If cream cheese is a staple in your kitchen, you might be interested in exploring different plant-based substitutes for cream cheese. Not only can switching up the ingredients add some flavor to your meals, but it can also create health benefits that benefit your body and the environment.
In this article, we will walk through 10 delicious plant-based substitutes for cream cheese that are perfect for those looking to reduce their dairy consumption or try something new. From vegan sour cream to cashew cream cheese and more, let’s get cooking!
What is Cream Cheese? Are there Any Substitutes For Cream Cheese?
The cheese known as “cream cheese” is produced using both milk and cream. The milk is usually pasteurized and the cream is usually homogenized. Cream cheese has a smooth, creamy texture and a mild flavor. It is often used as a spread on bread or crackers, in dips or sauces, or in baked goods.
Cream cheese is sometimes referred to as “Philadelphia” cream cheese since it was first produced in Philadelphia in the 1860s. It is available plain, flavored with herbs or spices, and sweetened for dessert recipes.
Cream cheese is high in fat and calories, but it does not contain as much cholesterol and sodium as other types of cheese.
If you don’t want to eat diary cream cheese, you have a great option. You can try any of these plant based substitutes for cream cheese.
10 Plant-Based Substitutes For Cream Cheese
If you’re looking for a delicious and dairy-free alternative to cream cheese, these plant-based substitutes are a great option! From cashew cream cheese to coconut milk cream cheese, there are plenty of recipes out there that’ll satisfy your cravings.
Almond Cheese
Almond cheese is one of the great substitutes for cream cheese. It is a plant-based cheese.
Almond cheese is made from almonds that are soaked in water and ground into a paste. The paste is then blended with flavoring agents like nutritional yeast, sea salt, lemon juice, and spices to create a creamy texture and flavor.
Almond cheese can be used as a topping for salads or sandwiches, as a dip for crackers or chips, or even as the base for vegan cheesecakes.
It is a great alternative to dairy-based cream cheese because it contains no cholesterol, is low in saturated fat, is high in protein and fiber, and is free of lactose, making it an ideal choice for those who are lactose-intolerant. It also has fewer calories than dairy products.
Additionally, almond cheese contains vitamins B2, E, and magnesium which help to keep your bones strong and healthy.
Overall almond cheese is an excellent substitute for cream cheese that can be used in many dishes and recipes to provide the same creamy texture without the guilt.
How to Make Almond Cheese as a Substitutes For Cream Cheese
There are a few different ways that you can make your own almond cheese at home, and each one results in a slightly different texture and flavor. The simplest way is to just blend almonds with water in a food processor until you have a smooth, creamy consistency. You can also add in some salt, lemon juice, and other seasonings to taste.
If you want a firmer, more sliceable almond cheese, you can try soaking the almonds overnight before blending them. This will help to soften them up and make them easier to blend into a smooth mixture. You can also add in some probiotic powder or liquid for an extra tangy flavor.
Once you have your desired consistency, simply transfer the mixture to a cheesecloth-lined bowl or container and let it drain for at least 24 hours in the fridge. This will help the cheese to firm up even more and develop its flavor. When it’s ready to eat, simply slice it up or spread it on crackers or bread!
Cashew Cream Cheese: Delicious Substitutes For Cream Cheese
If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative to cream cheese, cashew cream cheese is a great option. You can make this cheese from soaked and blended cashews, and it has a similar consistency to traditional cream cheese. You can use it in all the same ways as regular cream cheese, including spreading it on toast or using it in recipes.
Cashew cream cheese is relatively easy to make at home, and it’s also widely available in stores. If you’re making it yourself, start by soaking raw cashews in water for at least four hours.
Then, drain the cashews and add them to a blender with fresh water, lemon juice, and salt. You should blend the mixture until it is creamy and smooth.
You can use cashew cream cheese right away or store it in the fridge for later. When you’re ready to use it, simply spread it on your favorite bread or crackers. You can also use it as a dip for fruit or veggies, or use it in place of dairy cheese in recipes.
