Chipotle Crema (Vegan!)

This easy vegan Chipotle Crema recipe is so rich, creamy, and deliciously smoky! It adds amazing flavor to tacos, burritos, fajitas, rice bowls, baked potatoes, and beyond. (Vegan, gluten-free with oil-free and nut-free options.)

This silky Chipotle Crema will add so much smoky, creamy deliciousness to your life! I'm so excited to share it with you because it's one of my all-time favorite sauces.

This recipe is my version of a Mexican crema which is a condiment similar to sour cream. (It typically includes heavy cream and buttermilk.) But for this dairy-free version, we make a cashew "sour cream" then infuse it with smoky, earthy flavors. So good!

Best of all, it's easy to make and incredibly versatile in the ways you can use it. Enjoy it as a spicy dip, or dollop it all over your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes, burgers, baked potatoes, and more. Let's get to it!

Ingredients for Chipotle Crema

For this recipe, you'll blend together in a small high-speed blender:

• Raw cashews: We'll use soaked cashews for this recipe so they're easier to blend. Most often I use my "quick soak" method with hot water which only takes about 10 minutes. See the recipe notes for guidance.
• Chipotle in adobo sauce: This comes in a small can. We'll only use one chipotle pepper for this recipe because they're fairly spicy. But you can adjust as desired for more or less spice. By all means, add more if you like the heat! You can also add a little adobo sauce.
• Fresh lime juice: We'll need one tablespoon which is about a half lime. For a stronger flavor, you could even include some lime zest. If you don't have lime, then fresh lemon juice works too.
• Apple cider vinegar
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt: I use fine grain salt for this recipe. It's essential to help bring out the flavors, but use as much or as little as you prefer. You can also add black pepper to taste if desired.

Customizing

Cashew-free version: If you need nut-free or prefer not to use cashews, then try this Creamy Chipotle Sauce made with either dairy-free yogurt or silken tofu instead!

Add sweetness: Pour in a tablespoon (more or less) of pure maple syrup or your own favorite sweetener for a touch of sweetness.

Flavors: Change it up with your own favorite seasonings or add more of the ones listed. Try chili powder, ancho chili powder, ground cumin, sweet paprika, dried oregano, or anything else that sounds good.

Fresh herbs: Pulse in some chopped fresh cilantro after blending the sauce together. You don't want to completely blend it in or else the sauce will turn a greenish color. Just a couple pulses to incorporate it works great.

Chipotle Notes

Oil-free option: Canned chipotle chiles contain a small amount of oil. So if you're strictly oil-free, replace the canned chipotles with ground chipotle powder instead. Start with a quarter teaspoon (or less) and adjust as desired. Start small because it's strong. The flavor will be slightly different, however.

Have leftover chipotle? Use them in this Chipotle Taco Hummus and Smoky Black Bean Quinoa Chili as well!

Serving

Condiment: Drizzle this sauce over Chickpea-Walnut Tacos, Tempeh Tacos, Southwest Burritos, nachos, quesadillas, Portobello Fajitas, rice bowls, Burrito Bowls, enchiladas, taco salad, Black Bean Burgers, veggie burgers, Baked Potatoes, sandwiches, wraps, the list goes on. I'd love to hear how you enjoy it!

Dipping sauce: Serve it as a dip with your favorite tortilla chips, whole grain crackers, oven fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries, roasted vegetables, etc. It's a great option for an appetizer, side dish, or even party platters.

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. (I store mine in a sealed mason glass jar.) It thickens in the fridge, so stir again before using.

For more inspiration, also browse all vegan sauce & seasoning recipes or cashew recipes.

If you're enjoying this vegan chipotle crema recipe, also check out:

• Vegan Big Mac Sauce

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