Vegan Cashew Date Glaze

This smooth and creamy cashew date glaze is the perfect topping for cakes, pancakes, waffles, or even fruit. Naturally sweetened with dates and blended with cashews, it’s rich, velvety, and completely plant-based. It’s a great alternative to traditional glazes or frostings.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight)
4 Medjool dates, pitted
1/4 cup water (or more for desired consistency)
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt (to enhance the sweetness)
1-2 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for a hint of tanginess)

Instructions:

Soak the Cashews:

If you haven’t already, soak the raw cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. If you’re in a rush, you can soak them in hot water for 30 minutes to speed up the process. Drain and rinse the cashews before using.

Blend the Ingredients:

In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, pitted dates, water, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Optional: Add Lemon Juice:

For a tangy flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the glaze and blend again. This will give the glaze a slightly tart contrast to the sweetness of the dates.

Taste and Adjust:

Taste the glaze and adjust the sweetness or flavor. If you prefer it sweeter, add another date. For more vanilla flavor, add an extra splash of vanilla extract.

Serve or Store:

Use immediately by drizzling over your favorite desserts, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If the glaze firms up in the fridge, just warm it up slightly or add a little water to loosen it.

Tips:

For a Thicker Glaze: Use less water for a thicker, more frosting-like consistency.
Flavor Variations: You can also add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder for different flavors.
Sweetener: If you don’t have Medjool dates, you can substitute with other pitted dates or even maple syrup, though Medjool dates provide the best caramel-like sweetness.

This vegan cashew date glaze is a wonderful, healthy alternative to traditional glazes, offering natural sweetness, richness, and a beautiful creamy texture. Perfect for any sweet treat!