Is there any nut more versatile, more agile, or more beloved than the cashew? I don’t want to hear a word from the peanut gallery; everyone knows those are really legumes, after all. Curved like oversized commas, a buttery, toasted cashew could give any hungry eater pause, too. I had been so enamored with the tropical nuts that at one point, I wanted to write a cookbook called, Cashews Are Magic. While this never came to pass, their enchanting powers still hold true.

The magic lies in their textural transformation. Soak raw cashews, and they soften into a dreamy canvas for creamy sauces, dips, and vegan cheeses. Imagine a luxuriously rich Alfredo sauce or a velvety cashew queso, all dairy-free and deeply decadent. Don’t forget cheesecakes, both raw and baked, or mousses of every flavor.

Neutral or subtly nutty in flavor, cashews don’t need to be the star of the show to shine. That strong foundation complements everything from chocolate to berries, herbs to chilies, without any misgivings.

Incredibly shelf-stable, requiring no refrigeration until soaked, there’s no excuse for being without cashews at all times. They’re an essential pantry staple, ready to whip into a creamy creation at a moment’s notice. Plus, with a healthy dose of plant-based protein and essential fats, cashews have both brains and beauty, keeping you satiated and energized.

Don’t underestimate the humble cashew. It’s a nutrient-rich ingredient with a chameleon-like ability to transform into dairy-free sauces, cheeses, dips, and even decadent desserts. With a little creativity, cashews can become the cornerstone of a delicious and versatile vegan kitchen. While there’s no cookbook on the horizon from me, here are a few of my favorite cashew recipes so far.
Top 20 Cashew Recipes
There's nothing that cashews can't do. From sweet to savory, plant-based dairy to meatless dinners, they're the best nut for the job. Here are a few of my favorite cashew recipes.
Heat ‘n Eat Creamy Tomato Bisque
Whole cashews are cooked right into the mix for this almost instant blend, transforming humble broth and vegetables into an impossibly luscious, creamy bisque. Fire-roasted and sun-dried tomatoes join forces to lend a robust, full-bodied tomato flavor that tastes like it spent all day simmering on the stove; only you need to know it needed just a few minutes in the pressure cooker.
Protein Fudge
Rich, but not overwhelmingly so, crunchy cacao nibs punctuate the soft texture, much like chocolate chips strewn through unbaked cookie dough. A thin sheet of dark, slightly bitter chocolate caps off each small square with just the right extra dose of decadence, although it's strictly optional if you're more of a protein purist. Eaten straight out of the fridge, there are few tastier yet still healthy tidbits out there that can power me through a long day.
Sweet and Salty Balsamic Cashews
These candied cashews are tangy from a healthy dose of balsamic vinegar and just a touch spicy thanks to a little pinch of cayenne and paprika.
Vegan Stove Top Mac & Cheese 2.0
Make your own velvety cheese sauce that's even better than the box, without any dairy or gluten. Is this the best vegan mac and cheese recipe on earth? I'm not saying that... But you just might.
Cashew Parmesan
You'll want to keep this versatile savory sprinkle on hand at all times. it comes together in the blink of an eye and satisfies any cheesy cravings in an instant.
Beluga Lentil-Stuffed Delicata Squash with Cashew Raita
Infused with an aromatic blend of cumin, mustard seeds, and jalapeno, this entree is guaranteed to spice up the traditional feast. Complimenting that distinctive piquancy is a creamy cashew-based raita, replete with cooling mint leaves and crisp diced cucumber.
Vegan Brie with Raspberry-Balsamic Chutney
Easy, cheesy, sweet, and savory, this homemade vegan brie with raspberry balsamic chutney topping has it all going on. Guaranteed to wow at holiday gatherings, it's practically a party all by itself, no matter what time of year you serve it!
Truffled Avocado Toast Tart
