• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Nuts and Twigs
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Spring
  • Subscribe
  • Free Guides
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Spring
  • Subscribe
  • Free Guides
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Spring
  • Subscribe
  • Free Guides
×
  • cauliflower rice burrito bowls.
    Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowls
  • stack of vegan cucumber sandwiches.
    Vegan Cucumber Sandwiches
  • plate of the ravioli salad.
    Trader Joe’s Ravioli Pasta Salad
  • Trader Joe’s Falafel Naan Wrap.
    15-Minute Trader Joe’s Falafel Naan Wrap
  • german potato salad in a bowl.
    German Potato Salad: Quick and Easy Recipe
  • seasoned popcorn on plates.
    7 Homemade Popcorn Seasonings
  • bowl of Lemony Orzo Chickpea Soup.
    Lemony Orzo Chickpea Soup
  • homemade Italian vinaigrette in a jar.
    Homemade Italian Vinaigrette
  • sweet chili lime sauce in a bowl.
    Sweet Chili Lime Sauce
  • spring roll salad in a bowl with a fork.
    Spring Roll Salad
  • mexican potatoes on a plate.
    Mexican Potatoes
  • adding pasta to a pan of vegan vodka sauce.
    Vegan Vodka Sauce
Nuts and Twigs » Vegan Roundups and Guides

Guide to Soaking Cashews

Published: Apr 6, 2023 · Modified: Apr 25, 2025 by Regi Pearce · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Cashews are commonly used in plant-based sauces, creams, and dressings because they have a rich, creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavor. They are versatile and can be used in sweet and savory recipes. Here is a compilation of four ways to get these nuts ready for your recipes, plus the pros and cons of each.

raw cashews in a bowl

Quick Take: Soaking, boiling, steeping, and microwaving are my go-to methods for prepping cashews. Each technique has its own advantages based on your time, available equipment, personal preference, and the specific needs of the recipe. Continue reading below for all the details and suggested times.

Jump to:
  • High-Speed Blender Vs Regular Blender
  • Why are cashews so popular in plant-based cooking?
  • Four Ways of Getting Cashews Ready for Your Recipe
  • Method 1: Overnight Soak
  • Method 2: Boiling In Water
  • Method 3: Steeping In Warm Water
  • Method 4: Microwave
  • Can Cashews Soak For Too Long?
  • Tips
  • Related Posts
  • Craving More Nuts & Twigs?
  • Comments
blender with cashews

High-Speed Blender Vs Regular Blender

Think of high-speed blenders as the sprinters of the kitchen - fast, powerful, and ready to tackle anything from unsoaked cashews to tough kale, delivering silky-smooth results in no time.

Regular blenders, on the other hand, are the marathon runners—they take a bit more time and effort, like needing a few pauses to scrape down the sides, but they’ll still get you across the finish line with a creamy, dreamy cashew sauce eventually.

While a high-speed blender makes it easier to blend cashews and can often get the job done without soaking, a regular blender can achieve similar results with a bit more patience and the right soaking method. However, I recommend soaking the cashews for at least a few minutes for the absolute smoothest cashew cream, even if you're using a high-speed blender. This extra step enhances the creaminess and ensures your final dish has the perfect texture.

Why are cashews so popular in plant-based cooking?

  • When soaked and blended, raw cashews become incredibly creamy and smooth, making them an excellent ingredient for making sauces, creams, and dressings.
  • They have a mild, nutty, and neutral flavor that can be easily incorporated into various dishes without overpowering other flavors.
  • Cashews are high in healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and support brain health.
  • They are a good source of plant-based protein, making them an excellent addition to vegan and vegetarian diets.
  • Cashews are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including copper, magnesium, and phosphorus, and can be part of a healthy diet.

Four Ways of Getting Cashews Ready for Your Recipe

I have experimented with making cashew cream using all four methods using a high-speed blender. Still, I previously owned a regular blender, so I will add my thoughts from my previous experience. These are my notes on each of the following.

Method 1: Overnight Soak

top view of Soaking cashews in a bowl with water. Hand is holding container that is pouring in water over the cashews.

This is the old-school, tried-and-true method that results in the creamiest cashew cream regardless of the blender. It's a no-fuss method, and if you can remember to soak the cashews overnight, they'll be plump and ready to blend into smooth perfection by morning.

How: Place the cashews in a bowl and cover them with regular-temperature water. Let them soak for about 4 - 8 hours. The longer they soak, the softer and more pliable they will be. When they are ready, they will look plumper, bigger, and softer to the touch.

Pros and Cons of Overnight Soak

Pros:

  • This is the best way to get a velvety sauce, so I recommend it when the silkiness of the sauce matters.
  • It requires minimal effort - just set it up and leave it overnight.
  • This method preserves their raw state.
  • You can blend them until they are silky with a standard or high-speed blender. I used to have a regular blender and never had a problem with this soaking method.

Cons:

  • It takes time (at least 4 hours).
  • You will need to remember to soak them in advance of the recipe.

Method 2: Boiling In Water

This quick soak will soften the cashews faster than the overnight method, getting you to creamy bliss in no time. However, timing is key - there’s a fine line between undercooked and overcooked. After experimenting, I found that 20-30 minutes hits the sweet spot for achieving smooth, perfect cashew cream.

How: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the cashews. Boil for 20-30 minutes. Rinse the cashews in cold water after boiling to stop the cooking process and preserve texture.

Pros and Cons Of Boiling in Water

Pros:

  • Convenient for when you need cashews softened on short notice.

