Homemade Vegan Cream Cheese: Your Ultimate Guide to Creamy, Dairy-Free Bliss

Discover how to craft incredibly rich and smooth vegan cream cheese right in your own kitchen with this simple, step-by-step recipe! Perfect for spreading on breakfast bagels, enhancing your favorite snacks, or elevating countless plant-based dishes, this homemade alternative offers unparalleled freshness and flavor. Say goodbye to store-bought options and embrace the delightful world of dairy-free deliciousness.

The idea of making your own cream cheese might sound like a daunting task, something reserved for seasoned chefs or those with endless hours in the kitchen. However, I assure you, it’s far simpler than you imagine! At its core, this recipe involves little more than blending a handful of wholesome ingredients and then patiently allowing nature to work its magic as the mixture settles and develops its characteristic tang and thickness.

While we’ll delve into the precise steps shortly, let’s first appreciate the incredible qualities and versatile applications of a truly great cream cheese! For many embracing a vegan lifestyle, cream cheese is often cited as one of the most missed dairy products. The good news? Those days are over! This homemade vegan cream cheese recipe delivers an experience that is just as smooth, rich, and utterly delicious as its traditional counterpart. It’s a promise I’m confident you’ll find true.

By harmoniously combining plain vegan yogurt and raw cashews, we unlock the secret to a luscious, homemade cream cheese that can transform a vast array of culinary creations. Whether you’re dreaming of decadent cheesecakes, creamy frostings, a simple spread for your morning bagel, or a base for savory dips, this versatile cashew-based cream cheese is up to the challenge. Its delightful texture and subtly tangy flavor make it an indispensable ingredient in any plant-based kitchen, proving that dairy-free can be just as satisfying, if not more so!

Why Choose Homemade Vegan Cream Cheese?

There are countless compelling reasons to embark on the journey of making your own vegan cream cheese. Beyond the sheer satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch, the primary motivator is undeniably the exquisite taste. Prepare yourself – you might just find yourself sneaking spoonfuls directly from the jar! But the benefits extend far beyond pure indulgence. Here are a few more persuasive reasons to consider adding this recipe to your repertoire:

• Uncompromised Freshness and Flavor: Store-bought vegan cream cheeses, while convenient, often contain stabilizers, gums, and artificial flavors to achieve shelf stability. Crafting your own ensures a vibrant, fresh taste that truly shines, free from unwanted additives. The natural fermentation process also develops a unique, complex flavor profile and a subtle tang that factory-produced versions simply can’t replicate. You’ll notice the difference immediately.
• Complete Control Over Ingredients: One of the most significant advantages of any homemade recipe is knowing precisely what went into your food. This vegan cream cheese is no exception. With just five simple, wholesome ingredients, you avoid hidden sugars, unhealthy oils, and artificial preservatives, making it a cleaner, healthier choice for you and your family. This transparency allows you to tailor it to specific dietary needs or preferences.
• Surprisingly Simple and Time-Efficient: Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe is remarkably straightforward. As promised, the active prep time is truly minimal, usually not exceeding 5-10 minutes. The majority of the process involves passive waiting as the mixture ferments and develops its characteristic texture and tang. It’s truly a “set it and forget it” kind of recipe, requiring patience more than advanced culinary skills.
• Budget-Friendly: High-quality vegan products can often come with a premium price tag, making them a costly habit. Making your own vegan cream cheese from scratch is a highly economical alternative. Cashews and plain vegan yogurt are relatively inexpensive staple ingredients, making this a very budget-conscious recipe that delivers a luxurious product without the high cost. It’s a smart way to enjoy gourmet flavors on a shoestring.
• Endless Customization Opportunities: Once you master the basic recipe, the possibilities for customization are truly endless. You can tailor the flavor to your exact preferences, from adding fresh herbs and spices for a savory spread to sweetening it with fruit or maple syrup for a dessert-ready treat. This level of personalization is rarely achievable with pre-made store-bought options, allowing your creativity to flourish.

