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

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4.9 stars (from 46 ratings)

By Traci York123 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
Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich
15-Minute Creamy Oatmeal
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Reader Interactions

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  1. 5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (14)Pam Richason

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

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

      Reply

  2. 5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (17)Sabrina

    5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (18)
    Quick, easy, and yummy. So much better homemade. Thank you,

    Reply

    • 5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (19)Traci York

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

      Reply

  3. 5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (20)MarilynbGruber

    5 Minute Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe (no strain!) | Vanilla And Bean (21)
    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 (22)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.

Does cashew milk spike blood sugar? ›

May Improve Blood Sugar Control

Drinking cashew milk may help with blood sugar control — especially in people with diabetes. Cashews contain compounds that may promote proper blood sugar control in your body.

How to fortify homemade cashew milk? ›

To fortify homemade nut milk: Blend the contents of a supplement capsule into this recipe for cashew milk (like vegan vitamin D, calcium, or B12).

Why is there a shortage of cashew milk? ›

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.

How to know if cashew milk is spoiled? ›

Sometimes, cashew milk may develop mold, foul odors, or changes in color and texture after opening — especially if it wasn't properly stored. For example, it may turn yellow, form clumps, or become thicker. These are signs of spoilage, and you should discard the milk immediately.

What is the longest lasting nut milk? ›

Shelf-stable almond milk has the longest shelf life. If properly stored, it will typically last one to two months unopened and up to 10 days once it's opened and refrigerated.

What are the disadvantages of cashew milk? ›

And even though cashews are rich in protein, the process of turning them into milk generally strips them of it, so the milk contains far less protein than cow's milk. Lastly, cashew milk often comes sweetened to improve the flavor. So if you aren't keen on drinking your sugars, cashew milk might not be for you.

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.

What nut milk is 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.

What are the ingredients in so good cashew milk? ›

Ingredients. Filtered water, ground cashew nuts (3%), cane sugar, mineral (calcium) , emulsifier (sunflower lecithin), salt, natural flavour, mineral salt (sodium bicarbonate), vegetable gum (gellan), antioxidant (ascorbic acid), vitamins (B12, B2, B1), traces of almonds. All ingredients are of non-animal origin.

Why is my cashew milk gritty? ›

Cashew milk in particular is loved for its thick and creamy texture, as well as how easily it can be made at home. If you have tried doing just that, however, and found that your cashew milk is clumpy or grainy instead of smooth and silky, it may be because you need a more powerful blender.

Can I freeze homemade cashew milk? ›

It's best if consumed within 3-5 days. Shake Well: Shake your cashew milk well before using it, as it may naturally separate in the fridge. Freezing: Cashew milk can be frozen in ice cube trays to extend its shelf life, making it easy to use what you need.

Why are cashews controversial? ›

The global cashew nut trade is marred by unsafe and exploitative working conditions, poverty-line wages, and ecologically unsustainable supply chains.

Why is cashew milk so expensive? ›

Why is plant-based milk so expensive? A 2021 report by Mintec discusses several reasons as to why this is the case. Part of the reason is down to production costs. In the US, cattle are mostly kept indoors, increasing energy costs when compared to the UK, European and New Zealand markets.

Is cashew milk healthier than almond milk? ›

For manufacturers, the choice is between the goals of the end product and the target market it is serving. Fortunately, both almond and cashew milk varieties provide a similar nutritional punch and supplement healthy, balanced diets.

How long can you keep homemade nut milk? ›

Homemade almond milk will last in the fridge up to 3-5 days. Always store homemade nut milks in the fridge with a tight lid to keep fresh for longer. Store bought nut milks are pasteurized so they last much longer in the fridge than homemade nut milks.

How to preserve cashew milk? ›

Refrigeration: Store your cashew milk in an airtight container or in glass bottles with a lid in the refrigerator. It's best if consumed within 3-5 days. Shake Well: Shake your cashew milk well before using it, as it may naturally separate in the fridge.

Can you freeze home made cashew milk? ›

Transfer cashew milk to glass jugs or other airtight container. It will keep for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen. Enjoy!

Does nut milk really go bad? ›

Unopened almond milks are generally considered safe to consume for five to seven days past their sell-by days. After opening, assuming you have stored it in the fridge, you have about 10 to 14 days before it starts to turn.

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