Vegan cream cheese is a delightful alternative to traditional cream cheese, offering a creamy texture and rich flavor without any animal products. Making vegan cream cheese at home is not only possible but also quite simple. With a few key ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can create a delicious spread that’s perfect for bagels, sandwiches, and recipes. Here’s how you can make your own vegan cream cheese.
Choosing the Base
The first step in making vegan cream cheese is to choose the right base. The most popular bases are nuts and seeds because they provide the creamy texture and fat content necessary for a good cream cheese. Cashews are a favorite due to their mild flavor and creamy texture when blended. Almonds, macadamia nuts, and sunflower seeds are also excellent choices. Each nut or seed offers a slightly different flavor and texture, so you might want to experiment to find your favorite.
Preparation of Nuts or Seeds
Before you can turn your chosen nuts or seeds into cream cheese, they need to be prepared properly. This usually involves soaking them in water for several hours, or overnight. Soaking helps to soften them, which makes blending easier and also aids in digestion. After soaking, drain the nuts or seeds and rinse them thoroughly.
Blending Ingredients
Once your base is ready, it’s time to blend. Transfer the soaked nuts or seeds to a high-speed blender. Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to start with. The amount of water needed can vary depending on the type of nut or seed used and your desired consistency. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth, which might take a few minutes. For a tangier flavor, which is characteristic of traditional cream cheese, you can add a tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
To enhance the flavor, you can also add salt to taste. If you prefer a sweeter cream cheese, a bit of agave syrup or maple syrup can be blended in as well. The key is to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences.
Adding Probiotics for Fermentation
If you want your vegan cream cheese to have the slight tang and fermentative qualities of dairy cream cheese, adding a probiotic capsule can achieve this. After blending your nuts and initial ingredients, simply open up a probiotic capsule and pour the powder into the mix. Stir it with a spoon rather than blending to keep the probiotics alive. Cover the mixture and let it sit at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours. This step is optional but adds a depth of flavor that closely mimics traditional cream cheese.
Customizing Your Cream Cheese
One of the joys of homemade vegan cream cheese is the ability to customize it to your taste. You can add fresh herbs like dill or chives to create a savory spread. For a sweet version, consider blending in fresh berries or a dash of vanilla extract. Garlic, nutritional yeast, and smoked paprika can be added for more savory variations. The possibilities are endless, and you can create multiple flavors from one base batch.
Storing Vegan Cream Cheese
After blending and customizing your vegan cream cheese, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. You may notice that the cream cheese thickens further after a day or two in the fridge, which can make it even more spreadable and enjoyable.
Making vegan cream cheese at home is a simple and rewarding process. It allows you to enjoy a plant-based version of a beloved condiment, tailored to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether spread on a warm bagel or used in recipes, homemade vegan cream cheese is a versatile and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire.