Homemade Dairy-Free Cashew Coffee Creamer with Mexican Cinnamon
Transform your daily coffee ritual into an extraordinary experience with this exceptionally rich and creamy Homemade Dairy-Free Cashew Coffee Creamer. Forget bland, store-bought alternatives laden with artificial ingredients; our recipe brings you a naturally sweet, lusciously smooth creamer crafted from just a handful of wholesome components. Featuring perfectly roasted cashews and the exquisite, warm notes of toasted Mexican cinnamon, this creamer promises to elevate every single sip. It doesn’t just rival traditional half-and-half; it surpasses it with its velvety texture, profound nutty depth, and an aromatic hint of spice that awakens your senses. Simple to prepare and brimming with nourishing goodness, this homemade delight is more than just a creamer—it’s a little luxury you can enjoy every day, guilt-free.
The comforting embrace of authentic Mexican cinnamon, paired with the unparalleled smoothness of cashews, infuses your morning brew with remarkable warmth and a layer of sophisticated flavor. Each spoonful stirred into your cup will evoke cherished memories of traditional Latin American delights, perhaps the creamy sweetness of a perfectly made atole or the nostalgic comfort of arroz con leche. This creamer is a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly decadent, lusciously creamy, and utterly perfect.
Imagine this velvety concoction swirled into a steaming mug of freshly brewed coffee, especially a robust café de olla. The texture it imparts is nothing short of sublime, transforming your drink into an experience of absolute deliciousness. Many who try it agree: this isn’t just a good homemade coffee creamer; it’s arguably the best you’ll ever taste, blending health, flavor, and simplicity into one irresistible package. Say goodbye to artificial additives and embrace the pure, wholesome luxury of a creamer made with love in your own kitchen.
Why This Homemade Cashew Creamer Will Be Your New Favorite
Discover the compelling reasons why this cashew coffee creamer is destined to become a staple in your kitchen and a daily indulgence:
- Unbelievably Smooth and Rich Texture: Cashews are truly a marvel in the world of plant-based ingredients. Their naturally soft texture, combined with a beneficial high-fat content and a subtly sweet flavor, allows them to transform into an incredibly rich, silky smooth cream when blended. Unlike some nut milks that require straining, cashews break down completely, leaving no gritty residue, ensuring a luxurious mouthfeel in every sip of your coffee. This creamy consistency rivals and often surpasses that of traditional dairy creamers, offering a delightful upgrade to your beverage.
- Effortlessly Easy to Prepare: You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip up this exquisite creamer. The recipe is designed for simplicity, requiring only a few basic ingredients and minimal hands-on time. There are no complex cooking techniques, no tedious straining through nut milk bags, or any other complicated steps involved. It’s primarily a quick three-step process: a brief roast of the cashews to enhance their flavor, a toast of the cinnamon for aromatic depth, and a final blend to bring it all together into a perfect, velvety liquid. Perfect for busy mornings or an easy weekend project.
- Healthy, Nourishing, and Wholesome: In a world filled with processed foods, this homemade creamer stands out as a beacon of health. It’s packed with essential nutrients, courtesy of the humble cashews and the potent benefits of cinnamon. Cashews contribute healthy fats, protein, and minerals, while cinnamon offers its renowned antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a far superior alternative to many store-bought coffee creamers, which are often loaded with excessive sugars, questionable emulsifiers, cheap fillers, and artificial flavors that undermine your health goals. With our creamer, you know exactly what goes into your cup.
- Perfectly Plant-Based and Dairy-Free: For those following a vegan lifestyle, managing dairy sensitivities, or simply looking to reduce dairy intake, this recipe is a dream come true. Despite being entirely free from dairy, the resulting product boasts a thickness and velvety texture so luxurious that you might easily mistake it for the most flavorful, premium half-and-half. It delivers all the richness and creaminess without any of the dairy, making it an inclusive option for everyone to enjoy.
