How to Make Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting (Dairy-Free) Recipe
This vegan dairy-free cream cheese frosting is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this frosting is a must-try for anyone seeking a dairy-free or vegan option that still delivers all the classic cream cheese flavor.
Serving Size 8 1/4 Cup
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
This vegan cream cheese frosting recipe makes about 2 cups of frosting, which is enough to cover:
- 12–16 cupcakes (piped or spread with a knife)
- One 9x13-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 9x9-inch square cake (generously frosted)
- A batch of cinnamon rolls (around 12 rolls)
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- Sift the Powdered Sugar – This helps create a smooth texture and prevents clumps that could make the frosting too thin.
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- Don’t Overbeat – Mixing too long can break down the structure, causing separation. Mix just until combined and smooth.
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- Chill if Needed – If your frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before frosting your dessert.
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- 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.
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- (Powdered sugar usually does have a bit of corn starch in it already, to help prevent sticking/ caking.)
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- 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.
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- Avoid Frosting Warm Desserts – Always let your dessert cool completely before frosting, or the frosting will melt.
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- 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.