Best Vegan Cream Cheese (5 Minutes)

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Tofu, cashews, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, miso, onion powder, lemon, and miso on a gray backdrop.

Extra firm tofu or firm tofu are best suited for this high-protein cream cheese replacement. Super firm and extra firm tofu contain the highest amount of protein, but firm tofu is creamier in texture.

Mellow white miso, also known as shiro miso, is generally milder in flavor compared to other types of miso, such as red miso or barley miso. It is made from soybeans that have been fermented for a shorter period of time and typically contains a higher proportion of rice or barley koji, resulting in a lighter color and sweeter taste. Miso is a pantry staple in my house. I use it to flavor soups, dressings, marinades, and sauces.

Cashews are a good source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals, including magnesium, copper, and zinc. They are often used in vegan cuisine to create creamy sauces because they have a high fat content and a mild flavor that blends well with other ingredients. If you do not own a high-speed blender, soak them before blending for a creamier texture. They are a popular alternative for people with lactose intolerance.

Nutritional yeast (optional) adds a cheesy umami quality to this dairy-free cream cheese, as well as vitamin B₁₂, protein, and an abundance of vitamins and minerals. Use fortified nutritional yeast if you are looking to increase your vitamin B₁₂ intake.

See recipe card for quantities.

🥯 Substitutions

Tofu - use super firm tofu (no pressing required) plus 1 tablespoon olive oil for the highest amount of protein

Cashews - instead of cashews, use sunflower seeds or blanched almonds

Nutritional yeast - this ingredient is optional but I highly recommend adding some to this recipe

Chives - use finely chopped red onion or shallots instead, or omit entirely

Onion powder - omit as desired

Pressed garlic - add some for a vegan Boursin-style cheese

Seasoning - add desired seasonings (garlic powder, everything bagel seasoning, oregano, paprika)

Add-ons - add sun-dried tomatoes, chipotle in adobo, or roasted red peppers to the food processor with the other ingredients for a variety of flavor profiles

Pair with my 2-ingredient Flax Seed Crackers on this site for a healthy snack. For more vegan spread or dip recipes, visit my Vegan Sandwich Recipes page.

📖 Instructions

Optional cashew soak: For the best texture, I highly recommend soaking the cashews beforehand. For a quick soak, place them in boiled water for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour. Otherwise, refrigerate them in room temperature water overnight. Drain and rinse them before using.

Tofu, miso, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar in the canister of a food processor.

Step 1. Transfer the tofu, cashews, nutritional yeast, miso, lemon juice, vinegar, onion powder and salt to a food processor.

Smooth vegan cream cheese in the canister of a food processor.

Step 2. Process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.

Vegan cream cheese, red onion, and chives in a white bowl.

Step 3. Optional for serving: Fold in the chives and red onion, if using.

Vegan cream cheese with chives on sourdough toast with sliced tomatoes and chili crisp.

Step 4. Optional: Top crispy sourdough toasts with Best Vegan Cream Cheese, seasoned tomatoes, and my 7-minute homemade Easy Chili Crisp.

💡 Expert Tips

Soak the cashews for the creamiest dairy-free cream cheese. Either soak them overnight in the fridge, or do a quick soak. Bring some water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove it from the heat, and add the cashews. Set aside for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour. Drain and rinse them before using.

Add-ons: If adding chives or red onion, chop them very small so they do not overwhelm the taste or texture of the cream cheese.

Storage: Refrigerate any remaining cashew tofu cream cheese in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

Can I make dairy-free cream cheese without tofu?

Yes. A cream cheese substitute can be made dairy-free with cashews, nondairy yogurt, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and additional seasonings. However, this cream cheese substitute will be significantly lower in protein.

How can I make vegan cream cheese without nuts?

You can make this cream cheese substitute with sunflower seeds instead of cashews for nut-free.

Is vegan cream cheese healthier?

Vegan cream cheese is generally lower in saturated fat and calories than regular cream cheese. However, it is also lower in protein and calcium. Processed cream cheese alternatives tend to be higher in sodium, so check your labels.
This homemade version has a good amount of protein, and you can add the salt to taste. Some homemade versions use coconut oil which is higher in saturated fat than cashews, and unlike cashews, lacks heart healthy fats.

📖 Recipe