Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting ~ Dairy Free

This vegan cream cheese frosting recipe couldn't be simpler to make, and it goes so well with so many of your favorite vegan desserts. And, you only need 5 simple ingredients and about 15 minutes to make this creamy, decadent dairy-free frosting.

If you're looking for the perfect partner to carrot cake or your vegan pumpkin cake, look no further than vegan cream cheese frosting. Not only is it decadently delicious, but it's dairy-free, nut-free and naturally gluten-free. You can spread it over cakes, pipe it onto cupcakes or drop large creamy dollops on warm cinnamon rolls for the ultimate breakfast treat.

If you're looking for a vegan buttercream frosting, see this post: Silky Smooth Vegan Buttercream Frosting

💚Reasons You'll Love This Recipe

💚Vegan cream cheese frosting typically contains less saturated fat and cholesterol than its dairy-based counterpart.

💚There's only 5 in ingredients in this recipe, and it's super easy to make.

💚This vegan cream is dairy free and gluten-free.

💚You can customize this recipe to suit whatever cake you're using it with. I've given you some suggestions below. You can also use this frosting with a piping bag.

🛒Ingredients

1. Vegan Cream Cheese: Vegan cream cheese brands can differ wildly. So, just be sure to choose a brand that you really like. Brands that I suggest are Kite Hill, Tofutti and Miyoko.
2. Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar, sometimes known as "icing sugar" or "confectioner's sugar" is a must for this vegan frosting recipe. You can't use normal granulated sugar in this recipe.
3. Vanilla: As always, be sure to use the best quality vanilla you can afford. It really adds depth and complexity to baked goods and frostings.
4. Plant-Based Milk: You probably won't need the milk, but if your frosting is too thick, you can add it 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the consistency you prefer.

👨‍🍳How To Make Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

• Make sure the vegan cream cheese and vegan butter are softened at room temperature. This will ensure a smooth and creamy frosting.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the softened vegan cream cheese and vegan butter. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on low to medium speed to blend them together until smooth and well combined.
• Add the vanilla extract to the cream cheese and butter mixture. Mix again to incorporate the flavor.
• Taste the frosting, if you feel it's too sweet, add a pinch of salt.

💡Variations

You can use this vegan cream cheese frosting recipe as a template for making your own creations. Here's a few suggestions to get you started:

1. Vegan Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the base frosting recipe and mix well. This will give your frosting a rich chocolate flavor. Adjust the sweetness as needed by adding more powdered sugar if desired.
2. Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting: Dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules in 1 tablespoon of hot water. Let it cool, and then add it to the base frosting recipe. Mix until the coffee flavor is well incorporated into the frosting.
3. Vegan Cinnamon Spice Cream Cheese Frosting: Mix 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the base frosting recipe. For an extra kick of warmth, you can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves. Adjust the spices to taste.
4. Lemon Zest Cream Cheese Frosting: Add the zest of one lemon to the base frosting recipe for a bright and zesty twist. The lemon flavor pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the frosting.
5. Dairy Free Cream Cheese Frosting With Summer Berries: Blend ½ cup of your favorite berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries) until smooth, then strain to remove seeds. Add the berry puree to the base frosting recipe and mix until you achieve a lovely pink or purple hue and a burst of berry flavor.

How To Prevent Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting From Being Runny

• Use High-Quality Vegan Cream Cheese: Opt for a good-quality vegan cream cheese brand that has a thicker and more stable texture. Cheaper or lower-fat options might have higher water content, leading to a runnier frosting.
• Start with Softened Ingredients: Ensure that both the vegan cream cheese and vegan butter are fully softened at room temperature before starting the mixing process. Softened ingredients will blend more evenly and create a smoother texture.
• Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: When adding powdered sugar to the frosting, do so gradually and mix well between additions. This allows the sugar to incorporate fully and prevents the frosting from becoming too thin.
• Avoid Over-Mixing: While it's important to mix the frosting until it's smooth, over-mixing can introduce excess air and cause the frosting to become runny. Mix until the ingredients are well combined, but stop once the desired consistency is achieved.
• Refrigerate if Necessary: If your frosting appears slightly runny after mixing, you can refrigerate it for a short period to help it firm up. Be careful not to leave it in the fridge for too long, as excessive chilling can cause the frosting to become overly stiff.
• Use Less Non-Dairy Milk: If you're adding non-dairy milk to adjust the consistency, do so sparingly. Start with a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) and gradually add more if needed. A little milk can go a long way in adjusting the thickness of the frosting.
• Consider Thickeners: If your frosting is consistently runny, you can incorporate a thickening agent like cornstarch or arrowroot powder. These should be added in small amounts and mixed thoroughly to avoid a chalky texture.
• Let the Frosting Rest: After mixing, let the frosting rest for a few minutes. This allows the ingredients to fully combine and stabilize, potentially reducing any runniness.