- Highly Customizable to Your Taste: One of the greatest advantages of making your creamer at home is the ability to tailor it precisely to your preferences. If you have a sweeter tooth, you can easily adjust the amount of your favorite natural sweetener. Craving a different flavor profile? Transform it into a delightful vanilla cinnamon creamer by simply adding a splash of vanilla extract, or experiment with other spices and essences to create your unique blend.
- Whole30 and Paleo Diet Friendly: For those adhering to specific dietary guidelines such as Whole30 or Paleo, this cashew creamer is an excellent fit. By simply omitting any added sweeteners, it remains completely compliant with these programs, offering a wholesome and flavorful way to enhance your coffee without compromise. It’s a versatile ingredient that supports various healthy eating journeys.
Craving more creamy, dairy-free delights? Don’t miss these other sensational recipes: a frothy Mocha Latte, the festive Vegan Coquito, and the refreshingly vibrant Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca.
Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for Your Creamer
Crafting this delightful cashew creamer requires only a few high-quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving its perfect flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and some helpful tips for substitutions:
- Raw Whole Cashews: The star of our creamer! It’s essential to use raw, unsalted, whole cashews for the best results. Raw cashews offer an incredibly creamy texture and a subtle, naturally sweet, nutty flavor that forms the perfect base for our creamer. Roasting them lightly before blending is a game-changer; it not only deepens their inherent sweetness but also softens them further, making them exceptionally easy to blend into a smooth, luxurious liquid. Keep an eye out for great bulk deals on raw cashews at stores like Sam’s Club or Costco to save money.
- Mexican Cinnamon Stick (Ceylon): For an authentic and superior flavor, I wholeheartedly recommend using Ceylon cinnamon, often referred to as Mexican canela. This variety boasts a sweeter, more delicate, and complex flavor profile compared to common Cassia cinnamon. A crucial step in this recipe is toasting the cinnamon stick before grinding (or blending directly); this process gently warms and releases its essential oils, intensifying its aromatic depth and creating a more vibrant flavor that beautifully complements the rich cashews.
- Salt: Don’t underestimate the power of a tiny pinch of salt! It’s not just for savory dishes. In this recipe, a small amount of salt acts as a flavor enhancer, expertly drawing out and emphasizing the natural sweetness of the cashews and balancing the overall profile. I personally prefer using either kosher salt, a mineral-rich pink Himalayan salt, or the delicate crunch of flaky sea salt, but any fine salt will do.
- Filtered Water: Water is crucial for both softening the cashews during the soaking process and achieving the perfect consistency when blending. Using filtered water is recommended to ensure the purest taste for your creamer, allowing the natural flavors of cashews and cinnamon to shine without any interference from tap water impurities.
- Vanilla Extract (Optional but Recommended): A touch of vanilla extract can elevate your creamer to new heights. It adds a deeper, more complex layer of flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the warm notes of cinnamon and the creamy nuttiness of cashews. Opt for a good quality pure vanilla extract for the best aromatic results.
- Maple Syrup (Optional Sweetener): While cashews naturally possess a lovely sweetness, you might prefer a slightly sweeter creamer, especially if you enjoy sweeter coffee. Maple syrup is an excellent choice for its rich, caramelized notes that complement the other flavors beautifully. However, feel free to substitute with other natural sweeteners like date syrup, agave syrup, or even a single pitted Medjool date blended in for a whole-food sweetening option. Adjust to your personal preference!
For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the complete recipe card below.
Understanding Mexican Cinnamon: The Secret to This Creamer’s Flavor
To truly appreciate the unique flavor profile of this cashew creamer, it’s helpful to understand the star spice: Mexican cinnamon. Known as canela in Spanish, this isn’t your everyday cinnamon found in most American supermarkets. Mexican cinnamon is specifically the Ceylon variety, originating from the beautiful island of Sri Lanka, and it presents a dramatically different and superior flavor profile compared to the more common Cassia cinnamon.
