Umami Vegan Cream Cheese
Quick Answer
Make umami vegan cream cheese by processing soaked, drained cashews with coconut oil, nutritional yeast, seasoning, apple cider vinegar, tahini, garlic, lime juice, and optional truffle-infused olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy, then refrigerate in a clean container until firm.
A Creamy, Savory Spread
This vegan cream cheese disappeared from the refrigerator within twenty-four hours, which is either a glowing review or evidence that one small batch was never going to last all week. Coconut oil gives it a creamy texture, cashews bring richness, and nutritional yeast adds a savory note.
What Is Umami?
Umami is a savory, deeply satisfying flavor commonly found in ripe tomatoes, mushrooms, aged cheese, seaweed, and fermented ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews, soaked overnight
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or sea salt
- 1 tablespoon truffle-infused olive oil, optional
- 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 tablespoon tahini
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Method and Serving Ideas
- Drain the soaked cashews.
- Add all ingredients to a food processor.
- Process until smooth and creamy, about 90 seconds, pausing to scrape the sides.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Transfer to a clean container and refrigerate until firm.
Serve with vegetables, crackers, or toast, or use it as an appetizer base.
Key tip: Pause to scrape the sides while processing, then taste and adjust the seasoning before refrigerating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the cashews need to be soaked?
Yes. This recipe uses one cup of cashews soaked overnight. Drain them before adding them to the food processor.
What gives this vegan cream cheese its texture and flavor?
Coconut oil gives it a creamy texture, cashews add richness, and nutritional yeast contributes a savory note.
Is the truffle-infused olive oil required?
No. The tablespoon of truffle-infused olive oil is optional.
How long should I process the ingredients?
Process for about 90 seconds, until smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape the sides.
What can I serve it with?
Serve it with vegetables, crackers, or toast, or use it as an appetizer base.
Sources and Further Reading
Last reviewed October 2026.
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