What To Put Dairy Free Cream Cheese Frosting On

• Vegan Carrot Cake: Classic carrot cake and cream cheese frosting are a match made in heaven. The tangy sweetness of the frosting complements the warm spices of carrot cake.
• Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes: Vegan red velvet cupcakes with vegan cream cheese frosting create a visually stunning and delicious combination. The creamy frosting balances the slightly cocoa-flavored cupcakes.
• Vegan Pumpkin Muffins: The earthy sweetness of pumpkin muffins pairs beautifully with the tangy creaminess of the frosting. This combination is perfect for fall or winter treats.
• Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Swirling a generous layer of vegan cream cheese frosting over warm cinnamon rolls adds a rich, gooey element to this breakfast favorite.
• Vegan Banana Bread: The subtle sweetness of banana bread harmonizes with the tangy cream cheese frosting, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.
• Vegan Zucchini Bread: The moistness of zucchini bread is wonderfully complemented by the creamy frosting. This combination adds an unexpected twist to a classic recipe.
• Vegan Spice Cake: Spice cake with vegan cream cheese frosting brings together the warmth of spices and the velvety texture of the frosting for a comforting dessert.
• Vegan Muffins: Whether you're baking blueberry, raspberry, or chocolate chip muffins, a dollop of vegan cream cheese frosting on top can add an indulgent touch.
• Vegan Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzling vegan cream cheese frosting over freshly cooked pancakes or waffles can turn a simple breakfast into a decadent treat.
• Vegan Brownies: The fudgy richness of brownies pairs unexpectedly well with the tanginess of the cream cheese frosting, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
• Vegan Cookies: Sandwiching two vegan cookies together with a layer of cream cheese frosting can create a unique and delicious cookie sandwich.

❄️Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

• Store your vegan cream cheese frosting in an airtight container. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent air and moisture from getting in, as this can cause the frosting to dry out or develop an off-flavor.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. Generally, vegan cream cheese frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. However, it's best to consume it within the first few days to enjoy its optimal texture and flavor.
• Before using the frosting, allow it to come to room temperature by taking it out of the refrigerator and letting it sit for about 15-20 minutes. This will help soften the frosting and make it easier to spread.

Freezer

• While cream cheese frosting can be frozen, the texture can change upon thawing, potentially becoming a bit watery or separated. I recommended to avoid freezing cream cheese-based frostings if possible.

🙋Frequently Asked Questions

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📖 Recipe

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

Keri Bevan

This vegan cream cheese frosting recipe couldn't be simpler to make, and it goes so well with so many of your favorite vegan desserts. And, you only need 5 simple ingredients and about 15 minutes to make this creamy, decadent dairy-free frosting.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 8-ounce package vegan cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup vegan butter softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk, if needed
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

 

• Make sure the vegan cream cheese and vegan butter are softened at room temperature. This will ensure a smooth and creamy frosting.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the softened vegan cream cheese and vegan butter. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on low to medium speed to blend them together until smooth and well combined.
• Add the vanilla extract to the cream cheese and butter mixture. Mix again to incorporate the flavor.
• Start by adding 1 cup of powdered sugar to the mixture. Mix on low speed to prevent the sugar from flying everywhere. Once the sugar is mostly incorporated, increase the speed and mix until smooth.
• Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will give your frosting its sweetness and structure.
• If the frosting is too thick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of non-dairy milk to reach your desired consistency. Add the milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing well between additions, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
• Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness of the frosting. Mix briefly to incorporate.
• Once all the ingredients are combined and the frosting is smooth, give it a final mix on medium-high speed for about 1-2 minutes. This will ensure a light and airy texture.

Notes

Storage Instructions:

Refrigerator

• Store your vegan cream cheese frosting in an airtight container. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent air and moisture from getting in, as this can cause the frosting to dry out or develop an off-flavor.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. Generally, vegan cream cheese frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. However, it's best to consume it within the first few days to enjoy its optimal texture and flavor.
• Before using the frosting, allow it to come to room temperature by taking it out of the refrigerator and letting it sit for about 15-20 minutes. This will help soften the frosting and make it easier to spread.

Freezer

• While cream cheese frosting can be frozen, the texture can change upon thawing, potentially becoming a bit watery or separated. I recommended to avoid freezing cream cheese-based frostings if possible.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 1gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.02gSodium: 105mgPotassium: 4mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 185IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 0.2mg

Keyword vegan cream cheese frosting

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