Notes on Essential Ingredients for Vegan Cream Cheese

It’s truly amazing how five unassuming ingredients can come together to create such a rich, creamy, and satisfying vegan cream cheese. Each component plays a specific and crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and tangy, authentic flavor. Let’s explore each one and understand its contribution:

• Raw Cashews: These are the undisputed star of our show, forming the creamy, fatty base of the cream cheese. Their relatively neutral flavor makes them ideal for absorbing the tangy notes of the other ingredients without overpowering them. It’s absolutely crucial to soak them overnight (or for at least 4-6 hours in hot, almost boiling water if you’re short on time) to soften them completely. This ensures they blend into an incredibly smooth, lump-free consistency, which is essential for that luxurious, spreadable cream cheese texture. Always drain and rinse them thoroughly before blending to remove any residual starch or impurities.
• Water: Filtered water is recommended here, primarily to help achieve the desired blend consistency and ensure the purest flavor. While room temperature water is often preferred for optimal blending, its specific temperature isn’t as critical as its purity. It helps the cashews break down into a smooth, thick paste without making the mixture too thin.
• Plain Vegan Yogurt: This ingredient is key for introducing the characteristic tang and facilitating the fermentation process that gives traditional cream cheese its unique “cheesy” depth. Opt for any unsweetened, plain vegan yogurt you can readily find – almond, soy, coconut, or even a homemade cashew yogurt will work beautifully. Ensure it’s genuinely plain, as flavored yogurts will significantly alter the final taste. The active live cultures in the yogurt are what kickstart the fermentation, developing complex flavors and helping to thicken the mixture over time.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, zesty acidity that perfectly complements the rich cashew base and enhances the tangy notes from the fermenting yogurt. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best for its vibrant, nuanced flavor, but a high-quality bottled lemon juice can also be used in a pinch if fresh is unavailable. It acts as a natural preservative and also helps to “curdle” the mixture slightly during fermentation, contributing to the firm, spreadable texture.
• Sea Salt: More than just a seasoning, sea salt plays a vital role in balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the cream cheese. It brings out the subtle “cheesiness” and ensures the cream cheese isn’t bland or one-dimensional. You might find yourself adjusting the amount slightly to your personal preference after the fermentation process is complete, as flavors can mellow or intensify.

How to Make Homemade Vegan Cream Cheese: A Simple Process

Creating this delicious vegan cream cheese is a straightforward process, primarily involving blending your key ingredients and then allowing a period of patient waiting for the magic of fermentation to unfold. Follow these detailed steps for the best results, ensuring a creamy, tangy, and delightful spread every time:

1. Blend All Ingredients Until Perfectly Smooth

Begin by combining all your prepared ingredients in a high-speed blender: the pre-soaked and thoroughly rinsed raw cashews, filtered water, plain vegan yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and sea salt. Blend thoroughly on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and homogenous. It’s crucial that there are absolutely no gritty cashew pieces left, as this will affect the final texture. You may need to stop the blender periodically and use a silicone or wooden spatula to scrape down the sides, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated into the blade’s path. For smaller batches, or if your blender struggles with thick mixtures, using a smaller blender cup attachment or a blender tamper can be incredibly helpful in achieving that ultra-smooth consistency without the need to add excess liquid, which could make the cream cheese too thin.

2. Transfer to a Clean Bowl or Jar

Once your mixture has reached a perfectly smooth consistency, carefully pour the creamy contents into a very clean and dry glass bowl or a tall jar. Using a silicone or wooden spatula, ensure you get every last bit of the mixture and gently smooth down the top surface. It’s important to avoid using metal spatulas or bowls during this fermentation stage, as metal can sometimes react with the live cultures in the yogurt, potentially inhibiting the fermentation process or imparting an off-flavor.