Often heralded as the “true” cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon is celebrated for its incredibly milder, sweeter, and more nuanced taste. Its delicate, papery texture and soft, fragrant aroma set it apart, making it highly prized in culinary applications. This exquisite spice is a cornerstone in Mexican cuisine due to its incredible versatility, lending an unparalleled depth and richness to a wide array of dishes. From savory masterpieces like the complex and aromatic Mole Poblano and hearty Chile Colorado with Pork to beloved sweet treats such as the comforting Mexican Champurrado and refreshing Horchata Agua Fresca, Ceylon cinnamon imbues a distinctive warmth and character.
Beyond its culinary prowess, Mexican cinnamon also offers a wealth of impressive health benefits. It’s a powerhouse of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body. Studies have indicated its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a valuable addition for maintaining metabolic health. Furthermore, this aromatic spice boasts anti-inflammatory properties that can support overall well-being and is known to aid in healthy digestion. Integrating such a beneficial ingredient into your daily coffee routine makes this creamer a truly nourishing choice.
While specialty spice shops might carry it, you can often find authentic Ceylon cinnamon (canela) in the Latin American aisle of most well-stocked supermarkets. For convenience, you can also purchase it online here.
The Nutritional Powerhouse: Health Benefits of Cashews
Beyond their incredible ability to create a creamy texture and their delicious flavor, cashews are nutritional powerhouses that contribute significantly to your overall health. Incorporating them into your daily routine through this creamer means you’re not just enjoying a treat, but also nourishing your body with vital elements.
Cashews are a rich source of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and reducing bad cholesterol levels. They also provide a good amount of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, and keeping you feeling satisfied. Furthermore, cashews are packed with essential minerals that play diverse roles in bodily functions. They are particularly high in magnesium, which is vital for nerve and muscle function, blood sugar control, and energy production. Copper is abundant, supporting iron absorption and red blood cell formation, while zinc contributes to immune function and wound healing. The presence of antioxidants in cashews helps protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, and their fiber content promotes healthy digestion and contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can assist in weight management. Enjoying this cashew creamer is a delicious way to boost your daily nutrient intake.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Your Cashew Creamer
Making this exceptional dairy-free cashew creamer is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of creamy, cinnamon-infused goodness:
- Roast the Cashews: Begin by preheating your oven to 325ºF (160ºC). Spread your raw whole cashews evenly in a single layer on a rimmed cookie sheet. Roasting them for about 10 minutes helps to coax out their natural sweetness and gives them a deeper, more pronounced nutty flavor. Remember to toss them halfway through to ensure even roasting and prevent burning. This step is crucial for the creamer’s rich taste.
- Soak the Cashews: Once roasted, transfer the warm cashews into a bowl or a small pot. Cover them completely with boiling water and allow them to soak for at least 20 minutes. This soaking process is vital as it further softens the cashews, making them incredibly easy to blend into a perfectly smooth and grit-free cream, even if you don’t have a high-powered blender.
- Toast the Cinnamon: While your cashews are soaking, take half of a Ceylon cinnamon stick (Mexican canela) and toast it in a medium pan over medium heat. Cinnamon sticks are quite potent, so half a stick is usually sufficient to infuse a rich, aromatic flavor. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and toast until you can smell its beautiful fragrance, typically about 3 minutes. This step releases the essential oils, deepening its flavor profile. Set it aside to cool slightly before blending.
- Combine All Ingredients: After the cashews have soaked, drain and rinse them thoroughly. Transfer the drained cashews, the toasted cinnamon stick, 1 cup of filtered water, and a pinch of salt to your blender. If you’re opting for additional flavor, now is the time to add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup (or your preferred sweetener).
- Blend to Perfection: Secure the lid on your blender and process for 1-2 minutes until the cashews and cinnamon stick are completely broken down, and the mixture is utterly smooth and creamy. You may need to pause the blender occasionally to scrape down the sides, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated. If you find the creamer too thick for your liking, simply add a couple more tablespoons of filtered water and blend again until you achieve your desired consistency.
