You can use these 14 cream cheese substitutes for baking, cooking, and even making easy appetizers. When you’re out of regular cream cheese or dealing with dietary restrictions, finding the best cream cheese substitutes is essential.
Whether you need a vegan substitute, a healthier option, or simply something already on hand, this guide will help you pick the right alternative with the ideal texture and taste.
14 of the Best Cream Cheese Substitutes for Baking and Cooking
1. Greek Yogurt
Best for. Baking, spreads, savory dips, and desserts.
How to Use. Plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic cream cheese replacement. An equal amount of Greek yogurt can replace a cup of cream cheese in many recipes. Its creamy texture and mild flavor work well in both sweet recipes and savory dishes.
Tip. Add a few drops of lemon juice to Greek yogurt to create a tangy flavor that’s similar to cream cheese’s taste. For a creamier texture, mix in a small amount of heavy cream or even some xanthan gum to thicken it.
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2. Cottage Cheese
Best for. Cheesecake recipes, frostings, and savory dips.
How to Use. Blended cottage cheese has a smooth texture that’s similar to cream cheese, though slightly chunkier. Use a food processor to blend it until smooth, then add a bit of lemon juice or a pinch of salt for added flavor. Cottage cheese also has a lower fat content, making it a healthier alternative.
Tip. Cottage cheese has a mild cheese flavor that works well in savory recipes. Adding a small amount of nutritional yeast can give it a cheesier flavor that’s ideal for savory dishes.
3. Silken Tofu
Best for. Vegan cream cheese substitutes, frostings, and savory recipes.
How to Use. Silken tofu is a versatile vegan substitute for cream cheese. Blend it with a pinch of salt and a bit of lemon juice to create a creamy texture similar to soft cheese. It’s especially popular in dairy-free recipes and works well in both sweet and savory dishes.
Tip. Silken tofu has a mild flavor, so it adapts well to both vegan recipes and as a good substitute for cream cheese in cheesecake recipes. Adding nutritional yeast gives it a cheesier, tangy taste.
4. Cashew Cheese
Best for. Dairy-free cheesecakes, spreads, and savory dishes.
How to Use. Cashew cheese is made by blending raw cashews soaked in water with a bit of lemon juice, pinch of salt, and sometimes nutritional yeast for added depth. It’s a great choice for dairy-free cream cheese needs, especially in spreads or dips.
Tip. Cashew cheese has a creamy consistency and mild flavor that mimics cream cheese’s soft texture. It’s ideal as a vegan cream cheese substitute in recipes that call for spreadable cheese.
5. Mascarpone Cheese
Best for. Frostings, cheesecakes, and savory recipes.
How to Use. Mascarpone cheese, an Italian cream cheese, has a rich and creamy consistency with a less tangy flavor than American cream cheese. It’s a great cream cheese substitute in an equal ratio, especially in bake cheesecakes and frostings.
Tip. Because mascarpone lacks cream cheese’s sour taste, add a bit of lemon juice or tartaric acid for a tangy touch. This helps it work as a cream cheese substitute in both sweet and savory dishes.
6. Sour Cream
Best for. Baking, savory dips, and frostings.
How to Use. Sour cream has a soft texture and tangy taste that makes it a great substitute in a 1:1 ratio for recipes that call for a cup of cream cheese. It’s available at most grocery stores and works well in savory recipes as well as creamy spreads.
Tip. For the right texture in baking, add a pinch of salt to sour cream to deepen the flavor and balance the tangy taste.
7. Ricotta Cheese
Best for. Baking, savory dishes, and creamy spreads.
How to Use. Ricotta cheese is an Italian cheese with a mild cheese flavor and soft texture, making it a good substitute for cream cheese in certain recipes. It works well in an equal ratio and provides a chunkier texture in spreads and dips.
Tip. Add a bit of lemon juice and salt to ricotta for a more authentic cream cheese flavor in spreads and dips. It’s a healthier option with a lower fat content, perfect for lighter recipes.
8. Vegan Store-Bought Cream Cheese
Best for. Any recipe that requires cream cheese, especially frostings and creamy desserts.
How to Use. Most vegan cream cheese options are designed to mimic the real thing in terms of texture and flavor, making them easy to use in a 1:1 ratio. Many brands even have flavors like tangy or plain.
Tip. Look for a vegan option that has added lactic acid bacteria for a closer match to regular cream cheese’s taste. This non-dairy alternative is a good choice for vegan recipes and sweet dishes.
9. Neufchâtel Cheese
Best for. Baking, frostings, and savory dishes.
How to Use. Neufchâtel cheese is a close cousin to cream cheese but has a slightly lower fat content, making it a healthier substitute with a similar creamy texture. It works well in any recipe that calls for regular cream cheese, especially in baked goods and spreads.
Tip. Use Neufchâtel as a 1:1 replacement in place of cream cheese for a lighter option that still delivers great creaminess.
Make your own Neufchâtel Cheese.
10. Labneh
Best for. Savory recipes, dips, and spreads.
How to Use. Labneh, a strained Middle Eastern yogurt, has a smooth texture and tangy flavor, making it a great cream cheese alternative in dips and savory spreads. Its thick, creamy consistency works well in place of cream cheese, especially in savory dips and easy appetizers.
