, maple syrup, honey, agave, sweetener of choice or no sweetener at all. Play with the ratios to suit your taste/dietary needs. After making this recipe for cashew milk a few times, you’ll discover the combination of flavors and/or level of sweetness you prefer.
- Look for cashews in the bulk bins, organic and fair trade if available.
- You’ll want to use this milk pretty quick, within 3 days or it starts to sour. A half batch can be made as well.
- Shake it Up! After storing, you’ll notice how the cashew milk separates. Give the cashew milk a good shake each time before using.
Recipes to Enjoy Cashew Milk With
Breakfast:
- Maple Pecan Granola
- Sourdough Vegan Pancakes
- Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Banana-Oat Pecan Waffles
- Dutch Baby
- Sourdough Biscuits
- Sourdough Oat Pancakes
- Banana Oat Muffins – Gluten Free – Vegan
Sweets:
- Mocha Shake
- Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Cake
- Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate
- Gluten Free Pastry for Apple Pie
- Strawberry Banana Milkshake
Savory:
- Creamy Parmesan Orzo Pasta with Mushrooms
- Vegetarian White Bean Chili with 3 Beans
- Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
- Corn and Zucchini Fritters
- Roasted Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- Sourdough Oatmeal Bread
- Creamy White Bean Parmesan and Mushroom Orzo
- Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
- Cottage Pie
- Creamy Tomato Soup with Canned Tomatoes
- Stovetop Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
- Gluten Free Cornbread
Drinks:
- Use a frothing wand to make the creamiest lattes.
- Cold Brew Coffee
- Vanilla Earl Grey Tea with Milk
5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 C (160g) Raw Cashews
- 2 Medjool Dates pitted*, or 3 tsp of maple, honey or agave.
- 3 1/2 C (800g) Water**
- 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Soak the cashews in very hot water for 15 minutes OR cashews can be soaked in room temperature water for two hours or overnight as well - whatever works for your schedule. Drain cashews and rinse. Add cashews to the blender (I use a Vitamix) along with dates, water, salt, extract and cinnamon. Blend starting on low speed and increasing to high until smooth and frothy, about 40 seconds.
- If you find your cashew milk still has some chunks, strain the solids out using a nut milk bag, layered cheese cloth or other fine strainer. I have not experienced this when using a Vitamix. Store in a lidded container for up to three days. Shake well before using.
Jodi Shaw
Incredible! So smooth and creamy with a burst of flavor. My entire family loved. No added it to my coffee. So tasty! I wish I could add a photo :)
Traci York
Thank you for your note, Jodi! Hooray for tasty cashew milk. SO glad everyone approved!
Pam Richason
I just made it and I love the taste. I think I have found my new favorite milk.
Traci York
Hooray! I love this discovery, Pam. Thank you for your note and five star review!
Sabrina
Quick, easy, and yummy. So much better homemade. Thank you,
Traci York
Hi Sabrina! Hooray! Yes, yes… couldn’t agree more. Thank you for your note and five star review!
MarilynbGruber
Your quick method using hot water to make cashew milk is delicious. I followed the recipe using the dates vanilla, and cinnamon except I eliminated the salt. If you want a super fast, simple way to make your own non-dairy milk that tastes great,try this recipe.
Traci York
Hi Marilyn! Thank youuuu for your note, and a five star review. So excited you’re enjoying the recipe!
Emm
I make my own soy milk, and variety of nut milks. This recipe is very good and very easy. Just this weekend, my friends and I made this recipe along with others for a ‘taste test’. It scored well. My blender is a high speed blender (like vitamin), if anyone is looking for a less expensive and Quality blender look into CLEANBLEND. It works like a dream!
Traci York
Hi Emm! Thank you for your note and including my cashew milk in your taste test!
Bobbi
I made this cashew milk last night to incorporate into my juice cleanse since the ones provided were too sweet. This. Was. Perfect. I’ve made cashew milk in the past, but this is the best one by far. I have a blendtec but I still soaked them just to make the easiest possible digestion milk as possible. I warm it in a mug and drink it before bed for the magnesium (and deliciousness) benefit. Thank you for sharing!
Traci
Hi Bobbi! Thank you for your note and giving the recipe a go! So happy to hear you’re enjoying the cashew milk. It’s such a treat!