Cons:

  • If overcooked, cashews can have a grainy texture. When boiled for too long, they can become overly soft and break down unevenly, leading to a texture that’s less smooth and slightly gritty. 
  • It might leave a slightly grainy texture for some recipes if it has not boiled long enough.
  • It can reduce the cashews’ nutritional value.
  • It slightly alters the flavor, giving a more “cooked” taste, but most people wouldn't notice.
raw cashews

Method 3: Steeping In Warm Water

If you're looking for a happy medium between boiling and overnight soaking, try soaking the cashews in warm water for a few hours. It's a bit faster than the overnight soak but still gentle on the nuts, leading to a smooth texture.

How: Pour hot water over the cashews and let them soak in warm water for 60 minutes. The exact time will depend on the consistently warm temperature of the water. To keep the water warm, consider using a thermos or insulated container to keep the water consistent for even soaking.

Pros and Cons Of Steeping In Warm Water

Pros:

  • It is faster than overnight soaking.
  • Gentle on the cashews, retaining a smooth texture.

Cons:

  • Requires more attention to avoid over-softening.
  • It may result in slightly less consistent softening compared to overnight soaking. If not left long enough to soak, it may still be slightly grainy.

Method 4: Microwave

I’ve been using this method more often lately. While it’s not as effective as other methods in getting a super smooth and velvety sauce, microwaving is a decent alternative when you’re short on time or don’t need an ultra-smooth texture. It softens the cashews enough for a high-powered blender to create a creamy result, even if it’s not as velvety as other soaking methods.

How: Add enough water to cover the cashews in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. Stir the cashews halfway through microwaving for more even softening.

Note: I’m using an 1800-watt microwave, so you may need to adjust the time based on your microwave’s power level.

Pros and Cons Of Microwaving

Pros:

  • The fastest method, ready in minutes.
  • Convenient when you’re in a rush and need soft cashews quickly.

Cons:

  • It can result in uneven softening, leading to a less consistent texture.
  • Slightly less smooth texture compared to soaking methods.
  • It may not be as effective for ultra-creamy recipes.
top view of a hand holding a wooden spoon filled with cashew cream over a bowl of cashew cream.

Can Cashews Soak For Too Long?

Leaving cashews in water for too long can make them mushy and flavorless. Over-soaked nuts develop a slimy or unpleasant texture.

Therefore, it's essential to be mindful of the soaking time and to check the nuts periodically to ensure they are still at the desired texture. You’ll know your soaked cashews are ready when they look plump and soft.

Tips

  • Soaking Time Flexibility: Soaking times can be flexible based on the final dish. For example, a shorter soak might be okay for a quick sauce or smoothie, while a longer soak ensures maximum creaminess for delicate desserts.
  • Alternative Uses for Soaked Cashews: If you have leftover soaked cashews, you can easily add them to smoothies or make cashew butter or cashew cream.
  • Storage Tip: Soaked cashews can be stored in the refrigerator (up to about 2 days) before they need to be used or refreshed with new water.

Related Posts

  • Easy Vegan Cashew Cheese Sauce
  • Vegan Cashew Queso
  • Best Nut-Free Vegan Cheese Sauce
  • Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese
  • Transform Your Kitchen: Easy Vegan Tips + 3 Must-Try Recipes
  • Easy Vegan Nachos

Craving More Nuts & Twigs?

  • containers of popcorn.
    Best Homemade Movie Theater Popcorn
  • collage of 4 exotic fruits.
    17 Exotic Fruits with Pictures
  • collage of 4 different veggie burgers.
    14 Irresistible Veggie Burgers Even Meat-Eaters Will Love
  • stack of cookies on a plate.
    Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

More Vegan Roundups and Guides

  • collage of 4 salad recipes.
    9 Vegan Salads For Your Next Cookout
  • collage of 4 different pink fruits.
    Top 11 Pink Fruits (With Pictures)
  • pin cover for a post on egg free recipes. Contains a collage for several recipes.
    No Eggs Needed! 14 Delicious Egg-Free Recipes
  • picture of a star with the words top 5 then a phone with apps on it and the word vegan apps on the bottom of the picture.
    Top Vegan Apps

About Regi Pearce

Hello! I am Regi, the creator of Nuts & Twigs. I debunk the myths that vegan food is all nuts and twigs and offer plant-based scrumptiousness that goes far beyond that "rabbit food" stereotype. So grab your fork and put on your stretchy pants, 'cause you're gonna want seconds.

Reader Interactions

Comments

No Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Regina Pearce

I'm Regi.

Head nut, chief twig, and creator of Nuts & Twigs. My husband Rob and I live in Colorado. Here, you can expect delicious vegan recipes that make you realize that a life without cheese is not only possible but still worth living.

More about me


Spring Recipes

  • collard green wraps on plate.
    Collard Green Wraps

  • Vegan Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce in a bowl.
    Vegan Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce

  • cucumber and apple salad in a bowl.
    Cucumber and Apple Salad

  • vegan Spanish omelet
    Vegan Spanish Omelet (Spanish Tortilla)

Popular Recipes

  • walnut meat in a bowl next to brown rice
    Easy Walnut Taco Meat

  • vegan sushi bake casserole with the garnishes side view
    Vegan Sushi Bake

  • angle side view of a hand placing a plate of Vegan Grits With Savory Mushrooms and Collard Greens on a table.
    Vegan Grits With Savory Mushrooms and Collard Greens

  • bowl of angel hair pasta salad.
     Angel Hair Pasta Salad

  • bunch of sliced high protein lupini seitan
    High-Protein Lupini Bean Seitan

  • jar of the lemon vinaigrette.
    Easy Lemon Vinaigrette

Footer

back to top

About

  • About
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact Me

Information

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy

Copyright © 2024