3. Allow the Cream Cheese to Ferment

Now for the most important step in developing that classic cream cheese tang and texture. Cover your bowl or jar with a breathable material like cheesecloth or even a clean, dry paper towel. Secure it tightly with a rubber band to keep out any dust or contaminants while still allowing for crucial air circulation. Next, place the covered mixture in a warm, dry spot. The ideal environment facilitates the fermentation process, encouraging the beneficial bacteria in the yogurt to work their magic. If you reside in a naturally warm or tropical climate, your kitchen countertop might be sufficiently warm. In cooler climates, your oven (turned completely OFF, but with the oven light ON) provides a perfect warm, dark, and undisturbed environment. Important: Ensure the oven is completely cool before placing the cream cheese inside; residual heat from recent cooking will be too intense and could kill the delicate cultures. Leave the cream cheese undisturbed for a period of 24-48 hours. For optimal tang, thickness, and a richer flavor profile, I highly recommend allowing it to ferment for the full 48 hours.

4. Stir, Chill, and Enjoy!

After the fermentation period, you’ll notice a significant change: the mixture should be much thicker and have developed a distinct, tangy “cheesy” aroma and taste. Give it a good stir to ensure uniform consistency and to re-incorporate any separated liquids. At this point, you can cover the original jar/bowl with an airtight lid or transfer the cream cheese to a new, clean airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight. The chilling process will further thicken the cream cheese, making it perfectly firm and spreadable. It’s now ready to be enjoyed on your favorite bagels, crackers, or in recipes!

5. Taste and Adjust (Optional)

Before diving in, give your homemade cream cheese a taste. If you desire a saltier flavor, feel free to stir in a little more sea salt, tasting as you go. If you find the consistency too thick and prefer a thinner, smoother texture, you can achieve this by straining any excess liquid. Simply line a fine-mesh colander with cheesecloth or a clean paper towel, place the cream cheese in it, and let it drain for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step allows you to achieve your perfect preferred texture.

Expert Tips for Success with Your Homemade Vegan Cream Cheese

As you’ve seen, a significant portion of this recipe relies on patience during the waiting period. However, a few key techniques and considerations will ensure your homemade vegan cream cheese turns out perfectly creamy, tangy, and delicious every time. These expert tips will help you navigate the process like a pro:

• Optimal Blending Technique: For that truly smooth, velvety texture reminiscent of traditional cream cheese, a high-speed blender is highly recommended. These blenders are powerful enough to break down the cashews completely. If you’re working with a smaller batch of ingredients, using a smaller blender cup attachment or a blender tamper can help immensely. This ensures all the cashews are thoroughly broken down and incorporated into the liquid, preventing any grittiness in your final product. Blend until absolutely no cashew pieces are detectable, even if it takes a few minutes.
• Recognizing Normal Fermentation vs. Mold: During the 24-48 hour fermentation stage, it’s normal to observe a slight, thin, yellowish film or discoloration on the surface of your cream cheese. This is a natural byproduct of the beneficial bacteria at work and is nothing to worry about. However, if you spot any pink, green, or fuzzy spots, or detect an unmistakably foul odor, this indicates mold growth, and unfortunately, the entire batch should be discarded. Mold typically occurs if the equipment used was not perfectly clean, so rigorous sanitization of your blender, bowl, and spatulas before use is paramount to prevent unwanted bacterial guests.
• The Critical Importance of Chilling: While the cream cheese is technically ready to eat after fermentation, chilling it thoroughly in the refrigerator is a non-negotiable step for achieving the desired consistency. Cold temperatures allow the natural fats in the cashews to firm up and the entire mixture to set further, resulting in that wonderfully thick, dense, and spreadable texture we all love. Don’t skip this step – it makes all the difference when spreading on bagels, crackers, or using it as a dip. Plan to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
• Creating the Ideal Fermentation Environment: The warmth of your chosen fermentation spot is crucial for activating the beneficial cultures in the vegan yogurt and encouraging them to thrive. If you don’t live in a naturally warm climate (like a tropical country where a countertop is often sufficient), consider using your oven as a makeshift incubator. Remember, the oven should be completely OFF. Simply turn on the oven light; the small amount of heat generated by the bulb is often enough to create the perfect cozy, consistent environment for fermentation. Just ensure the oven has completely cooled down if it was used for cooking recently, as excessive heat will kill the cultures.
• Perfecting the Cashew Soak: While a quick soak in hot water (boiling for 10-15 minutes) can work in a pinch for softening cashews, an overnight soak (8-12 hours) in room temperature filtered water is truly ideal. This extended soak fully hydrates and softens the cashews, making them easier to blend into a perfectly smooth cream without stressing your blender. It also helps to break down phytic acid, improving digestibility. Always drain and rinse them well before blending.