Coconut Cheese
If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative to cream cheese, coconut cheese is a great option. This dairy-free cheese you can make from coconut milk and is perfect for spreading on bagels or using in recipes.
Coconut cheese is easy to make at home and only requires a few ingredients. You can combine coconut milk, lemon juice, and salt and then blend until smooth. The mixture is then refrigerated for several hours to allow the cheese to firm up.
Once firm, you can use this coconut cheese just like any other cream cheese. It’s delicious on toast or bagels, and you can also use in recipes in place of cow’s milk cheese. Coconut cheese is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.
Macadamia Nut Cheese
Macadamia nut cheese is a delicious vegan alternative to cream cheese. This you can make from raw macadamia nuts, you soak them and then blend into a smooth paste. The cheese has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
It works wonderfully as a dip or spread for crackers.
Macadamia nut cheese is a great way to get a lot of nutrition and protein without having to consume dairy products. It’s also high in healthy fats, including oleic acid, which can help reduce your risk of heart disease. Plus, it’s free of cholesterol, lactose, and animal products!
Rice Cheese
When it comes to cream cheese substitutes, there are a few options out there. However, one of the best substitutes is rice cheese. Rice cheese is a type of cheese you can make from, you guessed it, rice! It has a similar texture to cream cheese and you can use it in all the same ways.
Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and much lower in fat than traditional cream cheese. If you’re looking for a delicious plant-based alternative to cream cheese, try one of these recipes featuring rice cheese.
Silken Tofu Cheese: Healthy Substitutes For Cream Cheese
Silken tofu cheese is a delicious, dairy-free alternative to cream cheese. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, using in dips or as a base for savory dishes. Silken tofu cheese is high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy option for those looking to avoid dairy. You can make this cheese with just a few simple ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare.
How To Make Silken Tofu Cheese as a Substitutes For Cream Cheese
- Start by blending together one package of silken tofu and one tablespoon of nutritional yeast in a food processor or blender.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and a pinch of sea salt to the mixture. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl and stir in 1/4 cup of melted vegan butter or coconut oil, if desired.
- Put in the fridge and let it chill for at least half an hour before serving.
Silken tofu cheese is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a dairy-free alternative to cream cheese or other spreadable cheeses! Try adding it to sandwiches, wraps, veggie burgers, tacos, or any other dish that could use some tanginess and creamy texture!
Potato Cheese
If you’re looking for a delicious and dairy-free alternative to cream cheese, look no further than this potato cheese recipe! This vegan-friendly cheese you can make with boiled potatoes, nutritional yeast, and a few other simple ingredients.
It’s perfect for spreading on toast, using in dips or spreads, or even as a cheesy topping on baked potatoes. Give it a try today and see for yourself how versatile and delicious potato cheese can be!
Squash Cheese
There are many plant-based substitutes for cream cheese, but one of our favorites is squash cheese. This recipe is quick and easy to make, and it’s packed with nutrients.
Squash cheese is a great alternative to cream cheese because it’s lower in fat and calories. Plus, it’s a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and E.
To make squash cheese, simply blend cooked squash with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Then spread it on your favorite crackers or use it as a dip for veggies.
If you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy substitute for cream cheese, you can’t go wrong with squash cheese. It’s flavorful, nutritious, and sure to satisfy your cravings!
Sunflower Seed Cheese
If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative to cream cheese, sunflower seed cheese is a great option.
You can make this cheese from soaked and blended sunflower seeds, and it has a similar consistency to cream cheese.
Sunflower seed cheese is perfect for spreading on crackers or using in recipes that call for cream cheese.
Sunflower seed cheese is also a good source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and other nutrients like vitamin B12. It’s also free from cholesterol and lactose, making it suitable for those on vegan or dairy-free diets. You can fine sunflower seed cheese in many health food stores and online.
Hummus Cheese
If you love cream cheese but are looking for a plant-based alternative, hummus cheese is a great option!
You can make this cheese using chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, and you can use it in all the same ways as traditional cream cheese.
Try it on bagels or crackers, in dips or spreads, or even as a replacement for mayo or sour cream in recipes.
