Soak Cashews: Soak the cashews in water for 4-6 hours then drain. If you're short on time and have a high-speed blender, pour boiling water over the cashews and soak for 15 minutes. Drain.
Preheat the oven to 400˚F (200˚C).
Bake Potatoes: Wash russet potatoes well and poke a few holes in them with a fork. Place potatoes on a baking tray and bake potatoes for up to 75 minutes, until soft to the touch. Cooking time may be more or less depending on potato size.
Cool Potatoes: Once potatoes are done, remove from the oven and let cool for 20-30 minutes while you prepare cashew cream sauce. Leave the oven on.
Make Cream Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine soaked cashews, unsweetened almond milk, nutritional yeast, onion powder, and garlic powder. Blend until a creamy sauce forms. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Scoop Potato Flesh: Once potatoes have cooled, cut each down the center and scoop out the potato flesh into a mixing bowl. Leave a thin layer of flesh to help give the remaining potato skin structure.
Mix Filling: Mash up the potato flesh in the bowl with a fork and then pour the cashew cream sauce into the bowl. Mix together the flesh and sauce. Mix in the vegan butter and add additional salt and pepper to taste.
Fill and Bake: Scoop mixture evenly into the potato skins. Sprinkle with paprika or vegan cheese, if desired. Place potatoes back in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the tops are just starting to brown.
Serve: Once the tops are slightly browned, remove from the oven and let cool a couple of minutes before serving.