Vegan Sour Cream

Just when you thought your delicious plant-based Mexican recipes couldn’t get any better, we come at you with our vegan sour cream!

Whether you want a topping for our satisfying Authentic Mexican Vegan Tortilla Soup or a dip for your nachos, this easy and healthy recipe uses a handful of plant-based ingredients to produce a thick, creamy, tangy sour cream.

This cashew-based recipe is criminally easy to make – within 10 minutes you will have about two cups of the best vegan sour cream.

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What is Sour Cream?

Sour cream is pretty much what the name suggests – a thick cream with a slightly sour flavor. For this reason, it’s used for savory dishes as opposed to desserts.

The earliest kind of sour cream was made when fresh dairy milk was left at room temperature, with cream rising to the surface and turning sour thanks to the presence of bacteria.

While likely to have been first made in eastern Europe, where it is still used as a topping for potatoes, stews and soups, sour cream is now synonymous with Mexican cuisine.

It’s used as a tasty topping or dip for tacos, nachos, chili, burritos… pretty much any dish that needs some cooling cream to complement the spice!

Is Sour Cream Vegan?

No. Sour cream is traditionally made using dairy cream and therefore is not vegan.

However, you already know our recipe is entirely plant-based, of course! We make use of blended cashews for a creamy base with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and nutritional yeast offering the right amount of tang.

Is this Vegan Sour Cream Gluten-Free?

Yes! This recipe is completely gluten-free.

Is Vegan Sour Cream Easy to Make?

Yes, it couldn’t be easier. The steps for this recipe basically consist of gathering and blending all the ingredients together. It takes around 10 minutes from start to finish. Yup, that’s really all there is to it.

What is Vegan Sour Cream Made Of?

Forget dairy – all you need is a handful of delicious plant-based ingredients:

• Cashews  
• Water  
• Lemon juice  
• Nutritional yeast  
• Apple cider vinegar  
• Sea salt  
• Dijon mustard

How to Make Vegan Sour Cream

Place all of your ingredients into a good blender, then blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary. If you find any problems while blending, add a little water (around 1/2 cup at a time).

Taste and adjust the salt as required. Serve immediately or refrigerate to serve later. 

Tips for the Best Vegan Sour Cream

Be sure to use raw cashews instead of the roasted variety. Only raw cashews will deliver the neutral creamy taste this recipe requires – roasted cashews will be too strong in flavor.

For best results, use cashew nuts that have been soaked overnight (or for at least 4 hours). If you are short on time, soak them in boiling water for around 30 minutes.

Feel free to mix up the flavorings to suit your tastes. For example, try replacing lemon juice with lime juice, then add in a little fresh cilantro for a sour cream that goes perfectly with Mexican dishes.

FAQ

How to Store Vegan Sour Cream

You can store this sour cream in a sealed container (like a jar) for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Vegan Sour Cream?

Yes! Cashew-based sauces usually freeze very well. Simply transfer the mixture to an airtight freezer-proof container, then freeze as normal.

You may want to freeze it in ice cube trays first before transferring the cubes to a freezer bag – this will make thawing and portioning slightly easier.

On that note, to thaw it once it is frozen, simply transfer from the freezer to fridge and allow to defrost for a few hours. Give it a good stir before serving.

Can You Make Vegan Sour Cream Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can. It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge. This means you can make it, store it in a jar, then serve it when you are ready.

How Long Does Vegan Sour Cream Last?

When stored correctly in an airtight container, this vegan sour cream will last for up to 3 days in the fridge and up to one month in the freezer.

What’s a Vegan Substitute for Sour Cream?

You’re on the right page! Our cashew-based recipe is the perfect vegan substitute for sour cream – it’s quick, healthy, and delicious. Use a dollop on tacos, chilis, baked potatoes, or anywhere you would use dairy sour cream.

If you aren’t keen on making it yourself, then there are several processed vegan sour creams available in grocery stores, which can work well in your recipes.

Alternatively, you can also try using a thick soy yogurt in lieu of sour cream. Mix it with a little lemon juice and apple cider vinegar for extra tang. Just be sure to choose an unsweetened yoghurt!

If you’re looking for more condiment and sauce recipes, check out:

Vegan Mayonnaise

Vegan Tartar Sauce

Roasted Beet Hummus

Vegan Cream Cheese

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag your photos with @healthiir on Instagram!