Substitute for Cream Cheese in Frosting: Tangy and Pipeable
When making frosting, the best substitute for cream cheese is Mascarpone + Lemon Juice. Mascarpone has similar richness and consistency. Adding lemon juice provides the tang that cream cheese naturally has. Beat with powdered sugar for a smooth, pipeable frosting. Cream cheese frosting is tangy, rich, and pairs perfectly with carrot cake, red velvet, and spice cakes. Cream cheese provides the signature tang and body. The substitute must be thick enough to pipe and have some tanginess.
Best Substitute
Mascarpone + Lemon Juice
8 oz mascarpone + 1 tsp lemon juice per 8 oz cream cheese
Mascarpone has similar richness and consistency. Adding lemon juice provides the tang that cream cheese naturally has. Beat with powdered sugar for a smooth, pipeable frosting.
What else can I use instead of cream cheese in frosting?
Butter + Greek Yogurt
4 oz softened butter + 4 oz strained Greek yogurt per 8 oz cream cheese
Beat together until smooth, then add powdered sugar. Tangier than cream cheese frosting. Must be refrigerated.
Vegan Cream Cheese
8 oz vegan cream cheese per 8 oz cream cheese
Miyoko's, Kite Hill, and Violife work best. Beat with powdered sugar exactly like dairy cream cheese. Must chill before piping.
Coconut Cream + Lemon
1 cup chilled coconut cream + 1 tbsp lemon juice + powdered sugar to taste
Whip until fluffy. Keep refrigerated. Has a lighter texture than cream cheese frosting. Mild coconut flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of cream cheese in frosting?
Mascarpone cheese plus a teaspoon of lemon juice (for tang) is the closest substitute. Beat with powdered sugar for smooth, rich frosting. Vegan cream cheese brands like Miyoko's also make excellent frosting.
Can I make cream cheese frosting without cream cheese?
Yes. Beat 4 oz softened butter with 4 oz strained Greek yogurt, then add powdered sugar until thick. The yogurt provides tang similar to cream cheese. Refrigerate to firm up before piping.