Looking for the perfect vegan cream cheese frosting to top your favorite desserts? This dairy free cream cheese frosting is tangy, perfectly sweet, and ultra-creamy, making it the ideal pairing for gluten free carrot cake, red velvet cake, and gluten free pumpkin bars. Whether you’re avoiding dairy or just want a delicious plant-based option, this frosting comes together in minutes with simple ingredients—no one will guess it’s vegan!
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Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Frosting
- Tangy & Sweet – Just like a traditional cream cheese frosting, but completely dairy-free! The perfect balance of tangy and sweet makes it ideal to top so many recipes.
- Smooth & Creamy – Made with simple ingredients like vegan margarine, dairy-free cream cheese, and confectioner’s sugar, this frosting is ultra-creamy and spreads beautifully over cakes, cupcakes, and even cinnamon rolls.
- Easy to Make – Whether you use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or an electric hand mixer, this easy vegan cream cheese frosting comes together in just minutes!
- Versatile & Customizable – Works with your favorite brand of vegan butter, like Earth Balance or Kite Hill, and can be adjusted for sweetness and texture. Want it thicker? Add more icing sugar! Need a little extra tang? A splash of lemon juice does the trick.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Use it for frosting a layer cake, piping onto cupcakes, or spreading over cinnamon rolls. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh for later!
- Don’t forget to check out the recipe card below for the full recipe and leave a star rating if you love it!
What Equipment is Needed for this Recipe
To make this dairy-free cream cheese frosting, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Stand Mixer or Electric Mixer – Use a stand mixer on low speed with a whisk attachment, or an electric mixer/electric whisk for a smooth and fluffy texture.
- Large Mixing Bowl – Gives plenty of space for blending ingredients without a mess.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon – Helps scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – For precise measurements to achieve the perfect cream cheese flavor.
- Sifter or Fine Mesh Sieve – Helps remove any lumps from the powdered sugar, resulting in a smooth, creamy frosting.
- Airtight Container – Store extra frosting in an airtight container to keep it fresh for your next batch of baked goods.
- Piping Bag – Optional: To use this vegan cream cheese frosting for piping, place the finished frosting into a piping bag and then cool in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
With these tools, your easy vegan cream cheese frosting will come together in no time!
Ingredients for Vegan Frosting Recipe
- Vegan Cream Cheese – Use your favorite vegan cream cheese brand for the best cream cheese flavor. Brands like Kite Hill, Violife, or Tofutti work well.
- I used the store brand from Kroger in the photos.
- Vegan Butter Substitute or Vegan Margarine (Stick Variety) – Avoid spreadable versions, as they contain extra oils that can make the frosting too runny.
- Earth Balance Buttery Sticks are a good option as well as Country Crock Plant Butter. I personally like their avocado oil based butter.
- Powdered Sugar – Also known as confectioner’s sugar or icing sugar, this gives the frosting its smooth, sweet texture.
- Vanilla Extract – A little bit of pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor and makes it taste like the real deal.
Want a thicker consistency? Add a little bit of extra powdered sugar or a pinch of corn starch for a more stable, creamy frosting!
Overview of Instructions
Follow the Recipe Card below for the full instructions for vegan cream cheese frosting. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Prepare Your Ingredients – For best results, ensure your vegan cream cheese and vegan butter substitute are at room temperature.
- Sift the Powdered Sugar – Prep your powdered sugar by sifting it with sifter or fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps from the powdered sugar for a smooth, creamy frosting.
- Beat the Butter & Cream Cheese – In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or an electric mixer to beat the vegan butter sticks and non-dairy cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the Vanilla & Sugar – Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud.
- Whip Until Fluffy – Increase to medium speed and mix until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable. If needed, adjust consistency with a little bit of extra powdered sugar or a pinch of corn starch.
- Use or Store – Frost your favorite cakes, cinnamon rolls, or vegan carrot cake cupcakes immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for later use.
For best results, refer to the recipe card for precise measurements and additional best tips!
Tips for Perfect Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
Avoid Runny or Separated Frosting! To ensure perfect results, follow these key tips:
- Use the Right Vegan Cream Cheese & Butter – Stick to vegan cream cheese brands that are firm, like Kite Hill or Tofutti, and always use buttery sticks, not tub margarine, which contains extra oils that can make the frosting runny.
- Keep Ingredients at the Right Temperature – Use room temperature ingredients, but avoid overly soft or melted butter, which can cause the frosting to separate. If your butter is too soft, chill it slightly before using.
- Sift the Powdered Sugar – This helps create a smooth texture and prevents clumps that could make the frosting too thin.
- Don’t Overbeat – Mixing too long can break down the structure, causing separation. Mix just until combined and smooth.
- Chill if Needed – If your frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before frosting your dessert.
- Adjust the Consistency – If the frosting is too thin, add a little bit of extra powdered sugar or a pinch of corn starch to thicken.
- (Powdered sugar usually does have a bit of corn starch in it already, to help prevent sticking/ caking.)