Tip. Add a pinch of salt and a bit of lemon juice to labneh for a taste closer to cream cheese, and it becomes an ideal substitute in savory dishes.
11. Goat Cheese
Best for. Savory dishes, spreads, and cheesecakes with a tangy twist.
How to Use. With its distinct tangy flavor, goat cheese can replace cream cheese in spreads, savory dips, and even some cheesecake recipes for a unique twist. Its creamy texture makes it a great cream cheese substitute, though it has a bit more flavor.
Tip. For best results, choose a mild, spreadable goat cheese. Its strong flavor can be balanced by mixing it with a milder cheese or by adding a bit of lemon juice if a less tangy flavor is desired.
12. Hummus
Best for. Savory dips, spreads, and vegan recipes.
How to Use. Hummus may seem unconventional, but it’s a great vegan cream cheese alternative for savory dishes and spreads. It provides a smooth texture and can be flavored with various seasonings to suit different recipes.
Tip. Use plain hummus with a bit of lemon juice to create a tangy flavor. While it won’t work in sweet recipes, it’s a good choice for savory spreads.
13. Avocado
Best for. Vegan recipes, spreads, and savory dishes.
How to Use. Mashed avocado has a creamy consistency that makes it a suitable cream cheese substitute in savory dips and spreads. It’s especially useful as a healthier alternative in recipes where a mild, creamy texture is desired.
Tip. Add a pinch of salt and a bit of lemon juice to mashed avocado for a mild flavor similar to cream cheese, or mix it with nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavor. Note that avocado is best suited for savory recipes due to its distinctive flavor.
14. Coconut Cream
Best for. Vegan frostings, sweet recipes, and desserts.
How to Use. Coconut cream has a thick, rich texture that works well in frostings and sweet recipes as a dairy-free substitute. It’s often used as a vegan option for cream cheese in desserts and can be whipped for a smooth, creamy consistency.
Tip. For a closer flavor to cream cheese, add a bit of lemon juice to coconut cream to introduce a tangy taste. This substitution works especially well in dairy-free cheesecakes and frostings.
Best Practices for Choosing a Substitute
Consider Texture and Flavor. Not all substitutes are one-size-fits-all. For instance, silken tofu and coconut cream have vastly different textures and flavors, so picking the right one depends on whether you’re making something savory or sweet.
Experiment with Ratios. Some substitutes work best when combined with other ingredients to mimic cream cheese’s texture and tang. For example, mixing Greek yogurt with a bit of softened butter or coconut cream can achieve a texture closer to cream cheese for frostings or cheesecakes.
How to Adjust Recipes Based on the Substitute
Moisture Content. Some substitutes, like Greek yogurt or labneh, may have more moisture than cream cheese. To avoid runny batters or frostings, consider reducing other liquids in the recipe slightly, or add thickening agents like a teaspoon of cornstarch or a bit of xanthan gum.
Baking Considerations. If using a substitute for baking, such as in cheesecake, the flavor and consistency may change slightly. For instance, mascarpone cheese will yield a richer, slightly sweeter cheesecake, while cottage cheese might create a lighter texture.
Storage and Shelf Life of Substitutes
How Long Each Substitute Lasts. Some substitutes, like avocado and homemade cashew cheese, have a shorter shelf life and should be used within a few days. Others, like Neufchâtel cheese or coconut cream, can last longer if stored properly. Mentioning this can help readers avoid food waste.
Freezing Options. Some substitutes, such as cream cheese made from blended cashews or plain Greek yogurt, can be frozen if you make them in batches, making them convenient to have on hand.
Using Cream Cheese Substitutes for Dietary Needs
Lactose-Free Options. Highlighting lactose-free options, like lactose-free Greek yogurt or dairy-free cream cheese, can be especially helpful for readers who are lactose intolerant.
Lower Calorie or Lower Fat Choices. Options like Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese are lower in fat than traditional cream cheese, making them good choices for those watching their calorie intake.
Unique Flavor Additions for Enhanced Taste
Herbs and Spices. If using a more neutral substitute, like ricotta or blended tofu, adding fresh herbs, a pinch of salt, or even spices like garlic powder can enhance the flavor for savory recipes.
Sweet Flavor Enhancers. For desserts, adding vanilla extract, a bit of honey, or even a hint of almond extract can make cream cheese substitutes taste more satisfying in sweet recipes.
Nutritional Benefits of Different Substitutes
Nutrient Density. Greek yogurt, for instance, provides protein and probiotics, while avocado offers healthy fats and fiber. A quick mention of these nutritional perks can guide readers toward the healthiest choice for their specific needs.
Adding these details makes the post not only practical but also versatile, helping readers make the best choices based on their individual recipes, dietary needs, and preferences.
Final Tips
Finding the best cream cheese substitutes can be as simple as exploring ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
From mild cheeses to vegan cream cheeses, there’s an option for everyone, whether you’re looking for a healthier substitute, a dairy-free alternative, or just a great substitute in a pinch.
References
All Recipes. 9 Cream Cheese Substitutes (and 1 Recipe) for When You Can’t Find the Real Thing.
Southern Living. Need A Cream Cheese Substitute? We’ve Got Options.
