Cashew Cream Cheese: A Keto-Friendly Option?

Cashew cream cheese is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or just looking for a dairy-free alternative. It's also a fantastic choice for those following a keto diet, as it's low in carbs and can be made with just a few simple ingredients. In this paragraph, we will explore the benefits of cashew cream cheese, its nutritional profile, and how it fits into a keto lifestyle, providing a delicious and creamy treat without compromising your dietary goals.

Cashew cream cheese nutritional information

Cashew cream cheese is a delicious, dairy-free alternative to traditional soft cheese spreads. It is perfect for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking to try something new.

To make cashew cream cheese, raw cashews are soaked and then blended with a small amount of water, lemon juice, and other flavourings such as nutritional yeast, onion granules, or garlic powder. The soaking process reduces the phytic acid in the cashews, making them easier to digest, and also softens them to create a smooth, creamy texture.

Nutritional Information:

The nutritional profile of cashew cream cheese can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. However, in general, it is a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fibre. Here is the nutritional information for the recipe from Nouveau Raw:

Per 1 tablespoon:

• Calories: 35.3
• Fat: 2.6 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.7 g
• Fibre: 0.8 g
• Protein: 1.3 g

Per 100 g:

• Calories: 352
• Fat: 26.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 34.6 g
• Fibre: 8.3 g
• Protein: 13.2 g

Compared to traditional cream cheese, cashew cream cheese has a similar fat content but is lower in protein and higher in carbohydrates. For example, here is the nutritional information for traditional cream cheese, per 100 g:

• Calories: 342
• Fat: 34.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 4.1 g
• Fibre: 0 g
• Protein: 4.1 g

It is important to note that the above nutritional information for cashew cream cheese is based on a specific recipe and may not be representative of all cashew cream cheese products or recipes. The nutritional content can vary depending on the ingredients used, especially if additional flavourings or sweeteners are added.

In terms of micronutrients, cashew cream cheese provides some vitamin A, vitamin B, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. However, it is lower in these micronutrients compared to traditional cream cheese.

Keto-friendly cashew cream cheese recipes

Cashew cream cheese is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or are just looking for a tasty, dairy-free alternative. It's a versatile spread that can be customised to your taste preferences and can be paired with a variety of dishes. Here are some keto-friendly cashew cream cheese recipes to get you started:

Basic Cashew Cream Cheese

This is the base recipe that you can build upon and customise to your liking.

Ingredients:

• Raw cashews
• Water
• Lemon juice
• Salt (optional)

Instructions:

• Soak the cashews in water for 4-6 hours.
• Rinse and drain the cashews.
• Place the cashews, lemon juice, a little water, and salt (if using) in a high-speed blender.
• Blend until smooth and creamy.

Savoury Cashew Cream Cheese Ideas:

• Middle Eastern dip: Add garlic and Za'atar spices.
• Italian spread: Blend in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian spice mix, and garlic.
• Greek dip: Include kalamata olives and oregano.

Sweet Cashew Cream Cheese Ideas:

• Cinnamon spread: Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin spice blend.
• Cookie dough dip: Add brown sugar and chocolate chips.
• Chocolate dip: Blend in cocoa powder and stevia.

Serving Suggestions:

• Sweet cashew cream cheese pairs well with fruit pieces like berries or apple slices.
• Savoury cashew cream cheese can be enjoyed with cut-up vegetables, crisp breads, or homemade crackers.

Cashew "Cheese"

For those craving a more traditional cheese-like experience, try this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (4 oz or 120 g) raw cashews
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) coconut oil
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

• Soak the raw cashews in room temperature water overnight.
• Drain and rinse the cashews.
• Place the soaked cashews, water, coconut oil, and salt in a blender.
• Blend until smooth.

This cashew "cheese" has a soft, ricotta-like texture and can be spread on keto pizza crust, eaten with keto crackers, or paired with dark chocolate.