- Avoid Frosting Warm Desserts – Always let your dessert cool completely before frosting, or the frosting will melt.
- Avoid Serving in a Hot Environment – If you’re serving your dessert outdoors or in a warm setting, plan ahead! Vegan cream cheese frosting can become too soft and even melt in higher temperatures. Keep your dessert in a cool place until it’s time to serve. If necessary, refrigerate it to help the frosting maintain its shape.
Following these best tips will help you achieve a stable, creamy, and delicious frosting that holds up beautifully on your favorite cakes and baked goods!
Need Inspiration?
Looking for delicious gluten-free recipes to pair with this dairy-free cream cheese frosting? Both my gluten-free carrot cake and gluten-free pumpkin bars are naturally dairy-free, so just add the frosting for a completely gluten-free, dairy-free dessert that’s sure to impress!
Best Easy Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Recipe
Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Thank You For Reading
As a stay-at-home mom, your support means the world to me! I hope you love this recipe as much as we do. If you try it, let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
Don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest, share it with a friend, or leave a review to help others discover it. And if you’re on Instagram, tag me @joanna_overly so I can see your delicious creations. Your support helps me continue creating new recipes—thank you so much!
How to Make Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting (Dairy-Free) Recipe
Equipment
- Stand Mixer or Electric Mixer
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Sifter or Fine Mesh Sieve
- Piping Bag Optional: To use this vegan cream cheese frosting for piping, place the finished frosting into a piping bag and then cool in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Vegan Cream Cheese At room temperature. Brands like Kite Hill, Violife, Tofutti or Kroger's store brand work well.
- 1/2 cup Vegan Butter At room temperature. (Stick Variety) Earth Balance Buttery Sticks or Country Crock Plant Butter – Avoid spreadable versions, as they contain extra oils that can make the frosting too runny.
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients – For best results, ensure your vegan cream cheese and vegan butter substitute are at room temperature. 8 ounces Vegan Cream Cheese 1/2 cup Vegan Butter
- Sift the Powdered Sugar – Prep your powdered sugar by sifting it with sifter or fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps from the powdered sugar for a smooth, creamy frosting. 3 cups Powdered Sugar
- Beat the Butter & Cream Cheese – In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or an electric mixer to beat the vegan butter sticks and non-dairy cream cheese just until smooth.
- Add the Vanilla – Mix in the vanilla extract to the vegan cream cheese and butter. 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Add Powdered Sugar– Add the sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time, scraping down the bowl as needed. Start the mixer on a low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then increase speed as it combines.
- Whip Until Combined – Increase to medium speed and mix just until it all combines. The frosting should be light, smooth and spreadable.
- Do not over mix as the frosting can separate and become runny.
- If needed, adjust consistency with a little bit of extra powdered sugar or a pinch of corn starch.
- Use or Store – Frost your favorite cooled cakes, cinnamon rolls, or carrot cake cupcakes immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for later use.
Notes
- 12–16 cupcakes (piped or spread with a knife)
- One 9×13-inch sheet cake
- One 8-inch or 9-inch round, double-layer cake (lightly frosted; for thicker frosting, I recommend 1.5x or 2x the recipe)
- One 9×9-inch square cake (generously frosted)
- A batch of cinnamon rolls (around 12 rolls)
-
- Use the Right Vegan Cream Cheese & Butter – Stick to vegan cream cheese brands that are firm, like Kite Hill or Tofutti, and always use buttery sticks, not tub margarine, which contains extra oils that can make the frosting runny.
-
- Keep Ingredients at the Right Temperature – Use room temperature ingredients, but avoid overly soft or melted butter, which can cause the frosting to separate. If your butter is too soft, chill it slightly before using.
-
- Sift the Powdered Sugar – This helps create a smooth texture and prevents clumps that could make the frosting too thin.
-
- Don’t Overbeat – Mixing too long can break down the structure, causing separation. Mix just until combined and smooth.
-
- Chill if Needed – If your frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before frosting your dessert.
-
- Adjust the Consistency – If the frosting is too thin, add a little bit of extra powdered sugar or a pinch of corn starch to thicken.
-
- (Powdered sugar usually does have a bit of corn starch in it already, to help prevent sticking/ caking.)
-
- Adjust the Consistency – If the frosting is too thin, add a little bit of extra powdered sugar or a pinch of corn starch to thicken.
-
- Avoid Frosting Warm Desserts – Always let your dessert cool completely before frosting, or the frosting will melt.
-
- Avoid Serving in a Hot Environment – If you’re serving your dessert outdoors or in a warm setting, plan ahead! Vegan cream cheese frosting can become too soft and even melt in higher temperatures. Keep your dessert in a cool place until it’s time to serve. If necessary, refrigerate it to help the frosting maintain its shape.
Be Sure to Always Double Check Ingredient Labels
It is always best practice to double-check your ingredient labels for hidden sources of allergens. Also, please note the nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. It may vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods. For specific dietary or medical needs, consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.
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This vegan cream cheese frosting is delicious! I used it on some gluten free carrot cake and everyone loved it