Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe (2024)

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5 from 9 votes

20 minutes minutes

by Marly

9

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Do you dream of a luscious, tangy vegan cream cheese frosting that actually holds its shape? This 4-ingredient recipe delivers a fluffy, decadent frosting, perfect for all your favorite vegan cakes, cupcakes, and more. It’s so simple to make, you’ll be frosting everything, like plant-based carrot cake or egg-free red velvet cake!

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe (1)

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As you can tell, I have a passion for vegan sweets. And if you’re making sweets, well, there’s nothing like adding a smear of vegan cream cheese icing on top!

Why I Love It: I’ve struggled with flimsy vegan cream cheese frostings far too often. But this recipe is a game-changer! The texture is spot-on, mirroring that classic cream cheese frosting we all know and love. It pipes beautifully and stays firm – the perfect frosting for all your vegan baking adventures.

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Ingredients & Substitutions

You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.

I finally cracked the vegan cream cheese nut to get the perfect texture and flavor. So, let’s get to it! Here are the ingredients in this recipe for cream cheese frosting:

  • Vegan Butter:Look for sticks of vegan butter (like Earth Balance) in the refrigerated dairy section,not the spreadable kind.You can always make homemade vegan butter if you can’t find it in the stores. Don’t want to use vegan butter? Replace it with refined coconut oil. Coconut oil cream cheese frosting tastes great, but it may not hold its shape quite well, especially in the heat. Be sure to keep it refrigerated.
  • Vegetable Shortening:Shortening helps make the frosting firm and stable.You’ll find it near the oils in the baking aisle.
  • Vegan Cream Cheese:Choose plain vegan cream cheese (like Tofutti or Kite Hill) for the best results.Find this in the refrigerated section in the health food section of most grocery stores or health food stores.
  • Powdered Sugar:Also known as confectioner’s sugar or icing sugar.Store-bought is the way to go here!
  • Lemon Juice:Provides a hint of tartness to balance out the sweetness.Freshly squeezed is best,but bottled will work too.
  • Vanilla-flavored plant-based milk:Any plant-based milk will work (almond,soy,etc.).Use vanilla flavored for an extra flavor boost or substitute with plain milk and a touch of vanilla extract.

Reader Reviews

★★★★★
This is my favorite vegan cream cheese frosting because the flavor is so good and the texture is perfect!

Maggie
Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe (2)

Why is This the Best Recipe?

  • Party Favorite:This frosting is so good,no one will know it’s vegan!
  • Foolproof:With just a few ingredients and simple steps,this is the easiest vegan cream cheese frosting to whip up.
  • Flavorful:The perfect balance of sweet and tangy makes this the ultimate frosting choice.

Making Thick Frosting

Many complaints about non-dairy cream cheese frosting center on the fact that vegan cream cheese has a funny texture when added to frostings. Even though it may seem thick in the container, vegan cream cheese can actually become runny when added to the frosting. To solve this dilemma, I’ve reduced the amount of vegan cream cheese used in this recipe. We’ll use just enough to add a distinct flavor.

In addition, we’ll be using some vegetable shortening to increase the thickness of this frosting. This frosting works — it creates a thick dairy-free cream cheese frosting that even keeps its shape after piping it on cupcakes!

Marly’s Tips

  • Chill Your Piping Bag: Using a decorator tip? Spoon the frosting into a piping bag and place it in the fridge for 20 minutes. It will keep in the fridge for several days.
  • Decorative Cupcakes: For the cupcakes in these photos, I used a Wilton 1A Round Tip (paid link).
  • Softened Ingredients:Your vegan butter and cream cheese should be slightly softened for easy mixing.
  • Don’t Skip the Chill:Refrigerating the frosting helps it firm up for easy spreading and piping.
  • Make it Your Own:Add a pinch of cinnamon,pumpkin pie spice,cocoa powder,or fruit puree to customize the flavor!

Vegan Cakes

All of these delicious vegan cake recipes would be delicious with this plant-based cream cheese frosting on top:

Vegan Mascarpone

20 mins total

Vegan Carrot Cake

40 mins total

Orange Turmeric Cake

50 mins total

Storage Tips

This frosting, either by itself or spread on cakes or cupcakes, is typically safe at room temperature for up to 8 hours. However, overly hot or humid conditions can impact the frosting. After that, it should be refrigerated. To store the frosting by itself, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or it can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe (7)

That’s it for this vegan cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe (8)

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Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe (9)

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe (10)

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the best vegan cream cheese frosting – creamy, fluffy, and full of classic cream cheese flavor. It's the ideal frosting for your vegan cakes, cupcakes, and more!

5 from 9 votes

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Resting Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 cups

Calories: 131kcal

Author: Marly McMillen

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup vegan butter
  • ¼ cup vegetable shortening
  • 4 tablespoons vegan cream cheese
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla-flavored plant-based milk

Instructions

  • Add vegan butter and shortening to a mixing bowl. Using either a hand-held mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the vegan cream cheese and beat for another minute or so, until combined.

  • Add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, beating in between addition. Then add the lemon juice and milk. Beat for another minute or so, until all ingredients are combined and the frosting is light and fluffy.

  • Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or so, to allow the frosting to thicken.

Recommended Equipment

Electric Mixer

(The products above contain sponsored links to products we use and recommend)

Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 34mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 123IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a rating below then tag @namelymarly on Instagram and hashtag it #namelymarly. I love seeing your creations!

