Easy Chipotle Crema

December 12, 2020

Dips Spreads & Sauces

By: Chris Petrellese 

This easy chipotle crema is the ultimate topping for tacos, bowls, burritos, and beyond. It’s zesty with a kick of spice and can be made in minutes. Once you try it, we promise this will be your new go-to!

overhead image of bowl with chipotle crema and spoon

This recipe was created originally to pair with some Taco Bell inspired crispy fiesta potatoes that we enjoyed on tacos, but it could really be used in so many more ways! On bowls, salads, wraps or burritos, nachos, steamed veggies, french fries, or even added to some pastas for an extra kick.

overhead image of ingredients on white board

Here’s What We Need:

  • Cashews – In order to get the smooth and creamy consistency we are looking for, it’s important to soak the cashews in boiling hot water for about 15 minutes.
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – If you are unfamiliar with this, chipotle peppers in adobo are smoked and dried jalapeño peppers in a tangy sauce that packs a deep and bold flavor. If you are a fan of spicy flavors, we recommend adding two peppers, if not, a single pepper will do the trick.
  • Spices – The spice blend for this chipotle crema is simple—smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and salt. It’s straight to the point but delivers all of the flavor necessary.
  • Lemon or lime juice – A splash of citrus adds the perfect acidic tang to the crema. Both lemon and lime juice work perfectly for this recipe, so whatever you have on hand will due.
overhead image of chipotle crema in jar on plate with ingredients

Looking for More Sauce? Here are Some of Our Favorites:

Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you recreate any of our recipes, we love to see your photos!

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overhead image of bowl with chipotle crema and spoon

Easy Chipotle Crema


  • Author: Chris @ Sweet Simple Vegan
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Roughly 2 cups
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This easy chipotle crema is the ultimate topping for tacos, bowls, burritos, and beyond. It’s zesty with a kick of spice and can be made in minutes. Once you try it, we promise this will be your new go-to!


Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked 
  • 1 cup of water
  • 12 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (depending on how spicy you want it)
  • Juice from 1/2 lemon or lime (or about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and process until smooth and creamy. 

Notes

  • To soak cashews you can cover them in boiling hot water for 15 minutes or soak them for 6-8 hours in room temperature water. Drain completely before using. 
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Blender

Keywords: sauce, chipotle, crema, cashew, spicy, cream

Nutrition facts label provided by Nutri Fox.

Disclaimer: The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional’s advice. This page may contain affiliate links, which simply means that we earn a commission if you purchase through those links, but your price remains the same. Thank you for supporting Sweet Simple Vegan!

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Recipe rating

  1. Jenn says:

    Just made this for burritos for the week! Yum! The addition of lemon/lime juice is awesome for a zesty kick. Thanks for the creative recipe. Can I put this on my Taco Bell copycat potatoes?

  2. My mouth’s watering! It must be so delicious, I can’t wait for trying it!

  3. Lori says:

    Could soaked pine nuts substitute the cashews, or any other nut, and still provide the creamy consistency?

  4. Amy Boardman Hunt says:

    I swapped out the chipotle peppers with roasted hatch chiles. TO. DIE. FOR. Thank you for this wonderful recipe.

  5. Angela says:

    Love this creme!! So delicious!!

  6. Sarah says:

    So good and full of flavor! Used it as a topping for burrito bowls. Didn’t need to soak them using my Vitamix.

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