Recommended Kitchen Essential: Your Blender
High-Powered Vitamix Blender
For truly unparalleled smoothness in your cashew creamer and other plant-based recipes, a high-powered blender like a Vitamix is a valuable investment. Its robust motor and precision blades ensure that cashews break down completely, yielding the silkiest texture without any remaining bits. I personally rely on my Vitamix daily for everything from this creamy cashew creamer to my Homemade Almond Milk, guaranteeing a consistently perfect result every time.
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Creative Ways to Serve Your Cashew Coffee Creamer
This versatile homemade creamer isn’t just for coffee! While it truly shines in your favorite iced or hot coffee, or a comforting cup of black tea, its rich flavor and velvety texture also make it an ideal companion for my authentic Café de Olla Recipe. Beyond beverages, consider incorporating it into smoothies for an extra creamy boost, using it as a base for dairy-free hot chocolate, or even a decadent addition to oatmeal or overnight oats for a touch of cinnamon-nutty goodness.
For a truly indulgent experience, pair your coffee featuring this delicious creamer with a delightful pastry or breakfast treat. Here are some fantastic suggestions:
- Gluten-Free Empanadas de Calabaza: A sweet and spiced pumpkin pastry.
- Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Tres Leches Cake: A moist and luscious cake reimagined for dairy-free enjoyment.
- Light and Fluffy Gluten-Free Powdered Donuts: Perfect for a sweet morning treat.
- 6-Ingredient Gluten Free Berry Lemon Dump Cake: A simple, fruity, and delightful dessert.
- Gluten-Free Apple Oat Muffins: A wholesome and satisfying breakfast or snack.
- Whole Wheat Maple Zucchini Bread: A flavorful and moist bread, perfect with coffee.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Cashew Creamer
Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade cashew creamer for as long as possible. Store it in a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or any other airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s perfectly normal for the creamer to separate slightly during storage, as this is a natural characteristic of homemade plant-based milks. Simply give it a good shake or a quick whisk before each use to reincorporate the ingredients and restore its creamy consistency.
For longer preservation, this creamer freezes beautifully. You can freeze it in an airtight container or even in ice cube trays for convenient individual servings, for up to 6 months. To defrost, transfer the frozen creamer to the refrigerator overnight, or for a quicker method, place the container in a bowl of cold water for a couple of hours. Be aware that the creamer might thicken slightly more after thawing; if it becomes too thick for your preference, simply whisk in a little bit of filtered water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired velvety smoothness.
Expert Tips and Delicious Variations for Your Cashew Creamer
Unlock the full potential of your homemade cashew creamer with these expert tips and creative variations, ensuring every batch is exactly to your liking:
- Effortlessly Customize the Flavor Profile: The beauty of homemade lies in customization. Feel free to adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less maple syrup (or your chosen sweetener) to suit your palate. Similarly, increase or decrease the vanilla extract or cinnamon to achieve your preferred intensity. Taste as you go and don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Create a Versatile Neutral Creamer: For those moments when you need a rich, dairy-free cream without the cinnamon and vanilla, simply omit these flavorings. By using just cashews, water, and a pinch of salt, you’ll create a wonderfully neutral, thick cream that can be used in a myriad of ways, from enhancing savory soups and stews to enriching creamy sauces, serving as an excellent plant-based alternative to heavy cream in cooking.
- Achieve Extra Frothy Perfection: If your creamer has lost some of its initial frothiness after being stored in the refrigerator, bringing it back to life is simple. For a luxurious, cafe-style foam, use a milk steamer or a convenient handheld frother. This will instantly transform your cold or reheated creamer into a delightful, airy topping for your beverages.
- Fine-Tune the Consistency: Your ideal creamer consistency is a personal preference. If the creamer seems too thick after blending or after refrigeration, gradually add a few tablespoons of filtered water at a time, blending or whisking after each addition, until you achieve your desired velvety, pourable texture.