Nizza
I had been looking for a non dairy creamer for a few months. I had tried making other cashew milk recipes but nothing tasted as good as this one. I use about 3 Tbs for my coffee every morning and it gives my coffee the creaminess that I had been missing after giving up half n half. Since I only use it for my coffee, it’s enough to last longer than 3 days. I actually have used it for up to 5 days without a problem. I just make sure to shake it well.
Traci
Hi Nizza! Thank you for your note and giving the recipe a go. Hooray for a non dairy creamer that you love :D It’s such a delicious nut milk for everyday!
Marilyn
I have made this cashew milk for our smoothies and baking and really enjoy the flavor and ease to make it (no straining required). If I don’t need it for baking I just add 1/4 cup to the smoothie when I make it in the morning and it gives a perfect creamy texture. So much more practical than having to have purchased nut milk on hand. Thanks for a great recipe.
Cheleste West
Yummm! Quick & luscious. I made a batch for my nightly golden milk, made with turmeric, cinnamon, pepper & a touch of xylitol. All healthy & yummy.
Lauren
I had no idea it could be so easy to make delicious cashew milk! I soaked my cashews for about 4 hours in hot (initially) water, then blended them in Vitamix with the flavorings, but no sweetener/dates. Loved it! And it did not separate overnight like I had expected. I will be making this regularly now; I can make it in small amounts AND help the environment by not buying the prepared nut milk in cartons. A win-win!
Traci
Hi Lauren! Thank you for your note, rating and giving the recipe a go! So happy to hear you’re enjoying the recipe. It’s SO good too without any sweetener/dates! Indeed, no prepared milk carton waste – a win-win for sure!
Beth
Thank you so much for posting this recipe. It was sooooo good, and so east as well. I will never buy pre-made again.
Traci
Hi Beth! Thank you for your note and rating! SO happy to hear you’re enjoying the cashew milk! Hooray!
Aray
This sounds so good, I have to try it. I just read that almond milk is bad for bees. Can you freeze this?
Traci
Hi Aray! Thank you for your note. I think we may have read the same article. I’ve not tried freezing the cashew milk, but I wouldn’t hesitate giving it a try. Thaw in the fridge overnight and give it a good shake before consuming. Please let us know if you give it a go!
Lori R, Melbourne
I want to skip rinsing the cashews and use cashew flour that I found. It’s called Nature’s eats cashew flour. What is to be gained by renting the cashews?
Traci
Hi Lori! We soak the cashews to make them easier to digest and to soften them. We rinse them after soaking because it rinses away undesired enzymes.
Luz
I made this in a hurry only later to realize I completely forgot to rinse and drain the cashews after soaking them overnight. It was so delicious we drank it all up anyway!
Traci
LOL! SO happy you enjoyed the recipe, Luz! Thank you for your note!
Becky
I love it! This tastes like ice cream (without the cinnamon). I put it in my daughter’s cereal and she was in heaven! No more guar gum! Thank you for sharing a delicious and simple recipe!
Traci
Hooray! Thank you for your note and review, Becky! So happy to hear. Cashew milk is a delicious discovery!
Kristina
Just made it and it’s amazing! Truly the best cashew milk I’ve had. No way I can go back to store bought but milks now.
Traci
So happy to hear Kristina! Thank you for your note. Agreed! Once you’ve made homemade, you just can’t go back!
Angela Bennett
Hi – Can you use this in smoothies or is it more made for small pours, like coffee creamer and in baked goods? I wanted to make it in stead of buying it at the store for my smoothies. Typically I use about 1.5 cups of the cashew milk
Traci
Hi Angela! Thank you for your note! You can use it in smoothies. If you’re used to store-bought, however, I’d dilute this a bit to taste (maybe by half!) before adding it to smoothies. It’ll be delicious!
Angela Bennett
Thank you for your feedback! When you say dilute, do you mean add another 3 cups of water (6 cups total water) to make it a lighter version (not so heavy) to use in smoothies? Sorry, I was unsure on the process. Just don’t want to get a tummy ache because the milk is too rich – is why I was wondering as many people talked about using it as a creamer. I wasn’t sure if it was made to drink for a smoothie, or for cereal, in that large amount.
Traci
It’s completely to taste how thick or thin you’d like it. If you’re unsure, pour 1/2 a cup and dilute it with 1/2 cup water and taste. You can dilute it more if you like.