Delicious Vegan Cream Cheese Variation Ideas

While the classic plain vegan cream cheese is a revelation on its own, its neutral base and delightful tang make it a fantastic canvas for creative flavor infusions. Don’t hesitate to experiment and customize your batch to suit your specific cravings! Here are some of my favorite ways to jazz up this versatile spread, transforming it for different meals and moods:

• Sweet and Fruity Swirls: For a delightful sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert, gently swirl in finely chopped fresh fruit after the fermentation and chilling process. My personal favorite is finely diced strawberries, creating a vibrant and naturally sweet strawberry cream cheese. Blueberries, raspberries, or even a hint of apricot or fig jam could also work beautifully. For an extra touch of sweetness, a tiny drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar can be added to taste.
• Savory Chives and Garlic Perfection: This is arguably my absolute favorite savory variation, offering a burst of aromatic flavor! For an incredibly flavorful spread, mix in 1 tablespoon of dried chives, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and an extra pinch of sea salt (to taste) after fermentation. The combination creates an herbaceous, savory, and wonderfully pungent cream cheese that’s perfect for bagels, savory crackers, or even dolloped onto baked potatoes or scrambled tofu. Freshly minced chives and garlic can also be used for an even more potent and fresh flavor profile.
• Extra “Cheesy” Boost with Nutritional Yeast: If you’re truly missing that intense umami “cheesy” flavor that dairy products sometimes provide, nutritional yeast is your best friend. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast after the initial blending stage (or even after fermentation) to impart a distinct, savory, and nutty depth that enhances the “cheese” factor even further. This variation is particularly excellent for recipes where you want a more pronounced cheese flavor, like in creamy dips, sauces, or mac and cheese recipes.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat to awaken their taste buds, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or even some finely minced fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to your desired spice level. This spicy version is excellent for wraps or vegetable platters.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Beyond chives, experiment with other fresh or dried herbs for a Mediterranean twist. Finely chopped fresh dill, parsley, oregano, or a blend of Italian herbs can add wonderful aromatic complexity. A hint of sun-dried tomato paste can further elevate this flavor, transforming your cream cheese into a sophisticated spread perfect for focaccia or vegetable sandwiches.

Versatile Ways to Use Your Homemade Vegan Cream Cheese

Once you’ve mastered this recipe and have a batch of this glorious homemade vegan cream cheese on hand, you’ll find that it’s an incredibly versatile ingredient, opening up a world of culinary possibilities. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor make it perfectly suitable for both sweet and savory applications. Here are just a few of my favorite and most creative ways to incorporate it into your daily meals, special occasions, and everything in between:

• The Classic Bagel Topper: This is perhaps its most iconic and beloved use, and for good reason. Generously spread your homemade vegan cream cheese on a freshly toasted bagel – whether it’s plain, everything, poppy seed, or sesame. Elevate it further with some fresh slices of cucumber, tomato, red onion, a sprinkle of fresh dill, or a dash of everything bagel seasoning for an extra layer of flavor and texture. It’s also fantastic on plain toast, rice cakes, or savory crackers for a quick and satisfying snack.
• Decadent Vegan Cheesecakes: Elevate your dessert game significantly! This rich, tangy cream cheese forms the perfect foundation for creating luxurious vegan cheesecakes. Its consistency holds up beautifully during baking and chilling, delivering that classic creamy, dense cheesecake flavor and texture without any dairy whatsoever. Experiment with various cookie crusts, fruit compotes, or chocolate toppings to create your signature dessert.
• Creamy Frostings and Other Desserts: Beyond cheesecakes, this vegan cream cheese can be transformed into incredible dairy-free frostings for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Simply mix it with powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla extract, and a touch of softened vegan butter for a rich, tangy, and wonderfully spreadable cream cheese frosting. It can also be incorporated into other desserts like parfaits, layered dessert cups, creamy fruit dips, or even a filling for sweet crepes or pastries.
• Savory Dips and Spreads: The neutral yet tangy base of this cream cheese makes it an excellent candidate for a multitude of savory dips. Use it as a rich foundation for a classic spinach and artichoke dip, a creamy French onion dip, a robust ranch dip, or a vibrant veggie dip. Its thick, scoopable consistency also works wonderfully in sandwich spreads or wraps, adding moisture and a burst of flavor to your lunch.
• Enhancing Sauces: Need to add a creamy, tangy, and slightly thick element to a pasta sauce, a savory gravy, or a casserole? A dollop or two of this vegan cream cheese can effortlessly thicken and enrich sauces beautifully, imparting a subtle “cheesy” depth without overpowering other flavors. It’s particularly good in creamy tomato sauces, a dairy-free “alfredo,” or a vegan mac and cheese.
• Stuffing for Vegetables: Get creative with stuffed vegetables! Think savory stuffed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini boats, or even spicy jalapeño poppers. Mix the cream cheese with herbs, breadcrumbs, chopped vegetables, and other seasonings, then use it as a flavorful and satisfying filling for your favorite roasted or baked vegetables.

Storing Your Homemade Vegan Cream Cheese

Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness, quality, and safety of your homemade vegan cream cheese. Because it contains live cultures and no artificial preservatives, it’s best consumed within a reasonable timeframe and stored correctly.

For immediate use and optimal freshness, transfer your prepared cream cheese to an airtight container or a tightly sealed glass jar and store it in the refrigerator. When stored properly, it will remain fresh, delicious, and maintain its ideal texture for up to 5 days. Beyond this period, the flavor and texture may begin to degrade, and the risk of spoilage increases, so always trust your senses (smell and sight).

If you’ve made a larger batch than you can consume within five days or wish to preserve it for longer, freezing is an option. You can freeze the cream cheese in an airtight, freezer-safe container for approximately one month. Be aware, however, that freezing can alter the texture of the cream cheese. Upon thawing, the water content may separate slightly, and the cream cheese might become a little grainier or lose some of its original creamy smoothness. While still perfectly edible and flavorful, the texture might not be ideal for spreading directly on bagels. Therefore, frozen and thawed cream cheese might be best used in cooked applications like cheesecakes, sauces, or dips where the slight change in texture is less noticeable. To thaw, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight.

The Best Vegan Cream Cheese

Learn how to make creamy Vegan Cream Cheese with this easy step-by-step guide! Homemade cream cheese is so rich and smooth. It’s perfect for breakfast bagels, snacks, and more!

