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.
Liz says
I'm so glad I found your recipe! It was perfect for the birthday cupcakes I made for a friend who can't eat dairy!
Nicole Kendrick says
I love that she was able to enjoy with you! Happy Birthday from Golden Grace Kitchen!
Colette says
This was perfect for my daughter who can't have dairy. I used this on a cake.
Nicole Kendrick says
I'm so glad I was able to help both of you out! Happy Holidays!
Dorothy Smith says
I only have a hand held mixer. How else should I mix the frosting? Thanks!
Nicole Kendrick says
Hello, sorry for the late reply I had major surgery. You can easily use the handheld mixer on any of my recipes!
Suzanne says
Hi! What brand of powder sugar do you recommend?
Thanks
Jordan Hase says
If you were to make this for sugar cookies - how would you suggest storing the cookies once decorated? Will this melt easily if not refrigerated?
Nicole Kendrick says
Cream cheese frosting including dairy free versions contain perishable ingredients that require refrigeration. So yes, I would suggest putting the sugar cookies into the fridge.
Rachel says
Hi, have you tried freezing this frosting? Would it work? Thank you!
NKendrick says
Hi, I haven't tried freezing it. But I have stored it in the fridge for a month with no issues!
Leslie says
This Dairy-Free Cream Cheese frosting is delicious! So thankful to have a good, dairy free option bc cream cheese is my favorite flavor!
Swathi says
Dairy free cream cheese frosting is delicious, I have tried it.
DK says
I wasn't sure if this dairy free frosting would be good - but man it turned out so tasty! I would use this on anything including pancakes!
Oscar says
The best dairy-free cream cheese frosting I’ve tried. It’s creamy, tangy, and works well with a variety of baked goods.
Liz says
I shared this with a friend who cannot have dairy and she was thrilled with the results. I told her I'd pass along her review!!!
Jerika says
Thanks for this airy-free cream cheese frosting recipe, it's what I'm looking for.:) Thank you for the useful tips too.
Nancy says
This is the best dairy free frosting I’ve ever had. Perfect
NKendrick says
Thank you so much! I’m so happy to hear that you loved it!
Mary says
Great frosting tutorial! Thanks for recommending brands. I like how stable it is in addition to being delicious.
NKendrick says
Thank you so much, Mary!
Nora says
This frosting turned out perfectly! Perfect for my lactose intolerant family! Thank you!