Whether you're vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking to try something new, these cream cheese alternatives will revolutionize your baking and cooking without compromising on taste or texture.
I've tested homemade and store-bought options in everything from cheesecakes to frosting to bagel spreads, finding which work best for different applications.
This guide covers 5 proven vegan cream cheese alternatives with specific recommendations for baking, frosting, and spreading.
The 2 Best Substitutes
1. Cashew Cream Cheese
Medium
(5/5)
Substitution Ratio
1 cup soaked cashews + 1/4 cup water = 1 cup cream cheese
Texture: Rich and creamy
Flavor: Mild, tangy
Best for: Cheesecakes, frosting, bagel spreads
Pros & Cons
Incredible texture
Customizable tang
No preservatives
Requires soaking time
Expensive
Nut allergies
Pro Tip
Soak cashews 4-8 hours or use boiling water for 1 hour quick soak.
2. Store-Bought Vegan Cream Cheese
Easy
(4/5)
Substitution Ratio
1:1 replacement
Texture: Varies by brand
Flavor: Similar to dairy
Best for: Quick baking, frosting, spreading
Pros & Cons
Convenient
Consistent results
Multiple flavors
More expensive
Preservatives
Limited availability
Pro Tip
Kite Hill and Tofutti are top-rated brands for baking.
Expert Tips
Professional Secrets
- Add 1-2 tbsp lemon juice to homemade versions for traditional tang
- Chill homemade cream cheese overnight for best texture and flavor
- Strain cashew mixture through fine mesh for ultra-smooth texture
- Use room temperature vegan cream cheese for easier mixing in batters