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    Home » Popular » Dips, Sauces, and Condiments

    Homemade Vegan Sour Cream

    Published Feb 1, 2021 · Updated May 21, 2021 · 3 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    Creamy, tangy vegan sour cream made with cashews.

    A jar full of dairy-free sour cream made with cashews.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Equipment Needed
    • Type of Cashews to Use
    • Adaptations
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    Is this really a vegan food blog without a recipe for vegan sour cream?

    The ingredients are simple - and you likely have most of them in your kitchen right now. Just raw cashews, lemon juice, ACV, and salt.

    The trick to creamy cashew sour cream is to soak the cashews so they get nice and soft. See this post for more info & 3 methods on soaking cashews: How to Soak Cashews.

    If you have a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, soaking may not even be necessary but if you aren't sure, it can only help! The softer the cashew, the creamier the sour cream.

    Add this dairy-free sour cream onto black bean tacos, swirl it into tomato soup, use it as a dip for veggies, and drizzle on top of black bean enchiladas or vegan tofu fajitas!

    Ingredients for making vegan sour cream (cashews, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, water, and salt.)
    You just need 5 simple ingredients to make this vegan sour cream recipe.

    Ingredients

    • Cashews: Raw is best. See the section below for more details.
    • Water
    • Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar: Both add a tangy element. You can use just lemon juice and omit the ACV if you prefer.
    • Salt

    Equipment Needed

    I recommend using a food processor to make this recipe. A food processor tends to get less "clogged up" than a blender when making thick recipes, such as this one.

    I've used this inexpensive Hamilton Beach Food Processor for years and love it.

    You can use a blender if that's all you have, but it may take longer. Sometimes it helps to make a double batch so there is more substance for the blender to work with and move around.

    With either machine, you will have to scrape down the sides often. I use a basic silicone spatula.

    Freshly made in a food processor.
    A food processor makes the creamiest cashew sour cream.

    Type of Cashews to Use

    The recommended cashews to use for making the best vegan sour cream are raw cashews.

    If you are in a pinch, you can use roasted cashews but the flavor will be different - the "roasted" element will really come through. Raw cashews are pretty neutral, which is perfect for sour cream.

    Trying to go vegan? Sign up for our (FREE) Vegan Beginner's Guide!

    Adaptations

    • Out of apple cider vinegar? Just omit it! I do not recommend replacing the lemon juice with ACV though.
    • Lime juice: I love making this recipe with lime juice instead of lemon juice, especially if I'm using it on tacos.
    • Cashew-free sour cream: Use silken tofu and omit the water. If I'm in a pinch, I also like to add a little water and lemon juice to store-bought vegan cream cheese for a cheater-method.
    Overhead look of sour cream in a Weck jar.

    Try this vegan ricotta made from tofu next!

    Did you enjoy this recipe? Please leave a comment and a ⭐ star review below!

    Recipe

    Vegan Sour Cream

    Karissa Besaw
    Easy vegan sour cream recipe using cashews.
    4.06 from 17 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Condiment
    Cuisine Vegan
    Servings 16
    Calories 45 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup raw cashews soaked and drained
    • ¾ cup water
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Instructions
     

    • Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Using a food processor is easiest, but any blender will work. Scrape down the sides as necessary. Add more water if needed to get the consistency you want.

    Notes

    The recipe makes about 1-1¼ cup total. Nutrition facts are applicable to approximately per tablespoon.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 45kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 38mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 1mg
    Did you try this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    About Karissa

    Hey! I’m happy you’re here! My name is Karissa and I’ve been cooking up delicious vegan food since going vegan in 2016. Not vegan and just want to eat more plants? We don't judge - everyone is welcome in our kitchen. Read more...

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    Welcome to Karissa's Vegan Kitchen! I’m happy you’re here! My name is Karissa and I’ve been cooking up delicious vegan food since going vegan in 2016. Not vegan and just want to eat more plants? We don't judge - everyone is welcome in our kitchen.

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