How to Soak Cashews

Cashew cream is a staple in many vegan recipes, but you can't get that perfectly smooth and creamy texture without soaking cashews first. Here, you can find three simple ways for how to soak cashews based on how much time and effort you're willing to put in. From soaking cashews overnight, to quick soak methods, this is your guide on soaking cashews to make the ultimate cashew cream.

Mastering the art of making the perfect cashew cream can take your plant-based cooking to the next level. Cashew cream can be used as a delicious dipping sauce, for thickening curries, in pasta dishes, and more yummy vegan desserts that you could think of.

But, the very first step towards that perfectly smooth cashew cream is making sure the cashews are soaked in water until they increase in size and start falling apart. Below are my three favourite methods for soaking cashews, listed from the slowest to the fastest one.

1. Soaking Cashews Overnight at Room Temperature

This is the most traditional method for soaking cashews that requires very little effort and keeps the nuts raw.

• Duration - at least 8 hours, but ideally 12 hours.
• Method - add the cashews to a bowl, fill with enough water to cover the nuts, and allow them to soak overnight.
• Pros - virtually no hands-on work; the cashews will remain raw and thus retain their full nutritional value.
• Cons - the slowest method that requires a bit of planning ahead.

2. Soaking Cashews in Hot Water

Here's how to soak cashews fast if you’re in a hurry, but still want to preserve some of their nutritional value.

• Duration - 30 minutes.
• Method - bring a pot of water to a boil. Once it starts to bubble, turn off the heat, toss in the cashews and cover with a lid. Let them soak for about 30 minutes.
• Pros - it only takes 30 minutes of your time.
• Cons - requires some effort on your part; cashews might lose some of their nutritional value.

3. Boiling Cashews

If you’ve ever wondered how to quick soak cashews, this is the answer.

• Duration - 15 minutes.
• Method - Place cashews in a pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, cover with a lid, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Pros - the fastest method.
• Cons - requires some effort on your part; cooks the cashews, so it’s not suitable if you want to keep your dressing or dessert raw and packed with nutrients.

Can You Soak Cashews Too Long?

Yes! If you soak cashews too long, they will start to smell and taste a bit off, and the soaking water might become slimy and almost gel-like. If this happens, toss them out.

How to Store Soaked Cashews

If you’re not planning to use the soaked cashews right away, or if you have some left over from a recipe, you can easily store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. Just make sure they still smell and taste right before you use them.

Can You Freeze Soaked Cashews?

Yes! To freeze, soak the cashews for at least 8 hours, then freeze them right in the soaking liquid.

Why Soak Cashews?

Any recipe that calls for cashew cream or cashew puree requires you to soak the nuts first. Soaking in water makes the cashews softer, which results in a smoother cream. The longer you soak the cashews, the softer they become, the smoother your cashew paste is going to be.

What Is Cashew Cream?

Essentially, homemade cashew cream is made with blended cashews with a bit of liquid, such as non-dairy milk, often added for a nicer consistency. Cashew cream is the ultimate vegan substitute for everything from sour cream to Alfredo sauce.

How to Make Cashew Cream

In a food processor or blender, combine soaked cashews with your plant-based milk or water. Blend until very smooth.

If you’re using a high-speed blender, you can get away with soaking cashews for only 6 to 8 hours, while using a food processor or a regular blender requires the cashews to be super soft for the same creamy texture.

How to Store Cashew Cream

Your homemade vegan cashew cream will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months.

Cashew Cream Recipes

Cashew cream works great in sweet and savoury dishes. Below are some of our favourite ways to make use of cashew cream.

Sweet

• Lightly sweetened cashew cream can take the place of whipped cream in your favourite vegan desserts.
• Add it to your morning granola.
• Use it as a topping for berries or other fresh fruit.
• Try it in desserts, such as classic vegan cheesecake, raw matcha cheesecake, or autumn cheesecake with apples and walnuts.

Savoury

• Drizzle some cashew cream on roasted vegetables or vegan bowls.
• Use cashew cream in creamy pasta recipes, such as this vegan spaghetti carbonara.
• Stir it into some sauteed spinach for making vegan creamed spinach.
• Use it to make a raw dip