Kb
It’s not actually milk. It’s literally just nut water. You won’t get a tummyache from it.
Brent Heller
Yes it does, than you. I try to stay away from salt when possible. A lot of smoothies and flavored waters, also detox waters.
I appreciate your time.
Thank you aaz gain
Brenton
Brenton
Is the salt needed in this to preserve or just for taste.
Traci
Hi Brenton… it’s simply for taste. I leave it out when using it in recipes where salt is added, like in baking for example. But I do like to add it for coffee creamer and/or for drinking, granola, etc. All the ingredients are to taste, really. I find simply blending the cashews alone too to be delicious! I hope this helps and you enjoy the recipe!
Nuffy
I’m not a sweet tooth so I made the Cashew milk without Vanilla and Dates. I still loved the taste. I make my sour creams etc with Cashews as well. Such a versatile Drupe… I don’t use a lot of Cashews either in my milk. I usually use about a good third of a cup of cashews which I think is nicer. It’s still nice and creamy as well….I’m not someone who likes an over creamy milk for my cuppa tea and coffee, so the lessor amount of Cashews used is better for my taste…
Thanks for a brilliant site…
Nuffy aka Nancye
Traci
Thank you so much Nuffy! That’s what I love about this recipe! It’s completely flexible to taste. My hubs and I make it too, just with cashews and at a creamy strength for coffee. When I bake with it, I dilute it by a bit more than half. I’m always tweaking it to fit the recipe! So happy you’re enjoying it. Thank you for your note!
PHYLLIS COPELAND
FYI almond pulp makes delicious HUMMUS using the same seasonings as you would for regular garbanzo bean hummus. And the benefit for using almond pulp is that it is alkalizing and not acidic as are garbanzo beans
Christine
Hi, I’ve been experimenting a ton with hazelnut milk and I love it with lattes. I’m excited to try the cashew milk and perhaps a combination of the two.
Thanks for your recipe
Traci
Hi Christine! Ooooh, I like the idea of mixing hazelnut and cashew! I hope you enjoy the cashew milk… it’s in my latte every morning! :D
Penny
Tried this as my first ever attempt at a homemade nut milk. Used honey as my sweetener as I didn’t have any dates left and didn’t have any vanilla either but still tasted very good. Have bought a big bag of cashew nuts from the local Asian supermarket to make more. It was so quick there shouldn’t be a panic at running out of milk again!
Thanks
Traci
Hi Penny! So happy to hear you’re enjoying the Cashew Milk! Thank you for your note! Indeed, so easy to whip up and to adjust to taste. I use unsweetened for creamer… it’s so good in coffee!
Allen Dixon
I never try this before but it’s sound amazing. I will try this for sure. Can I ask you can I use hand milk frother for making this? Thanks in advance for giving me the clarification.
Traci
I’m not sure, Allen. I’ve not tried a hand milk frother before.
Katie
Hey Allen, I use a hand milk frother to froth milk for coffee. Her recipe is describing the process of actually making nut milk in a high speed blender, once it’s done, you can froth with a hand frother for drinks such as match lattes or coffee lattes.
Brittany Williams
I just ran across the recipe today, and I am excited to give it a try. Where can I find the nutritional content for this? I’m not seeing it right off. Thank you!
Traci
Hi Brittany! Thank you for stopping by. Please feel free to plug in the ingredients to any nutritional content calculator of choice.
Sherry Beck
Can this be used to make a soup? The recipe calls for coconut milk and would like to use the cashew milk instead. Also, if coconut milk is called for in the recipe should I make the cashew milk sweet or savory style?
Traci
I’ve used cashew milk in this Wild Rice Mushroom Soup and a few others not on the blog. I’ve not used it in place of coconut milk however, but since coconut milk leans slightly sweet, you could try only adding a bit of maple or start with a half date to taste. I hope this helps! Please let us know how it goes if you do use it in your soup!
Torsten
Loved this recipe! So creamy!
Do you have a good online source for bulk cashews? I love cashew milk and all things cashew for dairy alternatives, but it’s so hard to find cashews under 7 or 8 bucks a pound.
Also, if you do decide to make almond milk again, I like to use the leftover meal as a base for a natural skin exfoliant!
Traci
Hi Torsten, so happy you’re enjoying the recipe. I typically buy cashews in the bulk bins at the co-op, or sometimes at Costco (hate the plastic containers!!). So I’m not sure where to purchase online. If you find a resource (organic too), please let us know!