How to make cashew cream cheese

Cashew cream cheese is a delicious vegan alternative to regular cream cheese. It's tangy, creamy, and spreadable. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make your own cashew cream cheese at home:

Ingredients:

• Raw cashews
• Lemon juice
• Water
• Salt
• Optional: Coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, white miso paste, and your choice of add-ins for flavor (e.g., chives, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes)

Instructions:

• Soak the cashews: Cover the raw cashews with water and soak them for 4 to 8 hours. This step softens the cashews, making them easier to blend.
• Rinse and drain: After soaking, rinse the cashews thoroughly and drain the water.
• Blend: Place the cashews, lemon juice, a small amount of water, and salt into a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender occasionally. For a thinner consistency, add more water.
• Add flavor (optional): If you want to make flavored cream cheese, add your chosen ingredients now. Pulse the blender to mix everything together. You can add herbs, spices, or sweet ingredients like cinnamon or cocoa powder.
• Taste and adjust: Take a moment to taste your cream cheese. You can adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, lemon juice, or other ingredients to suit your preference.
• Chill: Transfer the cashew cream cheese to an airtight container and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This will allow it to firm up and become spreadable.

Your homemade cashew cream cheese will last in the fridge for up to 5 days and can also be frozen for later use. Enjoy it as a spread on bagels, toast, or crackers, or use it as a dip for vegetables.

Cashew cream cheese as a dip

Cashew cream cheese is a delicious and versatile dip that can be easily made at home. It is a great option for those who are dairy-intolerant or simply looking for a tasty alternative. With just a few simple ingredients and a blender or food processor, you can create a creamy and savory dip that can be customized to your liking.

To make cashew cream cheese, start by soaking raw cashews in water for at least 4-6 hours or overnight. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture. Drain the cashews and add them to your blender or food processor. For a basic cashew cream cheese, blend the cashews with water, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding more or less water.

Now, let's talk about the fun part: customizing your dip! Cashew cream cheese serves as a perfect base for a variety of flavors. For a savory dip, add your favorite spice blend, such as garlic and Za'atar, or try sun-dried tomatoes with Italian spices. If you're feeling adventurous, create a Greek-inspired dip by blending in kalamata olives and oregano. You can even make it cheesy by adding nutritional yeast and cooked carrots.

The versatility of cashew cream cheese doesn't stop there. Craving something spicy? Add cayenne pepper or sriracha to your blend. Prefer a smoky flavor? Smoked paprika is your best friend. You can also turn your dip into a creamy sauce by adding more water—perfect for pasta, nachos, or veggies.

Not only is cashew cream cheese delicious, but it's also keto-friendly! Cream cheese, in general, is a great addition to a ketogenic diet due to its low net carb content. It provides beneficial fats, proteins, and essential nutrients like phosphorus and Vitamin B-6. So, you can indulge in this creamy dip without worrying about exceeding your carb limits.

So, the next time you're looking for a tasty appetizer or snack, give cashew cream cheese a try. It's easy to make, highly customizable, and keto-approved! Get creative with your flavor combinations and enjoy this rich and creamy treat with your favorite dippers.

Cashew cream cheese as a spread

Cashew cream cheese is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or are looking for dairy-free alternatives. It's also perfect if you're simply looking to experiment with new flavours and textures.

To make cashew cream cheese, you'll need raw cashews, water, and lemon juice. Start by soaking the cashews in water for 4-6 hours or overnight. This step is crucial, as it helps the cashews blend more easily and adds the necessary moisture to the mixture. After soaking, remember to drain and rinse the cashews before blending them with lemon juice and a little water. You can also add salt to taste. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

The resulting cashew cream cheese is a soft cheese with a texture similar to ricotta or cottage cheese. It makes an excellent spread and can be paired with various keto-friendly options. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Keto Pizza: Spread the cashew cream cheese on a keto pizza crust for a delicious and satisfying meal.
• Keto Crackers: Enjoy the cheese with some keto crackers for a crunchy and creamy snack.
• Dark Chocolate: Indulge in a unique flavour combination by pairing the cheese with 100% dark chocolate.
• Fruits and Vegetables: For a sweet treat, dip fruit pieces like berries or apple slices into the cashew cream cheese. Alternatively, spread it on crispbread or crackers and top with vegetables for a savoury option.

When it comes to customising the flavour of your cashew cream cheese, the possibilities are endless. Here are some suggestions:

• Savoury: Add your favourite spice blend, such as garlic and Za'atar spices, sun-dried tomatoes with Italian spices, or kalamata olives and oregano for a Greek-inspired dip.
• Sweet: Experiment with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin spice blend. You can also add vanilla stevia or cocoa powder and stevia for a chocolate dip.

Remember, while cashews have a relatively high-carb content compared to other nuts, you can still include them in your keto diet in moderation. Enjoy your cashew cream cheese spread in small portions, and be mindful of your total daily carb intake.

Frequently asked questions