How to Make Vegan Mexican Crema with 4 Ingredients

When you think of Mexican food, what comes to mind? I picture a delicious dish topped with a dollop of cream. It's a common finishing touch on enchiladas, quesadillas, and tacos—Mexican crema. That's why I decided to create my own vegan version of Mexican crema.
A creamy, light beige vegan Mexican crema is being poured from a blender into a rustic, speckled ceramic cup. A wooden spoon rests beside the cup on a white surface. The backdrop is minimalistic and bright, highlighting the smooth texture of this delightful addition to your vegan recipes.

Why you are going to love this

If you love Mexican cuisine, this vegan Mexican crema is a game-changer for dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. With only four ingredients—tofu, fresh lime juice, shallots, and salt—it brings a tangy, creamy touch that feels authentically Mexican. Even non-vegans will find it delicious!

This crema is not only dairy-free but quick and healthier than the traditional version. Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned pro, it’s a must-try for your next Mexican-inspired meal.

It’s so delicious and has only four ingredients. The day I made it, my daughter Sofia said, ‘Wow… this tastes like Mexico.’ The kids were so happy that they put a spoonful of vegan crema on top of everything they ate that week.

A wooden plate holds a block of tofu, two lime halves, and a piece of red onion, all atop a white cloth. Nearby, a small black bowl, a red-rimmed bowl with green herbs for vegan Mexican crema, a blurred background cup, and a wooden spoon are arranged on a white surface.

How to make Mexican vegan crema?

Simply blend all the ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth. Add a splash of water for a thinner consistency. This vegan tofu crema is perfect for drizzling over Mexican dishes or serving as a dip for chips and fresh veggies.

Tofu-Free Option: Try Cashews

  • Cashews are the perfect alternative to tofu. My vegan cashew sour cream recipe has all the instructions; remember to read that post.
  • For this recipe, you can replace the 7oz of tofu with 1 cup of raw cashews.
  • Make sure you are using raw cashews and not roasted and salted ones.
  • Soak the cashews overnight, drain, and rinse before blending with the rest of the ingredients.
  • If you are short on time, you can soak the cashews in boiling water for 5-7 minutes; if you use this method, make sure to let the cashews cool before using them.
A high-angle view of a blender containing a smooth, light cream-colored liquid, perfect for vegan recipes. Below and slightly to the left of the blender is a speckled ceramic bowl that is empty. Next to the bowl is a wooden spoon. The background is a light, textured surface.

Frequently asked questions

Tips for Success

  • Lime or lemon juice. You can also use lemon juice, but lime juice is preferred. You can substitute the juice with apple cider vinegar or add a splash to the mixture if you feel it needs more acidity.
  • Give it a twist. Add lime zest to make lime crema, or if you want it smoky, add smoked paprika or chipotle peppers, etc.
A rustic yellow ceramic mug filled with smooth vegan Mexican crema sits on a dark wooden plate. Beside it, a wooden spoon rests on a white cloth napkin, with a dollop of crema on the spoon. The background is white and minimalistic, emphasizing the earthy tones of the mug and plate.




Pairing suggestions

  • This vegan sour cream is super thick with lots of flavors. It tastes delicious on quesadillas, enchiladas, sopes, tacos, guacamole, and even salads
  • This vegan Mexican recipe is versatile and can be used on a variety of dishes. Add a dollop to your vegan burrito bowls, salads, or tacos. It also works well with vegan meal recipes like roasted vegetables or grilled corn.
A creamy liquid being poured from a blender into a rustic, yellow-speckled ceramic cup. A wooden spoon lies beside the cup on a white surface. The scene suggests the preparation of a smooth, blended drink or vegan Mexican crema.

Mexican vegan crema

Alejandra Graf
When you think of Mexican food, what comes to mind? I picture a delicious dish topped with a dollop of cream. It's a common finishing touch on enchiladas, quesadillas, and tacos—Mexican crema. That's why I decided to create my own vegan version of Mexican crema.
4.75 de 16 votos
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Basics
Cuisine Mexican vegan food
Servings 1 cup
Calories 207 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 7 oz firm or silk tofu
  • 1 lime – it’s juice
  • ½ shallot
  • 1 tsp salt
  • one pinch of ground cumin optional

Instructions
 

  • Blend all of the ingredients. If you need extra liquid, add one or 2 tablespoons of water.

Notes

  • This crema will last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in a tightly sealed jar.
  • If you don’t have shallots, you can substitute with a small piece of onion and a little bit of garlic.

Nutrition

Calories: 207kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 19gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 2337mgPotassium: 191mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin C: 58.2mgCalcium: 276mgIron: 3mg
Keyword tofu sour cream, vegan crema, vegan sour cream

information

Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Did you make this recipe?Tag @piloncilloyvainilla on Instagram and hashtag it #alecooks so we can all see your creations.
Alejandra Graf
Latest posts by Alejandra Graf (see all)
4.75 from 16 votes (11 ratings without comment)
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
Recipe Rating




6 Comments
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments