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Vegan Crema Fresca AKA Vegan Crème Fraiche
5 from 44 votes

Vegan Crema Fresca AKA Vegan Crème Fraiche

This vegan crema fresca is made by blending raw cashews with water, lime juice, and salt until smooth and creamy. The cashews provide a rich, nutty base that mimics traditional crème fraîche texture and tang. This versatile topping works well on corn, nachos, tacos, soups, chilies, or salads, delivering a fresh, slightly tart, plant-based alternative to dairy creams.

Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 91 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: South American, French

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cashew nuts raw
  • ½-3/4 cup water I like half a cup plus 2 tablespoons, fresh
  • ¼ cup lime juice approx. 1 large lime or 2 small
  • ½ teaspoon salt sea salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add all the ingredients to a high speed blender, like a Vitamix and process until smooth and creamy. Start with half a cup of water and add more 1-2 tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached. (I find half a cup plus two tablespoons to be perfect.)
  2. Serve with corn on the cob, nachos, tacos, soups or chilis or over a salad.

Notes

  • Soaking cashews in hot water for 30 minutes before blending softens them and helps achieve smoother texture if a high-speed blender is unavailable.
  • Refrigerate the crema fresca before serving for best flavor, though it can be enjoyed immediately after making.
  • Nut-free versions can use raw sunflower seeds or pepitas; use unsalted seeds or reduce added salt accordingly.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months for longer preservation.

Nutrition Information

Calories 91cal (5%) Carbohydrates 6g (2%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 148mg (6%) Potassium 115mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 6mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 91

% Daily Value*

Calories 91cal 5%
Carbohydrates 6g 2%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 148mg 6%
Potassium 115mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 6mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.