Velvety smooth, buttery, and creamy, this vegan cream cheese frosting is a perfect finishing touch for cakes, cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls.

The recipe is easy to make, just like regular cream cheese frosting, and you can flavor it with vanilla, lemon, or your favorite aromas.

vegan cream cheese frosting in a bowl

Check out our best plant-based dessert recipes!

It has become increasingly easy to make vegan cream cheese frosting thanks to the widespread of vegan and dairy-free products on the market.

Even if you don’t live in a big city, chances are that your local supermarket keeps a brand or two of vegan cream cheese and vegan butter.

And the quality, consistency, texture, and taste of those products have improved a ton in the last couple of years, so there’s no excuse not to try and make a vegan frosting for your next cake.

You can expect a frosting that is quite thick (not as thick as frosting made with dairy products, of course, but still really good), creamy, tangy, and velvety-smooth.

So be it for ethical reasons, health reasons, or just curiosity, here’s how to make the best vegan cream cheese frosting.

Note: we make mostly one-layer cakes on this blog, so this dairy-free cream cheese frosting recipe is enough to frost ONE 8 to 9-Inch layer or a little more than 12 cupcakes. If you make a two-layer cake, you can easily double the recipe. You can spread it or use it in a piping bag.

vegan frosting on vanilla cake

Ingredients

vegan cream cheese frosting ingredients

Vegan cream cheese

There are many delicious brands on the market right now.

Our top favorite brands are “Violife just like original cream cheese” (probably our favorite for frosting because it’s as thick as regular cream cheese), Wayfare, Simply V, and Trader Joe’s. Other brands are Kite Hill, The Dairy-Free Co, Daya, So Delicious, and Miyoko’s.

In general, try to get a cream cheese that is firm right out of the fridge, not a soft one. The best ones are made with coconut oil because that’s a saturated fat that keeps its solid form well.

Vegetable oil-based cream cheese won’t get firm enough. If you have allergies, there are nut-free, gluten-free, and soy-free products you can choose from.

Vegan butter

Like with cream cheese, there are several dairy-free and vegan butter brands out there. Pick one that is firm, or even better, solid, not the spreadable kind.

We recommend the ones that come in stick form – they are generally firmer and easier to measure than the ones that come in a tub. Some good ones are Violife, Earth Balance, Om Sweet Home, Miyoko’s, Fora, and Melt Organic.

Vegan margarine can work, but only if solid and in stick form, made with coconut oil or palm oil (which is often not super ethical, so you might want to avoid it).

Powdered sugar

You might want to use organic powdered sugar if you are a strict vegan.

You can’t replace powdered sugar to add sweetness to this vegan frosting recipe.

Vanilla, Lemon Zest, or both

We like to add a vanilla and lemon aroma to our vegan cream cheese frosting since the dairy-butter flavor is somewhat lacking.

You can use a good quality vanilla extract or, even better, the beans in a vanilla pod. We love using a real vanilla pod because they are dry and won’t make your frosting thinner. Also, you can see the black seeds in the frosting, and they look (and taste) wonderful.

For lemon aroma, we recommend using the grated zest of an organic lemon rather than lemon juice or lemon extract. Again, try to minimize liquids. The lemon zest adds a nice tang.

We don’t recommend adding salt to this recipe because most vegan cream cheeses have a slightly salty aftertaste.

Note: due to the lack of saturated animal fat, vegan butter and vegan cream cheese won’t be as firm at room temperature as their dairy counterparts. If your vegan cream cheese gets runny, let it firm up for a few minutes in the freezer or the fridge.

Vegan cinnamon rolls with frosting

Instructions

Slightly soften the vegan butter at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the brand. Do not soften in the microwave; your frosting will turn out runny.

To a large mixing bowl, add softened vegan butter and your aroma of choice.

Here we use the grated lemon zest for a tangy flavor and the seeds of a vanilla pod for a cozy flavor and beautiful look.