Hummus cheese is a great way to get the same creaminess as cream cheese without animal products. It’s also full of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Plus, homemade hummus cheese is much cheaper than store-bought versions!
Recipes using Plant-Based Cream as a Substitutes For Cream Cheese
There are many plant-based substitutes for cream cheese, and you can use them in a variety of recipes.
Here are some recipes that use plant-based cream cheese substitutes:
- Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting: You can make this frosting from vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. It’s the ideal finishing touch for desserts.
- Vegan Herbed Cream Cheese: This recipe uses cashews, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and herbs to create a delicious vegan cream cheese spread. Try it on crackers or bagels!
- Tofu Ricotta: Tofu ricotta is a great alternative to traditional ricotta cheese. You can make this recipe with tofu, non-dairy milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Try it in lasagna or stuffed shells.
- Chickpea Cream Cheese: This recipe uses chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to make a flavorful plant-based cream cheese substitute. Try it on toast or in wraps.
- Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Dip: You can make this creamy vegan dip with plant-based cream cheese, spinach, artichokes, garlic, onion, and seasonings. Serve it with chips or crudités for an easy appetizer.
- Vegan Cream Cheese Brownies: These vegan brownies, you can make with plant-based cream cheese and cocoa powder. They’re fudgy and delicious!
- No-Bake Cheesecake: This vegan no-bake cheesecake everyone can make with plant-based cream cheese, coconut milk, and graham crackers. It’s a great dessert for any occasion!
- Breakfast Quesadillas: These vegan breakfast quesadillas are made with plant-based cream cheese, beans, vegetables, and seasonings. A day that begins with one of these is off to a fantastic start!
With these recipes of plant-based substitutes for cream cheese, you can enjoy your favorite recipes without having to worry about dairy. Try them out and you’ll realize how tasty they are.
List of FAQs on Substitutes for Cream Cheese
If you’re dairy-free or vegan, there are plenty of substitutes for cream cheese. Here are some FAQs on the most popular plant-based substitutes for cream cheese you can try:
Yes, tofu is a great plant-based substitute for cream cheese. It’s high in protein and calcium and can be found in most grocery stores in the refrigerated section. When substituting tofu for cream cheese, use an equal amount of tofu and add water to thin it out if needed.
No, nutritional yeast is not the same as regular yeast. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated type of yeast with a cheesy, nutty flavor that’s often used as a vegan cheese substitute.
It’s typically kept in the supermarkets of health food stores. When using it as a cream cheese substitute, mix it with water to create a spreadable consistency.
Yes! There are many store-bought vegan cream kinds of cheese on the market these days that taste just like the real thing. Some of our favorites include Daiya, Follow Your Heart, and Tofutti. These brands can be found in most grocery stores in the refrigerated section.
Yes, you can use coconut cream as a substitute for cream cheese in some recipes. However, it won’t have the same flavor or texture as traditional cream cheese.
No, almond milk is not a suitable substitute for cream cheese. But you can try almond cheese instead.
Yes, vegan cream cheese is typically lower in calories and fat compared to traditional cream cheese. Additionally, it’s free from animal products and often fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Yes, many vegan cream cheeses are just as creamy and spreadable as regular cream cheese. However, some brands of vegan cream cheese may be a bit thicker than traditional cream cheese.
Yes, there are several non-soy cream cheese substitutes on the market. Some popular options include almond-based cream cheese, cashew-based cream cheese, and coconut-based cream cheese.
Yes, it is possible to make your own vegan cream cheese at home. You’ll need a few simple ingredients such as soaked cashews, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast. Just blend everything together in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
Yes, you can usually substitute vegan cream cheese for regular cream cheese in most recipes. However, the texture and flavor may be slightly different than traditional cream cheese.
Conclusion
This article has provided a comprehensive look at ten plant-based substitutes for cream cheese recipes. Each of these options adds its own unique flavor, texture, and health benefits to your dish.
Whether you are looking for an alternative because you have dietary requirements or just want to try something new, we hope that this list provides the perfect starting point!
So get creative in the kitchen today and experience all the delicious flavors that plant-based cooking can offer.
