Homemade Vegan Substitutes for Dairy Cream and Other Dairy Products

As more people embrace plant-based diets for health, ethical, or environmental reasons, the demand for vegan alternatives to traditional dairy products has skyrocketed. 

Thankfully, you don’t have to rely solely on shop-bought options. Making your own vegan substitutes at home can be both satisfying and cost-effective. Here are some easy and delicious homemade substitutes for dairy cream and other dairy products.

Vegan Cream Substitutes

1. Cashew Cream

Cashew cream is incredibly versatile and can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

250g raw cashews

177ml water (or more for a thinner consistency)

1-2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional, for a tangy flavour)

A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Soak the cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse them.

Blend the cashews with water until smooth and creamy.

Add lemon juice and salt if desired.

Store in the fridge for up to a week.

2. Coconut Cream

Coconut cream is rich and perfect for desserts and curries.

Ingredients:

1 can of full-fat coconut milk (chilled overnight)

Instructions:

Open the can without shaking it.

Scoop out the solidified coconut cream from the top, leaving the liquid behind.

Whip the coconut cream with a mixer until it’s fluffy.

Vegan Milk Substitutes

1. Almond Milk

Almond milk is a popular dairy milk alternative and is easy to make at home.

Ingredients:

250g almonds

 946.353ml water

1-2 dates (optional, for sweetness)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

Soak almonds overnight. Drain and rinse.

Blend almonds with water until smooth.

Strain the mixture using a nut milk bag or cheesecloth.

Sweeten with dates and vanilla if desired.

Store in the fridge for up to four days.

2. Oat Milk

Oat milk is creamy and great for coffee or baking.

Ingredients:

250g rolled oats

946g water

A pinch of salt

1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions:

Blend oats with water and salt until smooth.

Strain through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth.

Sweeten with maple syrup if desired.

Store in the fridge for up to five days.

Vegan Cheese Substitutes

1. Nut Cheese

Nut cheese is a tasty and satisfying substitute for traditional cheese.

Ingredients:

260g raw cashews or almonds

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 garlic clove

Salt to taste

Water, as needed

Instructions:

Soak the nuts overnight. Drain and rinse.

Blend the nuts with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.

Add water gradually until you reach a creamy consistency.

Store in the fridge for up to a week.

2. Tofu Ricotta

Tofu ricotta is perfect for lasagne and stuffed shells.

Ingredients

1 block firm tofu, drained

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Crumble the tofu into a bowl.

Mix in the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Stir until the mixture resembles ricotta cheese.

Store in the fridge for up to five days.

Vegan Butter Substitute

1. Coconut Oil and Olive Oil Mix

This mix is great for spreading and cooking.

Ingredients:

118g coconut oil (solid at room temperature)

118g olive oil

Instructions:

Blend the coconut oil and olive oil until smooth.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

2. Nut and Seed Butter

Nut and seed butters, like almond or sunflower seed butter, can be used as a spread.

Ingredients:

236g nuts or seeds of your choice

A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Roast the nuts or seeds if desired.

Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a pinch of salt to taste.

Store in an airtight container.

Creating your own vegan dairy substitutes at home can be easy and rewarding. These alternatives not only allow you to control the ingredients but also often taste fresher and more delicious than store-bought versions. Experiment with these recipes and enjoy the rich, creamy textures and flavours in your plant-based cooking. Happy vegan cooking!