Rich, creamy, dairy-free, this cashew milk easy to make and it needs no straining (a triumph!)! Made in a high speed blender, this Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe is my go-to milk for every day, perfect to enjoy simply 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!”
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. Plus, there’s no waste! The whole cashew gets blitzed in a blender.
At a Glance: How to Make Cashew Milk
- First, soak the cashews overnight or quick soak method.
- 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 until smooth and creamy.
See how easy it is to make?
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 in Classic Sourdough Pancakes or 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, Earl Grey Latte, or 5 Minute Chai 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 similar to 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.
Traci’s Tips
- A high-speed blender is a must for nut milk. To get the cashews perfectly smooth, I use Vitamix (affiliate link). You don’t have to strain the blended cashews, if using a VitaMix so all the ingredients are retained. Just soak the cashews overnight at room temperature water, 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.
- Shake it Up! After storing, you’ll notice how the cashew milk separates. Give the cashew milk a good shake each time before using.
5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (160 grams) Raw Cashews
- 2 Medjool Dates, pitted*, or 3 tsp of maple, honey or agave.
- 3 1/2 cups (800 grams) Water**
- 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon, optional
Instructions
- Soak the cashews in very hot water for 15 minutes (quick soak) 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.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate. If this information is important to you, please have it verified independently.
Made it? Leave a comment below!
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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!
Has anyone ever tried to use cashew nut milk in a milk frother for coffee? If so, does it separate
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!
Have you looked at the refurbed ones on the Vitamix site?? They are deeply discounted, and you still get an amazing warranty. I bought mine for $300.
Hi Carrie! I know several people who’ve purchased a refurbished VitaMix… they stand behind their machines – new or used! Love that! What a deal!
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 :)
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
Can I make this with a food processor or can it only be made with a Vitamix or blender?
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!
I guess I have to break down and buy a vitamix! :-)
Ninja works perfectly and is much cheaper.
Hi Cynthia! Thank you for your tip!
I have a Ninja and found I needed to strain a bit. Still had pulp. Thoughts?
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!
I had a Vitamix when I lived in California, but moved to Germany two years ago. Since the voltage is different here, I didn’t bring my blender . . . but I couldn’t live without it! So, after a year of feeling like I couldn’t make the things I was used to making, I broke down and bought a Vitamix with EU voltage. And, just like before, I use it every single day . . . and like you said . . . some days, multiple times a day. Seriously the best money (TWICE!) I’ve ever spent.
I get it, Michelle. Totally. I would have HAD to do the same. Once you’ve used a Vitamix.. well, you just gotta have it! Best money indeed! :D
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!
Vitamix for 10 years?! Hooray! So happy you’ll be able to give this a go! :D
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
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
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.
Hooray, Pam! Thank you for your note! You’re welcome my dear. :D
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!
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!