Substitutes for Cream Cheese Frosting

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Tangy, creamy frosting made from cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar used on carrot cake, red velvet, and cinnamon rolls.

Can't find Cream Cheese Frosting in your kitchen? No problem! Below are 3 tested substitutes with exact ratios, perfect for baking, cooking, and everything in between.

Substitute Ratio Best For Dietary
Greek Yogurt Frosting 1 cup Greek yogurt + 2 tbsp honey (not fully stable) light toppings, pancakes, waffles
Vegetarian
Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting 1:1 replacement using vegan cream cheese cakes, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls
Vegan Dairy-Free
Buttercream Frosting 1:1 replacement cakes, cupcakes, cookies
Vegetarian

How to Use

Works as a lighter topping but not a stable frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Cream Cheese Frosting?
The best substitute depends on your recipe, but Greek Yogurt Frosting is a reliable choice for most applications. Use 1 cup Greek yogurt + 2 tbsp honey (not fully stable).
What's a vegan substitute for Cream Cheese Frosting?
Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting is an excellent vegan option. Use 1:1 replacement using vegan cream cheese.
Can I use any of these substitutes interchangeably?
Most substitutes work well in their recommended use cases, but they may produce slightly different results. The notes above explain the differences and best practices.
Will the taste be affected?
Some substitutes may subtly change the flavor profile of your dish, but they'll work great in the recommended use cases. Start with the suggested ratio and adjust to your taste.

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