If you’re lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy, you’ve likely felt left out when your friends order cheese-laden appetizers or creamy desserts. But even if you don’t have dietary restrictions, you might still choose to skip dairy for ethical or environmental reasons.
Fortunately, there are more plant-based alternatives to dairy than ever before. Here are some of our favorite vegan substitutes for sour cream and crema—you won’t miss the dairy with these delicious and creamy options.
Cashew-Based Vegan Sour Cream
Soaked cashews are the base of many vegan sour cream recipes. The soaking process softens the cashews and allows them to blend into a creamy texture.
Pro tip: Add more water to the blender as needed to get the desired consistency. A few tablespoons of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar will also add tanginess.
For added flavor, consider blending in minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs.
Coconut-Derived Vegan Crema
Coconut-based crema is naturally thick and creamy, making it a great vegan alternative to sour cream. Plus, it’s delicious in both sweet and savory dishes.
To make coconut crema, blend together full-fat coconut milk, a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. (You can also add a little garlic powder and onion powder for savory dishes.) Add more vinegar for a tangier crema.
You may need to experiment with different brands of coconut milk to find one that masks the coconut flavor well. Some people also recommend refrigerating the can of coconut milk overnight before making the crema, so the cream rises to the top.
Other Vegan Sour Cream and Crema Options
There are many other plant-based milks and ingredients that can be used to make vegan sour cream and crema.
- Tofu-based sour cream: Blend together 12 ounces of silken tofu with 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 to 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
- Almond-based sour cream: Blend together 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, 1/2 cup of raw almonds, 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Macadamia nut crema: Blend together 1/2 cup of macadamia nuts, 1/4 cup of unsweetened plant-based milk, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Incorporating Vegan Sour Cream and Crema
Vegan sour cream and crema are delicious in a variety of dishes.
- Use them as a base for dips and dressings.
- Top tacos, nachos, and enchiladas with vegan sour cream.
- Blend them into smoothies and desserts.
- Use them in baking recipes as a substitute for butter or milk.
Note: If you are baking with vegan sour cream, you may need to adjust the liquid-to-dry ingredient ratio in your recipe. Experiment with adding a little extra flour or oats to the batter to offset the added liquid.
Experiment and Find Your Favorite
There are many vegan sour cream and crema recipes out there, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite. You might even want to throw a dairy-free fiesta and ask your friends to bring their favorite dairy-free sour cream or crema recipes to try.
1. Introduction
The article discusses the challenges of being lactose intolerant or having a dairy allergy and the ethical, environmental, and health reasons for avoiding dairy. It introduces the concept of plant-based alternatives to sour cream and crema and highlights the versatility and deliciousness of these vegan options.
2. Cashew-Based Vegan Sour Cream
This section explains how soaked cashews can be blended into a creamy texture with the addition of lemon juice or vinegar for tanginess. It also suggests adding other ingredients like garlic, herbs, and spices for flavor.
3. Coconut-Derived Vegan Crema
This part describes the benefits of using coconut milk as a base for vegan crema due to its natural thickness and creaminess. It also provides tips on masking the coconut taste and enhancing the tanginess.
4. Other Vegan Sour Cream and Crema Options
This section introduces alternative plant-based milks and ingredients like tofu, almonds, and macadamia nuts as bases for vegan sour cream and crema. It provides recipes and quantities for each option.
5. Incorporating Vegan Sour Cream and Crema
This part discusses the various ways to use vegan sour cream and crema in cooking and baking, including in Mexican-inspired dishes, dips, dressings, baked goods, and desserts. It also offers tips on adjusting recipes to accommodate the new ingredient.
6. Conclusion
The article summarizes the importance of vegan sour cream and crema alternatives and encourages readers to explore different plant-based options to find their favorite. It emphasizes the versatility and deliciousness of these vegan options.