To use the vanilla seeds, cut the pod in half lengthwise and scrape off the seeds with the tip of a small knife.

Tip: try to use dry and not liquid aromas, as they might make your frosting runnier.

Dairyfree frosting with lemon peel

Beat the butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment until creamy (30 seconds max). Don’t over-beat.

Beat the butter and cream cheese

Add vegan cream cheese to the bowl with the butter. Make sure to drain excess liquid from the cream cheese if there’s any. Beat until combined (30 seconds max). Don’t over-beat.

frosting in a bowl

Add powdered sugar all at once. Sift it beforehand if you notice that your powder sugar is lumpy.

powdered sugar in frosting

Beat on low first and medium later until the powder sugar is fully incorporated, and your vegan cream cheese frosting is velvety smooth (30 seconds max). Don’t over-beat.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, then give it a final stir.

Tip: You can add more or less powdered sugar based on your preference. Stick in a finger and taste test, and add more sugar if you like your frosting a little sweeter.

vegan cream cheese and lemon frosting in a bowl

Let firm up in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before using it to frost cakes, cupcakes, and more.

Put the cakes you frosted back in the fridge to store them, as the frosting will get too soft at room temperature.

dairyfree frosting in white bowl

Serving Suggestions

Vegan Carrot Cake

Dairyfree frosting on carrot cake

Our carrot cake is 100% dairy and egg free; it’s light, moist, and ridiculously easy to make with a few simple pantry staples you probably already have at home.

Top it with this delicious frosting for one of the best and coziest cakes ever.

Check out our carrot cake recipe.

Easy Vanilla Cake

easy vanilla cake with cream cheese frosting

This single-layer vanilla cake is made with a few easytofind ingredients and a delicious cream cheese frosting. You’ll get a light and airy crumb that is pillowy soft and has just the right amount of vanilla and moisture.

Vegan Lemon Cake

Lemon cake and slice

An easy-to-make one-layer soft and moist lemon cake topped with delicious vegan cream cheese frosting.

Perfect for an afternoon snack with tea or as a light and zesty dessert.

Check out our vegan lemon cake recipe.

Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Vegan cinnamon rolls and topping

Our vegan cinnamon rolls are so light, fluffy, and so delicious no one will know they are vegan. Top them with our delicious vegan cream cheese frosting for a dessert/brunch/breakfast that no one can resist.

Check out our vegan cinnamon rolls recipe.

Tips

Soften butter at room temperature

Always soften your butter at room temperature. Microwaving the butter, even for a few seconds, will result in a runny cream cheese frosting. You only need to slightly soften the butter at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.

Don’t add unnecessary liquids

Some vegan cream cheese recipes call for adding milk or cream, but that’s not necessary, and it will make your frosting too thin.

Also, drain excess liquid from your vegan cream cheese and use aromas in dry form rather than liquid if you can. For instance, substitute grated lemon zest for lemon extract and the seeds of a vanilla pod for vanilla extract. The less liquid, the better.

Don’t over-beat it

The more you beat it, the thinner it gets. So try to beat it as little as necessary to combine the ingredients and make a smooth frosting.

Apply on cold cakes

Ensure your cakes, cupcakes, muffins, and cinnamon rolls are completely cooled before applying the frosting. Since there are no saturated animal fats, vegan frostings melt faster than non-vegan ones.

Put it back in the fridge (or freezer)

Let the cream cheese cool down and firm up in the fridge or freezer as soon as you make it, or spread it on a cake.

In essence, try not to leave it at room temperature if not necessary. Cold is your friend for having a thick vegan cream cheese frosting.

Make Ahead & Storage

Make Ahead: you can make this vegan cream cheese frosting up to 3 days ahead. It’s advised to make it at least a couple of hours before using it to frost cakes as it firms up in the fridge.

