01
Cheese Spread
10.01 cup : 1 cup
Processed and smooth; similar spreadability, less tangy and more uniform texture
10.0
vegetarian cream cheese
substitute.
20 vegetarian substitutes for cream cheese — top pick Cheese Spread at 100% function match.
all substitutes on this page are vegetarian
top substitutes
02
Neufchatel
10.01 cup : 1 cup
Lower-fat cream cheese; tastes nearly identical, slightly softer texture in baking
10.0
03
Whipped Butter
10.01 tbsp : 1 tbsp
Softer and lighter; fine for spreading on bagels, too airy for baking or frosting
10.0
show 17 more substitutes
04
Mascarpone
9.01 cup : 1 cup
Richer Italian cream cheese, closest match
9.0
05
Heavy Cream
8.01 cup : 1/2 cup
Use half cup thinned with milk; rich in sauces
8.0
06
Cottage
7.51 cup : 1 cup
Blend cottage cheese smooth; lighter and grainier, add cream for richer result
7.5
07
Whipped Cream
7.51 cup : 3/4 cup
Whip with milk to lighten; tangy flavor
7.5
08
Goat Cheese
7.01 cup : 1 cup
Tangy and spreadable, works in dips
7.0
09
Feta
6.71 cup : 1 cup
Smoother, richer; works in spreads and pastries
6.7
10
Brie
6.71 cup : 1 cup
Similar creaminess, firmer texture
6.7
11
Camembert
6.71 cup : 1 cup
Bloomy rind cheese; softer and milder than cream cheese, remove rind before spreading
6.7
12
Goat
6.71 cup : 1 cup
Tangy goat cheese; softer and more pungent, works in spreads and savory pastries
6.7
13
Shortening
6.71 cup : 1 cup
Cold shortening cut into flour; makes flaky pastry but adds no flavor, use with salt
6.7
14
Plain Yogurt
6.01 cup : 1 cup
Thinner and tangier; strain through cheesecloth overnight for cream cheese-like thickness
6.0
15
Greek Yogurt
6.01 cup : 1 cup
Soften first; thicker, works in dips and baking
6.0
16
Avocado
6.01 cup : 1/2 cup
Blend ripe avocado smooth; adds creaminess and fat to dips and spreads, slight green color
6.0
17
Mayonnaise
6.01 cup : 1 cup
Creamy and tangy; mayo adds richness to dips and spreads but lacks cream cheese's density
6.0
18
Hummus
4.01 cup : 1 cup
Savory spread swap for bagels and wraps
4.0
19
Peanut Butter
4.01 tbsp : 1 tbsp
Thick and rich spread; very different flavor, works on toast but not in cheesecake
4.0
20
Tofu
0.01 cup : 1 cup
Blend silken tofu smooth, add lemon for tang
0.0
pitfalls to avoid
watch out
Neufchatel: Slightly softer than cream cheese in baking
watch out
Whipped Butter: Frosting may not hold stiff peaks
watch out
Whipped Butter: Too airy for baking or frosting
watch out
Heavy Cream: Frosting may not hold stiff peaks
watch out
Cottage: Cottage cheese is grainier — blend smooth first
watch out
Whipped Cream: Frosting may not hold stiff peaks
watch out
Brie: Brie is firmer — remove rind before spreading
watch out
Camembert: Remove rind before using as spread
watch out
Goat: Goat cheese is more pungent than cream cheese
watch out
Shortening: Frosting may not hold stiff peaks
watch out
Shortening: Shortening adds no flavor — use with salt
watch out
Plain Yogurt: Yogurt is thinner — strain overnight for body
watch out
Greek Yogurt: Frosting may not hold stiff peaks
watch out
Avocado: Frosting may not hold stiff peaks
watch out
Avocado: Slight green color and avocado taste
watch out
Mayonnaise: Mayo lacks cream cheese's dense, thick body
watch out
Hummus: Frosting may not hold stiff peaks
watch out
Hummus: Hummus is savory — won't work in sweet dishes
watch out
Peanut Butter: Frosting may not hold stiff peaks
watch out
Tofu: Frosting may not hold stiff peaks