5-Ingredient Homemade Vanilla Cashew Milk Recipe
Looking for a creamy dairy-free milk that actually tastes good and supports your active lifestyle? Made with only 5 ingredients, this vanilla cashew milk may be your new kitchen staple!
Whether you’re blending it into your morning smoothie, pouring it over oats, or adding it to your post-workout recovery shake, this vanilla cashew milk recipe is super easy to make, versatile, and way more delicious than most store-bought nut milks.
Athlete Notes:
Endurance athletes need real, nutrient-dense foods to support energy, performance, and recovery. Cashews are:
Rich in healthy fats for sustained energy.
Naturally hydrating when blended with water and electrolytes like sea salt.
Anti-inflammatory, thanks to magnesium and antioxidants.
Brain-boosting, thanks to essential amino acids and minerals.
This nut milk may also be easier on digestion than many store-bought versions that may include gums, preservatives, and additives.
Homemade Cashew Milk Recipe
Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Soy-Free
INGREDIENTS
1 cup whole raw cashews (soaked for one hour and drained)
Vanilla extract ½ tsp
Sea salt 1 pinch
Coconut oil 2 tsp
Maple syrup 1 tsp + (to taste)
Filtered water
DIRECTIONS
Soak the cashews for at least 1 hour (or overnight for extra creamy texture). Drain and rinse well.
Add the soaked cashews, vanilla extract, sea salt, coconut oil, maple syrup, and filtered water up to the 4-cup line in your blender.
Blend on high for 1–2 minutes, until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Add a bit more maple syrup or a date if you’d like.
Pour into a glass jar (like a mason jar) or container with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Tips for the Creamiest Homemade Nut Milk
Want the silkiest, smoothest texture for your homemade nut milk? These tips will help you make creamy vanilla cashew milk every time:
Use a high-speed blender. A good blender helps break down the cashews completely. No straining needed!
Make sure to get raw, whole unsalted cashews
Soak cashews well. Soaking softens the cashews and helps create that thick, rich texture.
Add coconut oil. It gives your milk a luscious mouthfeel and richness, especially great for post-run or post-ride fuel.
Sweeten mindfully. Start small with maple syrup and build up. You can even use dates, honey (if not vegan), or leave it unsweetened!
Add cinnamon or nutmeg. For a cozy, spiced twist that pairs great with oatmeal or coffee.
How to Use This Creamy Vanilla Cashew Milk
This creamy cashew milk isn’t just for pouring in your coffee (though it’s delicious for that too). Here’s how our runners and cyclists are loving it:
Post-Workout Smoothie Base: Add a scoop of protein powder, frozen banana, and spinach for recovery.
Pour Over Oats: A fiber-packed, blood-sugar-friendly breakfast.
DIY Protein Hot Cocoa: Heat it with cocoa and your favorite sweetener, so good.
Blend with Berries for a Recovery Shake
Latte or Cold Brew Mixer: Gives a subtle nutty sweetness to your brew. So good in a matcha latte too!
Cashew Milk Chia Pudding: Creamier than almond or oat milk!
Frequently Asked Questions About Vanilla Cashew Milk
Is this cashew milk recipe dairy free and vegan?
Yes! This homemade cashew milk is 100% dairy-free, vegan, egg-free and fully plant-based. It’s a perfect milk alternative for those with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities.
Do I need to strain cashew milk like other nut milks?
Nope! One of the best things about cashew milk is that it blends up super smooth. No cheesecloth, no mess, no waste. You get to keep all the fiber and nutrients.
Can I use roasted cashews instead of raw?
You can, but it’s not recommended. Roasted cashews can give the milk a toasted, slightly bitter flavor and won’t blend as smooth. Stick to raw cashews for the creamiest result.
Can I flavor this differently?
Totally! Try adding cinnamon, cacao powder, a few medjool dates, or even a pinch of sea salt and espresso powder for a fun twist. This is your base to get creative with!
Is homemade cashew milk better than store bought?
Yes, in more ways than one! Making your own cashew milk at home gives you full control over quality, cost, and flavor:
It’s often cheaper when you buy cashews in bulk, especially from warehouse stores or online. One bag of raw cashews can make multiple batches of creamy milk and you’ll skip the cost of packaging and branding.
Fewer ingredients. Store-bought cashew milk usually includes preservatives, gums, thickeners, and oils. When you make it yourself, you only need five real-food ingredients.
Totally customizable. Want it sweeter? Add more maple syrup or a date. Prefer it spiced? Toss in cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cacao. You can make it exactly how you like it, no one-size-fits-all formula here.
Final Thoughts
This 5-Ingredient Homemade Vanilla Cashew Milk is everything you want in a nut milk, rich, creamy, dairy-free, and super easy to make. Whether you're pouring it over oats, blending it into smoothies, or sipping it straight from the glass, this homemade cashew milk is a total game-changer. Plus, it's a great way to save money, skip unnecessary additives, and get that perfect flavor every time!
Comment below if you tried this recipe and let me know how it turned out, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