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 10 mins

Resting Time: 2 days

Total Time: 2 days 10 mins

★★★★★
4.84 (from 12 ratings)

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Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight, then drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons water
• 3 tablespoons plain vegan yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. In a high-speed blender, blend all the ingredients together until completely creamy, smooth, and incorporated. Scrape down the sides if needed and blend until combined. A smaller blender and a tamper can be helpful for optimal mixing.
2. Pour the contents into a very clean and dry glass bowl or tall jar using a silicone or wooden spatula (avoid metal). Smooth down the surface.
3. Cover the bowl/jar with cheesecloth or a clean dry paper towel and secure with a rubber band. Place it in a warm, dry place. In tropical countries, a countertop is fine. Otherwise, place it in your oven with the oven OFF and the oven light ON (ensure the oven is not hot from recent cooking). Leave the cream cheese undisturbed for 24-48 hours; 48 hours is recommended for best results.
4. A small, slightly yellow film on top is normal. If you see any pink spots, it is mold, and the batch should be discarded. This usually indicates insufficient cleaning of equipment, so always ensure everything is thoroughly scrubbed before use.
5. After fermentation, the mixture should be much thicker and taste tangier. Stir to combine fully. Cover the jar/bowl with an airtight lid or transfer to a new clean, covered container and place in the fridge. It will thicken further in the fridge and is now ready to use!
6. Taste your cream cheese and add more salt if desired. If a thinner consistency is preferred, strain it in cheesecloth or a fine mesh colander for about 30 minutes to remove excess liquid.

Notes

• How to Blend the Ingredients: For the first step, a smaller blender and a tamper can help achieve a perfectly smooth consistency.
• How to Tell if There is Mold on Your Cream Cheese: A small, slightly yellow film on top is normal. Pink spots indicate mold, and the batch should be discarded. Always ensure equipment is clean.
• Chill Your Cream Cheese Before Using: Chilling makes the cream cheese nice and thick for spreading.
• Where to Leave Your Cream Cheese for the 24-48 Hours: In tropical climates, leave it on the countertop. In cooler climates, place it in your oven with the oven OFF and the oven light on (do not place it right after cooking, as it will be too hot).

Adapted and inspired from the book Artisan Vegan Cheese by Miyoko Schinner

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 126kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 201mg, Potassium: 160mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 10IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 20mg, Iron: 1mg

Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

Cuisine: American

Course: Condiment

Author: Jessica Hylton

More Delicious Plant-Based Condiments & Spreads

If you’ve enjoyed the fulfilling process of crafting your own vegan cream cheese, you’ll love exploring other homemade plant-based condiments and spreads. Creating these essential staples from scratch not only gives you complete control over the ingredients but also infuses your meals with unparalleled freshness, flavor, and a sense of accomplishment. Dive into these other fantastic recipes to further stock your vegan pantry and elevate your everyday cooking:

• Homemade Vegan Butter: Discover how to make your own rich, delightfully spreadable vegan butter. Perfect for baking, cooking, or simply slathering on toast, it’s a versatile staple. There’s even a convenient nut-free version for those with allergies!
• Rich Balsamic Glaze: Elevate salads, roasted vegetables, grilled proteins, and even desserts with this sweet and tangy homemade balsamic reduction. It’s surprisingly easy to make with just two ingredients and incredibly versatile, adding a gourmet touch to almost any dish.
• The Best Authentic Homemade Hummus: Say goodbye to mediocre store-bought options! Learn the secrets to making silky-smooth, incredibly flavorful hummus from scratch that will rival your favorite Mediterranean restaurant. It’s fantastic for dipping, spreading, or as a base for wraps.
• Velvety Coconut Butter: A simple yet luxurious spread made from just one ingredient: shredded coconut. It’s wonderfully versatile, fantastic in smoothies, stirred into oatmeal, used in desserts, or enjoyed straight from the jar for a wholesome treat.
• Creamy Cashew Pea Pesto: A vibrant and flavorful pesto with a delightful creamy twist, thanks to the addition of cashews and fresh peas. It’s a delightful and unique alternative to traditional basil pesto, perfect for pasta, sandwiches, vegetable bowls, or as a vibrant dip.

Embracing homemade vegan condiments and spreads not only enhances your culinary skills and expands your recipe repertoire but also ensures that every dish you prepare is packed with wholesome, delicious goodness, tailored exactly to your taste. Happy cooking and enjoy your plant-based creations!