Star
Hi Have you made cashew milk from the Costco Kirkland Signature Raw Unsalted Organic Cashews? It says on the container that the nuts are steam pasteurized, so I wasn’t sure if they would make good milk. Thanks!
Traci
Hi Star! Yes, I use those cashews often. They work perfectly.
Traci
Thank you for your tip too on the exfoliant! Noted!
Ryan mcnutt
I made this except instead of water I used cocanut milk and instead of dates I used cocanut sugar. It turned out a little thin for my taste for coffee creamer. I added two heaping spoonfuls of cocanut oil. This made the most delicious coffee creamer!
James Hill
Great recipe! I was wondering if after soaking the nuts for the recommended time I should toss that water and replace it with fresh water. I’ve heard all nuts, seeds and legumes (cashews) contain a toxin that can be eliminated by soaking them in water for up to 24 hours. I guess the time varies depending on what exactly your soaking. Cashews are soft so I suspect they require less time. Btw I once added the flesh of a young coconut to your recipe along with the dates and wow was that delicious! It blended up just as smoothly as the cashews and didn’t need to be strained either.
Traci
Hello James! Thank you for your note. The addition of coconut sounds absolutely delicious! Indeed, draining and rinsing after soaking is important, and this is why I included it in the recipe: “Drain and rinse” Isn’t it so nice to be able to benefit from the whole nut? No waste!
Angela
My seven year old daughter says, “It’s so good!!!” What a great alternative!, and so easy too! Thanks!
Traci
Love it! Thank you for coming back and leaving a note, Angela! So happy your daughter like it! :D
Stacy
I tried this today using my Ninja and it just didn’t do the trick. It tastes amazing though! Looking into getting a Vitamix now.
Donna Marks
maybe soak them overnight, I did and put mine in the old nutribullet 600W motor, strong enough and no need to strain.
Ciclochick
I always use the Ninja and it works perfectly for this and almond milk. I use the high-speed 60-second setting. You can always do it twice.
Traci
Thank you for your note on the Ninja!
Victoria
Just made this! Delicious, quick and easy! Thank you for the recipe!
Traci
Hooray! Thank you for your note Victoria. I’m finding lately that for milk to be used in savory applications or even sweet, I leave the dates and maple out completely. But for use in coffee and oatmeal, for example, I leave it in. I love how versatile it is. So happy to hear you’re enjoying it!
kim johnston
Hi,VEGAN CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT CAKE WITH WHIPPED GANACHE,your homemade nut milk for this
Soak the cashews in very hot water for 15 minutes (cashews can be soaked in room temperature water for two hours or overnight as well – whatever works for your schedule). Drain and rinse. Add cashews to the blender along with dates, water, salt, extract and cinnamon. Blend starting on low speed and increasing to high until smooth and frothy, about 40 seconds.
How much water is added in the blender please?
Liz
It says 3.5 cup (or 4 of you like it thinner) :-)
Susan grisson
I made it this morning with a ninja and it was so creamy and no left over pulp. You don’t have to have a Vitamix yo make it.
Virginia
I used my classic Oster, and it worked just fine for drinking.
Traci
Oooh that’s great Virginia. Thank you for your note!
Stephanie
I was wondering how the calorie count is so much lower on store bought nut milks. Per cup, this one is over 140 calories. I’m assuming healthier than store bought just confused why calories are so much higher. Thanks
Traci
Hi Stephanie! Thank you for your note. I don’t know for sure, but I suspect it has to do with how much the nut milk is diluted. This recipe is rather thick, and can be adjusted to taste or application or to reduce the calories. A side by side taste test would be interesting. I hope this helps.
Azelin
Store bought nut milks contain hardly any nuts. Some even say on the carton that it contains less than 2% nuts. They have lots of fillers and unnecessary ingredients. Fresh is much better.
L. Appie
This is an amazing recipe. It’s plenty sweet for my taste just using the cashews and dates and vanilla. I used less water and added some ice cubes and my 16-year old son, who isn’t a nut-loving guy, thought it made a great “milkshake”. I saved the extra and will try it as a creamer for my tea or coffee tomorrow. Can’t recommend this enough. Delicious!
