Vegan Almond and Coconut "Cream Cheese" Spread

Vegan Almond and Coconut "Cream Cheese" Spread

Cream cheese is something of a favourite with me...especially in brownies...so there will be several cream cheese replacement recipes over the next few months, undoubtedly! To start off with, here's a very simple recipe that's perfect for spreading on bagels (but not baking). You won't fool anyone - it's the creamy texture and luxurious mouthfeel of this spread that reminds me of cream cheese, not the taste, but it is an excellent alternative on your morning bagel!

 The key to this recipe is coconut cream, which will separate from coconut milk if you buy a tin labelled 'full fat'- keeping them in the fridge overnight helps to encourage separation, though in the US and France I had difficulty in getting coconut milk that separated. Do check to be sure that what you are buying will work here! 

Vegan Almond and Coconut "Cream Cheese" Spread

Total time: 5 minutes

Serves: makes 1/2 cup "cream cheese" spread

1/4 cup blanched almonds (soaked and puréed - this is an excellent way of using up leftovers from making almond milk)

1/4 cup coconut cream 

Whip up the coconut cream with an electric mixer or whisk and gradually add the almond until fully incorporated. 

That's it! Add any flavoring you like - salt, almond extract, sugar, vanilla, etc., or just eat it plain, like me.