Sweet, tangy, and impossibly creamy — this vegan cream cheese frosting has everything you love about the classic cream cheese frosting but without the dairy. Perfectly pipeable and just the right balance of tangy and sweet, it’s ideal for carrot cake, cinnamon rolls, pumpkin bars, and layer cakes.

Growing up, I baked anything and everything — fudgy brownies, layered cakes, homemade apple pies. But the best part? Always the frosting. Velvety buttercream, rich chocolate, and of course, the dreamiest cream cheese frosting.

I don’t have the sweet tooth I used to, but for this frosting? Always an exception. It’s the perfect match for vegan carrot cake cupcakes at Easter, but honestly? Just as good on a random Sunday afternoon… straight from the spoon (tell me I’m not the only one?).

Why this recipe works

Room temperature ingredients = silky texture — Let butter and cream cheese soften for 30–60 minutes for smooth frosting. For firmer piping or layer cakes, use slightly cooler butter and chill for 20–30 minutes after mixing.
Cornstarch for stability — Thickens the frosting, prevents weeping, and gives a smooth, stable texture without extra sweetness.
Balanced sweetness — The right amount of powdered sugar for a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Pipeable & holds its shape — A fluffy texture that’s stable enough for piping but still creamy for spreading.
Prevents sharp taste — Using room-temperature cream cheese prevents an overly sharp or tangy flavor, ensuring a well-rounded sweetness.
Whipped for fluffiness — Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer creates a light, fluffy frosting that spreads beautifully.

How to make Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

Let vegan butter and cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes. Mix butter with a hand or stand mixer for 1–2 minutes until fluffy. Mix in cream cheese for 1 minute (don’t overbeat).

Add vanilla, almond extract, and optional lemon juice. On low, gradually add cornstarch and powdered sugar.

Too thin? Add extra powdered sugar. Too thick? Add a splash of plant milk. If you’re using a piping bag, chill the frosting for 20 minutes before piping for firmer swirls.

Spread or pipe onto carrot cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, red velvet cake, or layer cakes.

Top with chopped nuts, coconut, or lemon zest for extra flavor.

In the kitchen tips

Room temperature matters — If the butter is too cold, the frosting may have lumps. But if you need a firmer frosting for piping or layer cakes, use slightly cooler butter and chill the frosting for 20–30 minutes after mixing.
Sifting is key — Sifting the powdered sugar removes lumps and creates a fluffy, smooth texture.
Cornstarch helps stability — If your frosting is too soft, cornstarch helps firm it up without adding more sugar.
Refrigerate before piping — Chill for 20 minutes for a firmer texture that pipes beautifully.
Weigh for best results — For accuracy, weigh the powdered sugar instead of measuring by cups. If you don’t have a scale, spoon and level it into your measuring cup.
Whisk Attachment: Use the whisk attachment on a stand mixer for an extra fluffy texture
If frosting gets too soft while decorating — pop the piping bag in the fridge for 5–10 minutes to firm it up for better swirls and details.

Storage & make-ahead tips

Refrigerate — Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let it soften before using.
Freeze for later — Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and re-whip before using.

How to use this Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

For clean swirls, use a piping bag with a star tip.

Layer cakes — The perfect frosting for vegan cakes, including red velvet or carrot cake.
Cupcakes — Swirl onto my vegan carrot cupcake recipe, chocolate cupcakes, or vanilla cupcakes.
Cinnamon rolls — Spread onto warm vegan cinnamon rolls for a gooey glaze.
Pumpkin bars — A fall-favorite pairing.
Brownies — Add to vegan chocolate frosting for a tangy twist.

What equipment you’ll need

Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
Large mixing bowl
Whisk attachment or paddle attachment
Measuring cups & spoons
Sifter
Piping bag & star tip (Wilton 1M or 2D)
Rubber spatula

FAQ

Can I use any vegan cream cheese brands?
Try Tofutti, Miyoko’s, and Kite Hill. They work great. Just make sure it’s at room temperature for the best texture.
Can I make the frosting tangier?
Yes! Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for extra tang. If needed, adjust with more powdered sugar or cornstarch for thickness.
What’s the best vegan butter to use?
I love Earth Balance buttery sticks for their flavor and consistency.
Why does my frosting look runny?
Too-soft vegan cream cheese or vegan butter can cause this. Chill the frosting for 15–20 minutes, or add a little bit more powdered sugar or cornstarch to thicken.
Does vegan cream cheese frosting taste like traditional cream cheese frosting?
Yes! The cream cheese flavor is slightly milder, but using a good brand of vegan butter (Earth Balance is my favorite) mimics the tang of traditional cream cheese frosting.
Can I make this frosting without cornstarch?
Yes! Swap it for tapioca starch or arrowroot powder for similar thickening.
Will this frosting hold up on layer cakes?
Yes! For layer cakes, chill the frosting first so it firms up, and make sure the layers are completely cool.

AUTHOR: Julie