SUNFLOWER SEED Vegan Cream Cheese

Name: Sunflower Seed Vegan Cream Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 cup sunflower seeds (soaked for an hour or overnight); 1/2 cup water (or more to achieve the desired consistency); 1 1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; juice of a half lemon; salt and black pepper ( to taste)

Vegan Cream Cheese Recipe Overview

This Sunflower Seed Vegan Cream Cheese will surely surprise you with an incredibly rich zesty, slightly sourish flavor. So easy to make – it takes just 10 minutes and 5 main ingredients (aside from water) – this ‘cream cheese’ is a great healthy snack option, that’s low in calories (just 14 calories per tbsp!) and so nutritious. Being so thick and creamy, it will be great on top of your favorite whole-grain toast, crispbread, puffed rice cake, or even as a dip for crunchy veggies.

Sunflower seeds make just as creamy texture as cashews but are way more budget-friendly as well as environment-friendly (at least here in Europe) than its kidney-shaped cousin. Moreover, sunflower seeds are a great source of nutrition. They are outstandingly rich in vitamin E and selenium that makes them a great source of antioxidants preventing and fighting inflammation processes in the body. The high content of manganese and copper in sunflower seeds support bone density. Whereas being high in plant protein, complex carbs, and polyunsaturated fats, it’s generally a rich source of wholesome nutrition.

To make this vegan cream cheese, just make sure to pre-soak the sunflower seeds in water for at least an hour before blending it with the rest of the ingredients. This will ensure your ‘cheese’ is gonna be smooth and creamy, as well as help the body absorb the nutrients more effectively. Enjoy this spread right away or store refrigerated for up to four days. Bon appetit!

How to Serve Vegan Cream Cheese Recipe

Depending on consistency, you can use this sunflower seed vegan cream cheese as a spread on a whole-grain toast, crispbread or virtually anything else. Alternatively, you could make it as a dip and have it with some veggies or oil-free potato wedges. One more way I love using this cream cheese is as a sauce – just add a bit more water while blending it and you can top your favorite salad or buddha bowl with this sauce.

Print Recipe

Sunflower Seed Vegan Cream Cheese

This delicious zesty vegan cream cheese recipe would make a great nutritious wholesome snack or an appetizer. It's budget-friendly and quick to make!

Prep Time10

Resting Time1

Total Time1 10

Course: Appetizer, Dip, Snack

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: Gluten free, Nut free, Oil free, Vegan

Servings: 24 tbsp portions

Calories: 14kcal

Cost: $2 USD

Equipment

Blender/Food Processor

Ingredients

1 cup sunflower seeds soaked for an hour or overnight
1/2 cup water or more to achieve the desired consistency
1 1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
juice of a half lemon
salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Drain soaked sunflower seeds, place into the blender or food processor, adding around half a cup of water (for starter) and a pinch of salt.
Blend until smooth, slowly increasing the speed and scraping the sides with a spatula. Optionally add more water for the desired consistency.
Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until combined.
The cream cheese is ready to be consumed. Store in a jar or air-tight container for up to four days.