The best dairy free cream cheese frosting really does exist, and I’m going to teach you how to make it! This rich, creamy frosting is just as creamy and delicious as traditional frosting, and it's just as easy to make.
With dairy allergies on the rise, it’s always a great idea to have a great dairy-free cream cheese frosting recipe on hand.
There are many desserts that require a cream cheese frosting, such as cinnamon rolls, this gluten-free red velvet cake, gingerbread, and, of course, carrot cake. Making a gluten-free carrot cake (which I used with this frosting) without cream cheese frosting is like taking a bath without soap, and we know that’s just not happening!
The flavor in cream cheese frosting is unique all in itself and is deeply missed when not present with certain desserts. However, achieving a dairy-free cream cheese frosting isn’t the easiest task. In fact. I’ve messed up several batches before finally getting it right.
The frosting must have great flavor, a good texture, and sufficient substance to maintain its shape. Luckily for you, I've mastered the perfect dairy free cream cheese frosting. If you follow this recipe, you'll have a rich, creamy, decadent frosting that's just as delicious as the original and perfect for mixed company. As always, this is a gluten free recipe, as well!
Before you go any further, I want to emphasize that you should read my tips before making the frosting. They'll help you achieve the best flavor and texture with the least effort.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Limited Ingredients: This frosting only takes four simple ingredients found in any grocery store. Dairy free options are very common these days!
- Super Easy: Mastering vegan cream cheese frosting on your own can be a challenge, but if you follow this recipe and my tips, you'll have no problem making the best frosting ever!
- Versatile: Just like regular cream cheese frosting, this is the perfect finisher for a variety of desserts, like my maple bacon cupcakes or pumpkin carrot cake, and it makes a great filling for items like my carrot cake cookie sandwich recipe. Of course, it's perfect for your favorite vegan carrot cake recipe!
- Great for Making Ahead of Time: This frosting is freezer-friendly, allowing you to prepare it in batches and save it in a freezer-safe airtight container for later use.
Jump to:
Ingredients
See the recipe card at the end of the post for a full list of ingredients and their exact amounts.
Variations
This is usually where I list different ways to change up my recipes, but in this case, I highly recommend sticking to my ingredient selection.
Kite Hill cream cheese is the only brand I've found that creates a classic texture and flavor. Likewise, Country Crock avocado oil sticks also gave me the best flavor and texture.
How to Make Dairy Free Cream Cheese Frosting
Whip the butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Then, beat in the powdered sugar, 2 cups at a time. Finally, mix in the vanilla.
Frost your favorite desserts, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- I strongly recommend using Kite Hill vegan cream cheese. It's the only brand I've found that creates a frosting with the right flavor and texture. Other brands tend to be too soft, creating a very "wet" frosting.
- Use a high-quality dairy free butter like Country Crock or Earth Balance. In this case, the quality is for flavor, rather than texture. So, use a brand with a flavor you enjoy.
- ALWAYS use stick butter. The butter in the tubs is designed to be spread and will make your frosting too thin.
- Be sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature, not warm. Vegan alternatives can easily become too warm and soft, creating a thin frosting that won't stay in place.
- You really should use a stand mixer for this recipe, as adequate whipping is key to a rich, thick, creamy frosting.
Dairy Free Cream Cheese Frosting FAQ
You can use any brand of dairy-free butter. However, be certain to use the stick kind rather than the tub. The dairy-free butter sticks tend to lend a better consistency when making frosting. In this recipe, I use the Country Crock avocado oil sticks. After several attempts, this particular dairy-free butter tends to work best, in my opinion.
Runny dairy free cream cheese frosting is usually the result of two things. The ingredients were either too warm, or the frosting was whipped for too long. Your ingredients should only be room temperature, never warm. Additionally, stop whipping the frosting as soon as it becomes thick and creamy.
If your frosting is too thin, you can place it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to see if it thickens. If that doesn't work, try adding more powdered sugar or a small amount of coconut flour.
Vegan cream cheese frosting tastes almost exactly like traditional cream cheese frosting if you use quality ingredients. The flavor is slightly different, but it's still delicious. Using low-quality ingredients, however, will result in a frosting with an odd flavor.
More Delicious Dairy Free Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Dairy Free Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz tub cream cheese dairy-free (leave out for 20 minutes before using)
- 1 stick butter dairy-free (softened, but not too soft)
- 4 cups sugar powdered
- 1 ½ teaspoon Vanilla bean extract
Instructions
- First, add butter and cream cheese to a mixer with paddle attachment and mix until smooth.Next
- Next, add in the powdered sugar 2 cups at a time. After each addition, begin mixing on low until the powder is slightly combined, then mix on medium until well combined (About 1 minute).
- Once all powdered sugar has been combined, add vanilla, and mix again until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
- The end result should be a thick and creamy frosting. If your frosting is not thick and creamy, it will slide around on your desserts or roll-off. Refer back to the tips sections on how to fix this.
Notes
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze for up to a month in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
- Defrost overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then, stir well with a rubber spatula before using.
- I strongly recommend using Kite Hill vegan cream cheese. It's the only brand I've found that creates a frosting with the right flavor and texture. Other brands tend to be too soft, creating a very "wet" frosting.
- Use a high-quality dairy free butter like Country Crock or Earth Balance. In this case, the quality is for flavor, rather than texture. So, use a brand with a flavor you enjoy.
- ALWAYS use stick butter. The butter in the tubs is designed to be spread and will make your frosting too thin.
- Be sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature, not warm. Vegan alternatives can easily become too warm and soft, creating a thin frosting that won't stay in place.
- You really should use a stand mixer for this recipe, as adequate whipping is key to a rich, thick, creamy frosting.
Melanie says
I had a guest who couldn't consume dairy so this was the perfect recipe to serve with my dessert. Thanks!
Nicole Kendrick says
Love that we were able to help you and your guest still enjoy dessert together! Thanks for the kind words!
Chloe says
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
Elizabeth says
This frosting was so rich and creamy! I used it on a few cupcakes this weekend and it was a huge hit. Definitely saving for future reference.
Raya says
Wow, achieving that perfect creamy, thick dairy-free cream cheese frosting texture is a huge win! I really appreciate the detailed tips on which ingredients work best. This will be a game-changer for my holiday baking!
Colleen says
This frosting was perfect for carrot cup cakes. Turned out creamy and delicious.
Genevieve says
You can never go wrong with a good dairy free frosting. This one is easy to make and perfect for my dairy free buddies.
Nicole Kendrick says
It is a perfect treat to make sure everyone can enjoy dessert! Thanks so much for stopping by Golden Grace Kitchen, Genevieve!
Nora says
This frosting turned out so creamy and rich! I never would’ve guessed it was dairy free. Such an easy, delicious alternative to classic cream cheese frosting!
Nicole Kendrick says
Truly one of the best recipes we have to offer! I hope you have a sweet day! - NK
Nicole Kendrick says
Thank you for sharing this recipe