Carol
Has anyone ever tried to use cashew nut milk in a milk frother for coffee? If so, does it separate
Traci
Hey Carol! Thank you for your note. I’ve tried it on my espresso machine’s frother (and again this morning!) and I don’t get any separation. I hope this helps!
Jayme
I made this after seeing a friend I follow on Instagram post about making it and I was blown away by how delicious it is! Just the right amount of sweetness and vanilla flavor and it is so incredibly creamy! I will be making this often, thank you for the recipe :)
Traci
Hi Jayme! Thank you for your note! It is SO good, right? I love it too. So happy you enjoyed the recipe. Now, add a big scoop of raw cacao, more vanilla and maple syrup for a chocolate delight! ;D
Lavinia
Can I make this with a food processor or can it only be made with a Vitamix or blender?
Traci
Hey Lavinia, I’ve only tried this recipe in a vitamix, but you could make it in a blender and strain it through a cheese cloth to drain the solids. If you go this route I would recommend trying a liquid sweetener like maple syrup to taste. I hope this helps. Please let us know if you give it a go!
Lavinia
I guess I have to break down and buy a vitamix! :-)
Cynthia
Ninja works perfectly and is much cheaper.
Traci
Hi Cynthia! Thank you for your tip!
Erika M. Schreck
I have a Ninja and found I needed to strain a bit. Still had pulp. Thoughts?
Traci
Hi Erika! Maybe allow the cashews to soak longer or use hot water to soak. I’ve not used a Ninja, but several community members have used it successfully with this recipe. I hope this helps!
Lynne
Is Vitamix one of the brands you are an ambassador for? You certainly use their product effectively!!
Traci
Hey Lynne! I’d love to rep for them, but I’m not. It’s one fine and useful machine though! I’ve used it every day since I got it, sometimes 2-3 times per day! I can’t recommend it enough! :D
Camelmirror
I make my own soya milk. Didn’t realized I can make with cashew too! I don’t have a Vitamix myself but my parents got one for nearly ten years! Will definitely try it out when I visit them next time!
Traci
Vitamix for 10 years?! Hooray! So happy you’ll be able to give this a go! :D
Melanie Muskus
I made this recipe this morning and it’s an absolute dream. It’s super easy and super yum. It’s a nice change from the (unsweetened) almond milk (store bought) I normaly use. Been planning on making that too (just like hemp milk is on my schedule). I just pre-soaked the cashews last night anf followed all of the instructions. We have a Vitamix ourselves and it blended everything in no time resulting in the creamiest of creamy cashew milk. My husband dropped off one bottle at his parents across the street and I used another bottle to pair with Traci’s “Maple Pecan Granola” recipe. It was heaven in a bowl. Will make this again and again.
Thanks for all of the wonderful recipes Traci! I love them.
xoxo
Melanie
Traci
Hey Mel! Woot woot!! Super easy, yes and sooo good. Hemp sounds fabulous.. and I’ve not made it yet, but put so much of it in smoothies which makes them ultra creamy. I hope your inlaws enjoyed it too. Pairing this with my favorite granola? Yes please!! Thank you Mel, for your notes! xo
Pam
This cashew milk is soooo good and easy to make. I don’t know why I hadn’t made it sooner. Thank you Traci. You have to use the cashew milk and make the Matcha Chia Pudding……amazing….another Thank you Traci.
Traci
Hooray, Pam! Thank you for your note! You’re welcome my dear. :D
Stacey
I’ve been intending to try out cashew milk at home for some time, but your post finally gave me the kick in the toosh to get on it! I had even just bought fresh dates from our local urban farmer at the market (ONE reason I can find that I’m lucky to live in the AZ desert!). I followed your quick and easy method and it is going to be a total life-saver each week as my family and I are trying to learn to meal prep AND make more of our own things to save on cost. My toddler, who is currently obsessed with cashews, helped make it as well and had a blast! She won’t stop asking for “coshew milk.” Haha:) I’m excited to try this different ways, as well, like adding cacao if I’m feeling saucy or adding its creamy goodness to my matcha tea! Thanks so much for the recipe and encouragement!
Traci
This totally makes my day Stacey! And good for your adventures in meal planning! Not an easy task, but so necessary when attempting to have a smooth week. So happy you and your toddler in the kitchen whipping things out together! No doubt including kids in cooking helps them understand where their food comes from and that preparing it is part of life… I’m going to have to add some cacao!! That would be creamy dreamy!