- Embrace Seasonal Flavors with Pumpkin Spice: As the seasons change, so too can your creamer! Infuse a touch of autumn by mixing in a dash of a pre-made pumpkin spice blend. Alternatively, add individual warm spices like ground nutmeg, cloves, or ginger along with the cinnamon stick during blending for a cozy, fall-inspired creamer that’s perfect for colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cashew Coffee Creamer
While a high-powered blender, like a Vitamix, can certainly achieve an ultra-smooth consistency with minimal effort, it is not strictly necessary for this recipe. Cashews are naturally quite soft, and the crucial soaking step makes them even more pliable. This means that a regular blender or even a food processor can effectively break them down into a wonderfully creamy and smooth creamer. The key is to blend for a sufficient amount of time, scraping down the sides as needed, until no cashew bits remain.
Soaking the cashews is a highly recommended step that significantly contributes to the creamer’s ultimate texture. The hot water softens the cashews, allowing them to blend into the silkiest, creamiest consistency possible, free from any graininess. While you might technically be able to blend unsoaked cashews, the result will likely be less smooth and require much longer blending time. For the best, most luxurious texture, do not skip the soaking step!
Absolutely! This method can easily be adapted to produce delicious homemade cashew milk. The primary difference lies in the water-to-cashew ratio. To make cashew milk, aim for approximately 4 cups of filtered water for every 1 cup of cashews. This higher water content will yield a thinner consistency that more closely resembles traditional milk, perfect for cereals, smoothies, or drinking on its own. While the cinnamon and other flavorings are optional for milk, a small pinch of salt is always a good idea as it subtly enhances the natural sweetness of the cashews, even in a neutral milk.
If a Ceylon cinnamon stick is not available, you can substitute with ½ teaspoon of good quality ground cinnamon. However, it’s important to note that ground cinnamon, even when toasted, will not impart the same complex, robust, and aromatic flavor that a freshly toasted cinnamon stick provides. The essential oils released during the toasting of the whole stick create a more profound depth of flavor. If using ground cinnamon, you might find the flavor slightly less intense, but it will still provide a delicious cinnamon note to your creamer.
I truly hope you adore this homemade cashew coffee creamer as much as I do! If you give this recipe a try, I would be incredibly grateful if you could leave me a commentbelow along with a star rating. Your feedback is invaluable! Also, remember to connect with me and stay updated on new recipes and culinary inspiration by following me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content and recipe updates!
Full Recipe: Cashew Coffee Creamer with Mexican Cinnamon
Cashew Coffee Creamer with Mexican Cinnamon
by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Blender
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Baking Sheet
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Medium Pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw, unsalted, whole cashews
- 2-3 cups boiling water
- ½ Ceylon cinnamon stick (also known as Mexican canela)
- 1 pinch of salt Himalayan, Kosher or flaky
- 1 cup filtered water (plus more if needed)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional) or other sweetener
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325ºF.
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Place one cup of cashews on a rimmed cookie sheet. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes, tossing halfway through.
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Place the cashews in a bowl or small pot. Cover the cashews with boiling water and soak for 20 minutes.
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Meanwhile toast half of a cinnamon stick in a medium pan over medium heat. Cinnamon sticks are potent so only half of a stick is enough to add lots of amazing flavor.
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Stir often to keep the cinnamon stick from burning. Toast until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Set aside to cool.
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Drain and rinse the cashews.
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Add the cashews, cinnamon stick, 1 cup of filtered water, and salt to the blender. If using, also add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.
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Blend for 1-2 minutes until the cashews and cinnamon stick are completely broken down and everything is smooth and creamy. You may need to stop the blender and scrape down the sides and then continue blending.
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Add in a couple more tablespoons of water if the creamer is too thick and blend again.
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Taste and add more maple syrup if desired.
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Serve in your favorite iced or hot coffee or black tea.
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Store in the refrigerator in a jar with a lid or other air-tight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- If you prefer a sweeter creamer, you can add sweetener. I love the flavor of maple syrup, but I also recommend date syrup, agave syrup, or one pitted date.
- For more expert tips and creative variations, refer to the detailed sections within this blog post.
Nutrition
Originally published October 3, 2022. Updated post and photos September 2024.