5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (2024)

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4.9 stars (from 47 ratings)

By Traci York125 Comments / Jump to Recipe

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Rich, creamy, dairy-free, this cashew milk easy to make and it needs no straining (a triumph!)! This Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe is my go-to milk for every day, perfect to enjoy alone or in sweet and savory recipes. This recipe is vegetarian, vegan and gluten free.

5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (6)

Table of Contents

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.You’re going to love it!

Quick Guide: How to Make Cashew Milk

Quick to whip up with just a bit of planning, here’s how to make this cashew milk recipe (see recipe card below for details):

  • First, soak the cashews in very hot water for up to 15 minutes (for quick cashew milk), or soak overnight.
  • 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 for about 30 seconds until smooth and creamy.

Although I’ve not experienced this Vitamix, if you find your cashew milk still has some chunks, strain the solids out using a nut milk bag, cheese cloth or other fine strainer. Transfer to a Mason jar or other storage container and enjoy.

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 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 or for an Earl Grey 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 about like 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.

5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (7)

A Few Cashew Nut Milk Tips

  • A high-speed blender is a must for nut milk. To get the cashews perfectly smooth, I use Vitamix. You don’t have to strain the blended cashews, if using a VitaMix so all the fiber and nutrients are retained. Just soak the cashews overnight at room temperature water, then blend.
  • For Quick Cashew Milk: soak the cashews for 15 minutes in very hot water, rise, 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.
  • Look for cashews in the bulk bins, organic and fair trade if available.
  • You’ll want to use this milk pretty quick, within 3 days or it starts to sour. A half batch can be made as well.
  • Shake it Up! After storing, you’ll notice how the cashew milk separates. Give the cashew milk a good shake each time before using.

Recipes to Enjoy Cashew Milk With

Breakfast:

  • Maple Pecan Granola
  • Sourdough Vegan Pancakes
  • Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
  • Banana-Oat Pecan Waffles
  • Dutch Baby
  • Sourdough Biscuits
  • Sourdough Oat Pancakes
  • Banana Oat Muffins – Gluten Free – Vegan

Sweets:

  • Mocha Shake
  • Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Cake
  • Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate
  • Gluten Free Pastry for Apple Pie
  • Cranberry Orange Sourdough Scones

Savory:

  • Creamy Parmesan Orzo Pasta with Mushrooms
  • Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
  • Corn and Zucchini Fritters
  • Roasted Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
  • Sourdough Oatmeal Bread
  • Creamy White Bean Parmesan and Mushroom Orzo
  • Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
  • Cottage Pie
  • Stovetop Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
  • Gluten Free Cornbread

Drinks:

  • Use a frothing wand to make the creamiest lattes.
  • Cold Brew Coffee
  • Vanilla Earl Grey Tea with Milk

5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (8)

Print Recipe

5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe

Servings:5 1/2 C (1.08kg)

Calories:172kcal

Author:Traci York

Quick and easy, Cashew Milk is a rich and creamy non-dairy milk to enjoy with porridge, chia pudding, and lattes'. Play with the level of sweetness to taste.

*See blog post for more tips, how to use your cashew milk and recipe notes!

Ingredients

  • 1 C (160g) Raw Cashews
  • 2 Medjool Dates pitted*, or 3 tsp of maple, honey or agave.
  • 3 1/2 C (800g) Water**
  • 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 tsp Cinnamon optional

Instructions

  • Soak the cashews in very hot water for 15 minutes 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

*Adjust to taste and use sweetener of choice.

**For thinner milk use 4 C (912g) water.

Nutrition is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate. If this information is important to you, please have it verified independently.

Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 128mg | Potassium: 237mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 2mg

Made It? Leave a comment below! The most helpful comment may include recipe rating, feedback, any modifications and/or helping other commenters. On Instagram? Take a snap of your make and share, tagging @VanillaAndBean #VanillaAndBean!

You might also like:

Maple Pecan Granola
Vegan Nog Smoothie
15-Minute Creamy Oatmeal
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  1. 5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (14)Jodi Shaw

    Incredible! So smooth and creamy with a burst of flavor. My entire family loved. No added it to my coffee. So tasty! I wish I could add a photo :)

    Reply

    • 5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (15)Traci York

      Thank you for your note, Jodi! Hooray for tasty cashew milk. SO glad everyone approved!

      Reply

  2. 5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (16)Pam Richason

    5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (17)
    I just made it and I love the taste. I think I have found my new favorite milk.

    Reply

    • 5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (18)Traci York

      Hooray! I love this discovery, Pam. Thank you for your note and five star review!

      Reply

  3. 5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (19)Sabrina

    5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (20)
    Quick, easy, and yummy. So much better homemade. Thank you,

    Reply

    • 5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (21)Traci York

      Hi Sabrina! Hooray! Yes, yes… couldn’t agree more. Thank you for your note and five star review!

      Reply

  4. 5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (22)MarilynbGruber

    5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (23)
    Your quick method using hot water to make cashew milk is delicious. I followed the recipe using the dates vanilla, and cinnamon except I eliminated the salt. If you want a super fast, simple way to make your own non-dairy milk that tastes great,try this recipe.

