Vegan Cream

Vegan Cream – 3 Vegan Cream Alternatives

Cream is a very versatile ingredient. It can be used in a whole range of different recipes, both sweet and savoury, as well as being used as a condiment or accompaniment as well.

A warm apple pie isn’t complete without a drizzle of cream! Sauces like creamy peppercorn sauce, or tikka masala just wouldn’t be the same without cream.

However, as great as cream is, the main downside for vegans and people who follow a plant-based diet is the fact that it is not vegan-friendly as it is derived from dairy.

Those following vegan diets and lifestyles are not permitted to consume any produce that is derived from animals, or products that contains animal derived ingredients. For these reasons, dairy is off the menu.

Does this mean, then, that vegans should resign themselves to a life without cream?

Absolutely not! Here are 3 vegan cream alternatives that are just as good, if not better than dairy.

Coconut cream

Starting off today we have coconut cream, and it really couldn’t be easier to make. No, seriously, because all you have to do is open the can.

Coconut cream is already thick so it has the consistency of double cream, though if you do wish to whip it up and thicken it, you can whisk some air into it to give it a light and fluffy texture.

You can use coconut cream in baking, you can add it to soups and curries, and you can simply pour it over your favourite desserts.

Obviously the thing to remember is that it doesn’t have a neutral taste like dairy cream, so it does taste of coconut (which is actually quite delightful).

When used in recipes with a strong taste, the coconut taste is hidden somewhat, or can be used to compliment the ingredients perfectly.

Cashew cream

Cashew nuts are very popular amongst vegans, and plant-based dieters, and rightly so. Cashew nuts are nutty, creamy, and packed full of healthy fats and minerals.

Many vegan cheese sauces use cashew cream as the base, though this cream can be used in desserts as well, as it can be sweetened with sugar, or maple syrup.

Making this cream couldn’t be easier.

Soak ¾ of a cup of cashew nuts in a cup of water to soften them for a couple of hours.

Next, drain the nuts, add them to a blender with around a ¼ of a cup of water and a small pinch of salt, before blending. If you want a thinner cream, just add more water.

Tofu and soy milk cream

Perhaps one of the easiest ways of creating your own vegan cream is to use Tofu and soya milk, or any other plant-based milk for that matter.

Simply combining the two together and blending will give you a fantastic cream substitute, as the tofu thickens the plant-based milk to give it the consistency and texture of dairy cream.

Simply add a block of tofu to a blender with some plant-based milk of your choice, blend, and continue adding the “milk” until you have a consistency you’re happy with.

Or you can save time and buy one of the delicious creams above!

We also feature a delicious range of vegan yoghurts!