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I use instead of cream cheese for frosting? ›

Cream Cheese Substitutes:
  • Sour Cream. Sour cream replicates cream cheese's taste but isn't quite as caloric, making it a good choice for a lower-calorie substitute. ...
  • Greek Yogurt. ...
  • Neufchâtel. ...
  • Mascarpone. ...
  • Silken Tofu. ...
  • Cottage Cheese. ...
  • Hummus. ...
  • Quark.
Oct 18, 2023

How do you thicken vegan frosting? ›

To thicken vegan icing, you can use a combination of maple syrup, coconut cream and cornstarch. Start by adding 1/4 cup of cornstarch to 1/4 cup of maple syrup in a small pot on medium heat. Stir until it becomes a thick paste and then add in 1/2 cup of coconut cream. Continue to stir until it becomes thick and smooth.

Is there a non dairy cream cheese? ›

Plant-based cream cheeses have existed for years now, with established brands like Tofutti and Kite Hill dominating the dairy-free cheese products section. However, like many veganized versions of dairy and animal products, plant-based cream cheese is relatively new and ever evolving.

Is Betty Crocker cream cheese style icing vegan? ›

So, is Betty Crocker frosting vegan? Yes. All of the Betty Crocker icing flavours sold in the UK are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. They do not contain milk or any e-numbers that are derived from animal sources.

What is a vegan substitute for cream cheese? ›

Unsweetened Plain Yogurt (vegan)

It's great for making dips and spreads, but it's also a great substitute for cream cheese when you want to make a frosting.

What is a vegan substitute for cream cheese in baking? ›

Tofu: Also called bean curd, this vegan product is made from soybeans. It comes in a variety of firmness, ranging from firm and dense to light and soft. Pureed silken tofu will provide a texture like cream cheese, and it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Which vegan butter is best for frosting? ›

Two good options for this recipe would be Earth Balance sticks and Country Crock Plant Butter (my personal preference). If you have another butter that's at least 79-80% oil/fat though, it should be fine.

What is the best vegan butter for frosting? ›

Vegan Butter: I like to use Country Crock Plant Butter, it needs to be room temperature. Vegetable Shortening: This is very necessary. While normal buttercream is just made with butter, vegan butter doesn't hold up and needs this extra ingredient. Powdered Sugar: Most organic powdered sugar is vegan.

What is vegan frosting made of? ›

Vegan Frosting Recipe Ingredients

Vegan butter – Make sure to bring it to room temperature before you start to cook. Powdered sugar – It sweetens and stiffens the frosting. If you want your frosting to be thick and fluffy, use more powdered sugar. If you want to make a softer glaze, use less.

Is there a vegan cream cheese? ›

Trader Joe's Vegan Cream Cheese is the best tasting plain vegan cream cheese that I've come across so far, and I've tried many! The creamy smooth texture and the tangy aftertaste go perfect with a New York-style everything bagel (smoked paprika optional, but a delicious addition!).

Is Philadelphia cream cheese vegan? ›

Philadelphia may be the most popular and well-known brand that offers vegan cream cheese, but it's far from alone. Before the original pioneers of cream cheese jumped on the bandwagon with their own plant-based version, vegan brands were already offering a wide variety of cream cheese options.

What is a dairy-free substitute for cream cheese? ›

Blend together one cup of thick coconut cream and one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Next, add a pinch of salt and two teaspoons of nutritional yeast for a cheesy tang. Chill the mixture to firm it up, and you'll have a terrific dairy-free cream cheese substitute.

Are any Betty Crocker frosting vegan? ›

Betty Crocker Icing

Betty Crocker frostings are made with dairy-free ingredients, such as vegetable oil and natural sweeteners. Their vegan options include: Classic Coffee. Indulgent Chocolate Fudge.

Is Duncan Hines cream cheese frosting vegan? ›

Duncan Hines Frosting comes in these Dairy-Free & Vegan Flavors. Here is a quick list of the dairy-free Duncan Hines Frosting flavors, followed by more detailed information for each flavor. Creamy Chocolate (not the Milk Chocolate!) Creamy Cream Cheese (not the Whipped!)

Can you substitute anything for cream cheese? ›

Sour cream is more tangy and less firm than cream cheese, but adds a similar richness to recipes. Use it in place of cream cheese in savory dips and sauces. For maximum richness, use full-fat sour cream, which has about 2/3 of the saturated fat of cream cheese.

How do you thicken frosting without cream cheese? ›

Heavy Cream

Try thickening it with a bit of heavy whipping cream. You can add up to ¼ cup of heavy cream, depending on how much you need to thicken it. Then whip the frosting until it fluffs up. Heavy cream also works if the recipe instructs you to heat the frosting.

What is a healthier substitute for cream cheese? ›

Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used in place of cream cheese for a healthier and tangy alternative. It has a thick and creamy texture that is perfect for cheesecake. Silken tofu: Silken tofu can be used as a vegan alternative to cream cheese. It has a creamy texture and neutral flav.

Can I substitute butter for cream cheese? ›

Cream cheese, mascarpone, ricotta and even cottage cheese can replace the butter in many recipes. Use high-quality whole milk cheeses in a 1:1 ratio for butter and consider straining ricotta or cottage cheeses through cheesecloth to help ensure they aren't adding too much liquid to your recipe.

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