    Reply

    • 5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (24)Traci York

      Hi Marilyn! Thank youuuu for your note, and a five star review. So excited you’re enjoying the recipe!

      Reply

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5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (2024)

FAQs

How long does homemade cashew milk last? ›

Homemade cashew milk lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. Though I think it's best consumed within the first 2-3 days. You can halve this recipe if you don't think you'll use it all up. You can also make a full batch and pour any extra into a silicone ice cube tray and freeze for future use.

Why not to drink cashew milk? ›

The Downside of Cashew Milk

One downside is that it doesn't have as much protein as cow's milk or even almond milk. So if you're looking for a protein-rich drink, cashew milk might not be the best choice. Additionally, because it's made from nuts, it can be a trigger food for those with nut allergies.

What are the ingredients in cashew milk? ›

Cashewmilk (Filtered Water, Cashews), Contains 2% or Less of: Almonds, Vitamin and Mineral Blend (Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Acetate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D2), Salt, Locust Bean Gum, Natural Flavor, Gellan Gum, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C To Protect Freshness).

Why do you soak cashews for cashew milk? ›

From a practical standpoint, soaking cashews primes them for blending and increases the volume of cashew milk; Cashes inflate and soften as they soak, aiding their quick disintegration and thorough emulsification with water for the creamiest, dreamiest milk.

How to tell if homemade cashew milk is bad? ›

For example, it may turn yellow, form clumps, or become thicker. These are signs of spoilage, and you should discard the milk immediately. If you have a larger batch of cashew milk, pour it into an airtight container or ice cube tray and store it in the freezer for three to six months.

Is homemade cashew milk good for you? ›

The Bottom Line. Made from whole cashews and water, cashew milk is lactose-free and loaded with heart-healthy unsaturated fats, protein, and several vitamins and minerals. Drinking this type of milk may boost heart health, improve blood sugar control, promote eye health, and more.

Is cashew milk bad for your gut? ›

Cashew milk is a creamy and delicious plant milk option. While it's not as high in protein as soy, it is a source of healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats can support a healthy gut lining and promote better nutrient absorption. However, like almond milk, it may lack the prebiotic fiber found in other options.

Why does cashew milk hurt my stomach? ›

Some people may have tree-nut allergies including cashew allergies. They may develop symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and indigestion when consuming cashews. Nuts, including cashews, are high in fats, which slow down the emptying stomach.

Is cashew milk inflammatory? ›

Cashew milk may help to balance your blood sugar levels. Thanks to its antioxidants, it may lower inflammation and boost your immune system. It may also benefit your eye health thanks to eye-friendlylutein, and zeaxanthin.

Which nut milk is the healthiest? ›

For overall nutrition profile, however, almond milk and cashew milk top our list. In an extremely low-calorie package, one cup of each contains approximately 25 to 50 percent of your day's calcium and 25 percent of your daily vitamin D.

Does cashew milk spike insulin? ›

Cashews and Blood Sugar

An ounce of cashews has a glycemic index (GI) of 25. This is considered to be a low GI, meaning that cashews are not likely to significantly raise your blood sugar when eaten in moderate amounts. Research shows that cashews may actually be beneficial for blood glucose.

Why is there a cashew milk shortage? ›

COVID-19 caused disruptions in global supply chains, affecting various industries, including food production and distribution. These disruptions impacted the availability of cashew milk products, potentially leading to supply shortages or production challenges.

Why did my cashews turn purple? ›

Soaking can make the nuts more digestible, but cashew nuts only need three to four hours soaking or they start to turn purple. This is because their skins have been exposed to heat during their processing, even if they are raw. Soak the cashew nuts in filtered water for three to four hours.

Does homemade cashew milk froth? ›

A blend of raw macadamia nuts, cashews, and sliced almonds makes for a mellow flavour and super creamy textured milk that froths really well. The nuts plump up significantly after an 8 hour soak in water. I blend water and soaked nuts until a frothy milk results, after about 1 minute of blending.

Which is better, almond milk or cashew milk? ›

One cup of unsweetened almond milk is typically going to contain 40 calories, 1 gram of protein, 3 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbs, and 1 gram of fiber. On the other hand, one cup of cashew milk is going to contain fewer calories at 25, less than 1 gram of protein, 2 grams of fat, 1 gram of carbs, and 0 grams of fiber.

How long do homemade nut milks last? ›

We find that on average, DIY almond milk lasts 4-5 days. If it becomes sour before then, make sure to fully sterilize your equipment before use by running it through the dishwasher or pouring boiling water in your jars (make sure the jars aren't too cold when you do this or they may crack).

Can you drink cashew milk after 10 days? ›

However, once opened, they need to be refrigerated and consumed within seven to 10 days. By comparison, shelf-stable cow's milk lasts for only four to seven days in the refrigerator after opening. The packaging of your cashew milk also matters.

How to store homemade cashew milk? ›

If your blender can't totally break down the cashews, strain the milk through a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth. Store the milk in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—stir before using.

How long does silk cashew milk last in the fridge? ›

Silk refrigerated beverages and creamers will stay fresh in your refrigerator until the date stamped on the package. Once opened, they need to be consumed within 7 to 10 days. It is not unusual for our products to remain good past the 10-day mark.

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