Take avocado toast and elevate it to gourmet status, lavished with truffles and luxurious dollops of cashew ricotta, in such abundance that it would be a crime to keep it to yourself. Buttery, bright green avocados take on a greater degree of decadence, heightened by the intense, earthy, almost nutty notes of truffles. This savory tart is fit for a party and is sure to steal the spotlight.
Gnocchi Dauphinoise
Dauphinoise potatoes typically layers thinly sliced spuds in a casserole concoction, so potato-based gnocchi is a natural extension of the concept. Those savory, subtly salty flavors meld into an effortless indulgence.
Queso Rangoons
Crispy air fried wontons are the perfect vehicle to double down on gooey, spicy, cheesy vegan queso! You'll never be able to go back to regular old chips and dip after serving a platter of these golden beauties.
Herbed Cashew Cheese
This Herbed Cashew Cheese is a decadent and creamy homemade dairy-free cheese alternative. Spread it on toast or crackers as thickly as you please!
Strawberry and Rose Tartlettes
Layered with a crimson strawberry curd at the bottom and a rich rose-scented pastry cream on top, each bite is accented by a crunchy chocolate crust containing the harmonious duo. Delicate, fragrant candied rose petals are truly the icing on the cake, or tartlette, as it were.
Carrot Cashew Noodles
Raw, vegetable-based noodles are the key to beating the heat and simultaneously lightening up this satisfying savory treat. Delicate strands of carrots and cucumbers mingle together in crisp tangles of “pasta,” as vibrant as they are flavorful. Inspired by classic cold sesame noodles, the Chinese takeout staple has graced my table countless times but never in such a fresh format.
Tofu Ricotta-Stuffed Delicata
Delicata, tender and sweet, ideal for stuffing and roasting. Creamy tofu-based ricotta make the perfect savory filling that both highlights and harmonizes with that edible vessel.
Sri Lankan-Inspired Cashew Curry
Quick, comforting, warm, and flavorful, this unique curry features soaked cashews that take on a creamy yet toothsome texture. It's a rich and satisfying dish for any day of the week.
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
Step up your standard pumpkin pie and turn it into a decadent yet healthy vegan cheesecake! This approach skips the packaged ingredients, processed sugars, and all sorts of fillers in favor or real, fresh flavor. Get all of the goodness without compromises.
Apples and Honey Semifreddo
Keep things light and refreshing with a semifreddo, which is essentially a sliceable loaf of no-churn ice cream. Dotted with tender spiced apples and drizzled with vegan honey, it's a real showstopper that only looks complicated to make.
Cashew (Coconut) Joy
Inspired by Almond Joy candy bars, this vegan copy cat version uses cashews instead.
Chocolate and Raspberry Mousse
Rich avocados create the buttery base for a bitter dark chocolate mousse. On top, fresh berries contribute a jammy, tart, and tangy flavor, balancing out the sweetness with elegance. The whipped cream seals the deal, completing the combo with a cloud of velvety coconut foam.
Curried Cashew and Coconut Brittle
Pushing the boundary between sweet and savory with curry infused into sugared coconuts and cashews, this simple candy is a welcome change of pace that reminds me of a tropical escape.
love them!
I had no idea you could make so many things with cashews – they are magical. I am delighted you do rounds ups once in awhile as you have so many recipes on your site it is nice to see the ones we have missed.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the roundups! Even I forget what recipes I’ve made, and I hate having all that great content go to waste.
My husband loves cashews and would really enjoy the candied cashews I’m sure.
Cashews are amazing and thanks for so much recipe inspiration!
What has happened to your blog, RunPlantBased?
There hasn’t been any updates since April.
The collection of recipes you’ve curated showcases just how dynamic cashews can be, from savory dishes like Cashew Parmesan and Sri Lankan-Inspired Cashew Curry to indulgent treats like Protein Fudge and No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake. It’s clear that cashews are indeed magical in the kitchen!
That’s the truth! No wonder they’re so prized, especially in plant-based kitchens. They really can do it all!