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.
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Hello! Hooow do you make cashew cream cheese? I NEED to know! :)
I just tried making the cashew milk in my regular OBN-blender.. didn’t manage to blend it smooth, but the taste is great! I only used cashews, water, a little powdered vanilla, a teaspoon of maplesyrup and salt. Since I couldn’t get a hold of the other ingredients. And it’s good! Milky -not sweet like a milkshake. Love it.
Now I just need to save up for a vitamox…
Oh and I totally forgot to ask what I originally started my comment… can this milk be used in cooking and baking -how does it react with heat etc? (Pancakes, bechamel sauce, riceporridge etc) Would love to hear of any experiences!
Hi Hanna… thank you for your note. I have a few recipes I’ve used cashew milk in sprinkled throughout the blog post. Please take a look there. I also use it in ALL my baking applications that require flour. I’ve been working on a custard recipe using it, but it’s not quite turning out how I want it to (that could be my fault though). I’ll update this post with some of the other recipes I use it in here. So happy you’re enjoying the cashew milk!! Vitamix offers refurbished machines that are of great value.
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!
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!
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!
Hi Star! Yes, I use those cashews often. They work perfectly.
Thank you for your tip too on the exfoliant! Noted!
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!
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.
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!
My seven year old daughter says, “It’s so good!!!” What a great alternative!, and so easy too! Thanks!
Love it! Thank you for coming back and leaving a note, Angela! So happy your daughter like it! :D
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.
maybe soak them overnight, I did and put mine in the old nutribullet 600W motor, strong enough and no need to strain.
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.
Thank you for your note on the Ninja!
Try dry-blending the cashews into almost powder first, then add enough hot water to cover and let sit for 5 minutes or more. Then add the rest of the water and blend well. I never buy any kind of milk so I always make quick cashew milk when needed, and have been doing this for years in my po’ folks blender! lol
Just made this! Delicious, quick and easy! Thank you for the recipe!
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!
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?
It says 3.5 cup (or 4 of you like it thinner) :-)
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.
I used my classic Oster, and it worked just fine for drinking.
Oooh that’s great Virginia. Thank you for your note!
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
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.
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.