Refrigerator: keep in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer: the million-dollar question is, “can you freeze vegan cream cheese frosting?”. It depends. Some brands of vegan cream cheese freeze well, while others don’t. If you are brave enough and want to try, transfer the frosting to a freezer-friendly container and freeze it for up to 3 months.

Thaw: defrost in the refrigerator overnight or over several hours, then beat for a few seconds before using. Don’t thaw at room temperature, as that might foster bacterial growth.

More Vegan Desserts

If you’re curious about more dairy-free and egg-free desserts, get fresh inspiration from these sweet and easy recipes:

For many more easy dessert ideas, check out our desserts category page.

vegan cream cheese frosting in a bowl

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

By: Nico Pallotta
5 from 2 votes
Velvety smoothbuttery, and creamy, this vegan cream cheese frosting is a perfect finishing touch for cakescupcakes, and cinnamon rolls.
Makes enough for one single-layer cake, 9 to 12 cinnamon rolls, and about 12 cupcakes or muffins. Double the recipe for more.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Butter Softening Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1.5 cups
Course: Dessert, Frosting
Cuisine: American

Equipment

  • Hand mixer or stand mixer with whisk attachment

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces vegan butter we use violife (about 4 tablespoons or ¼ cup)
  • 4 ounces vegan cream cheese we use violife (about ½ cup)
  • 1 – 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 vanilla pod (the beans inside it) or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ lemon the grated zest (optional)

Instructions 

  • Slightly soften the vegan butter at room temperature for 10 minutes. No microwave.
    To a large bowl, add softened vegan butter, vanilla, and grated lemon zest.
    Dairyfree frosting with lemon peel
  • Beat with a hand mixer until creamy (30 seconds max). Don't over-beat.
    Beat the butter and cream cheese
  • Add vegan cream cheese and beat until combined (30 seconds max). Don't over-beat.
    cream cheese and butter in a bowl
  • Add powdered sugar all at once. Sift it first if it's lumpy.
    powdered sugar in frosting
  • Beat on low heat for a few seconds, scrape down sides, and beat on medium heat until frosting is velvety smooth (30 seconds max). Don't over-beat.
    vegan cream cheese and lemon frosting in a bowl
  • Let firm up in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before using on cakes, cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls.
    Dairy-free frosting
  • Store frosted cakes back in the fridge to prevent the frosting from melting.
    easy vanilla cake with cream cheese frosting

Notes

Nutritional information is an estimate for the whole batch of vegan cream cheese frosting, and it might vary based on your brands of butter and cheese.
TIPS
  • Use vegan butter in a stick form; the more solid, the better.
  • Use vegan cream cheese that is firm right out of the fridge. Avoid soft ones.
  • Avoid unnecessary liquids such as lemon juice, milk, extracts, and cream.
  • Don’t overbeat it, as it gets thinner as you beat.
  • Apply on cold cakes and store back in the fridge, or on warm cinnamon rolls and eat immediately.
  • Make it a few hours ahead and let it firm up in the fridge or freezer.
  • To use the seeds in a vanilla pod, cut the pod in half lengthwise and scrape off the seeds with the tip of a small knife. 

Nutrition

Calories: 1230kcal, Carbohydrates: 137g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 80g, Saturated Fat: 20g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g, Monounsaturated Fat: 22g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Potassium: 87mg, Dietary Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 122g, Vitamin A: 12IU, Vitamin B6: 0.04mg, Vitamin C: 29mg, Vitamin E: 3mg, Vitamin K: 43µg, Calcium: 90mg, Folate: 7µg, Iron: 2mg, Manganese: 0.02mg, Magnesium: 5mg, Zinc: 0.1mg
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Nico and Louise in the kitchen

Hi! We are Nico & Louise

Welcome to The Plant-Based School, a food blog with easy, tasty, and wholesome recipes.

Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients.

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1 Comment

  1. When you have a minute can you please do a cream cheese frosting from scratch. In most countries you need a second mortgage to buy a tub of vegan cream cheese.