Vegan Tofu Cream Cheese Recipe (Gluten free, Fairy free)

As someone who is gluten free and allergic to almonds it is so important to me to provide easy gluten free recipes without tree nuts. I’ve been creating gluten free, dairy free and tree nut free recipes for years and this vegan tofu cream cheese is hands down one of my favorites!

This Vegan Tofu Cream Cheese Recipe is gluten free, vegan, low fat and easy to make and free from all dairy products and animal products! It is a vegan alternative and is perfect on bagels or toast. Its creamy without having any of the dairy of regular cream cheese. This is the best vegan cream cheese to add scallions, vegetable or everything bagel seasoning to. Use this cream cheese substitute as a simple way to dress up your gluten free pancake bread, homemade sourdough bagel or even as a plant-based twist for your favorite dairy free creamy pasta. 

This recipe uses simple, plant-based ingredients and a high-speed blender. Lots of non-dairy cream cheese are made with raw cashews or nuts but this is a nut-free recipe. 

The key ingredients in this simple recipe are both gluten free and dairy free, just make sure any mix ins or remaining ingredients you add are vegan! This creamy spread is made without extra virgin olive oil, or refined coconut oil making it an oil-free recipe! There is no coconut cream or vegetable oil making it a low fat recipe as well. This tofu cream cheese is a delicious recipe to use if you have allergies, dietary restrictions or even for health reasons. 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• This vegan cream cheese recipe is gluten free, dairy free, vegan, low fat and easy to make! 
• It is a 1 bowl recipe – you just use the blender and it makes for an easy clean up!
• It is a vegan alternative to standard cream cheese since its lower in fat and saturated fat. 
• This cream cheese is perfect on bagels or toast.
• It can be used in savory or sweet breakfasts. 
• For best results store this vegan cream cheese is easy to store in the fridge for 3-5 days. 
• You can use this vegan cream cheese on a bagel with plant-based protein and vegan eggs for a loaded breakfast sandwich!

INGREDIENTS & SUBSTITUTIONS

Silken Tofu: This is the main ingredient. Soft, smooth tofu that blends easily. Substitute with full-fat canned coconut milk for richer flavor (thicker consistency). You can also use extra-firm tofu, type of tofu such as creamy tofu cream cheese, soft tofu, tofu cheese spread, firm silken tofu, extra firm tofu or tofu spread. 

Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy flavor. Substitute with lemon juice or white vinegar.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Adds savory notes to the flavor of this recipe. Substitute with fresh garlic (finely minced) or onion (finely chopped) for stronger flavor.

Nutritional Yeast: Adds cheesy flavor. Substitute with white miso paste for similar taste.

Sea salt & Pepper: Adjust to taste for desired level of saltiness and a touch of spice.

How to make any flavor you want:

To make vegetable cream cheese:

Chop up your favorite vegetables into as small of pieces as possible. Fold into cream cheese mixture. You can add chopped onions, peppers, cucumbers and carrots!

To make raisin cinnamon cream cheese:

Add raisins and 2 tbsp of cinnamon. Fold into cream cheese so that each bite is full of flavor!

To make blueberry tofu cream cheese:

Add 2 tablespoons of blueberries and fold into mixture! You can even mash some blueberries up to spread the flavor into the cream cheese. You will get a beautiful color!

To make scallion tofu cream cheese:

Dice up 1 tbsp of fresh scallion or green onions. Fold into mixture. Add 2 teaspoons onion powder to add more flavor!

TASTE & TEXTURE

This vegan cream cheese is smooth and creamy, similar to regular cream cheese but with a slightly different taste. The tanginess comes from the apple cider vinegar, while the garlic and onion powders add a savory flavor. Nutritional yeast gives it a cheesy, nutty taste. It has a creamy texture similar to that of classic cream cheese making it the perfect cream cheese alternative. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking and add herbs or spices for different flavor variations.

HOW TO MAKE

1. Add all ingredients to a food processor or high speed blender. You can also use a large mixing bowl and an immersion blender.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or apple cider vinegar as desired.
4. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

EXPERT TIPS & TRICKS

• You can choose to add salt and pepper, poppy seeds, chives or everything bagel seasoning to flavor this homemade version of cream cheese. 
• Here is where you can make your own dairy-free cream cheese flavors! Feel free to try new mix in options. The possibilities are endless. 
• Feel free to add any of your favorite flavors such as sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, vegan feta cheese, fresh strawberries, sunflower seeds, dried herbs or fresh dill. 
• You can serve this vegan tofu cream cheese on a gluten free bagel, vegan toast. You can add vegan eggs, avocado, vegan cheese, or vegan bacon. Remeber this vegan tofu cream cheese is also just dairy free so if you want to use eggs and regular bacon or turkey bacon, feel free!
• You can also use this tofu cream cheese with fruit and honey as a sweet flavor option. You can also use this vegan cream cheese in stuffed french toast or a breakfast casserole as well!
• You can use this vegan cheeses in any basic recipes that use regular cream cheese such as in pasta sauce to get a creamy base for an easy weeknight meal, or use as a vegan cream cheese frosting!
• Don’t overblend the mixture, as it can become too thin and have too much liquid. Stop once it’s smooth and there are no chunks.

HOW TO SERVE & STORE

This vegan cream cheese is delicious spread on bagels, toast, crackers, or vegetables. You can also use it in dips, sauces, or frosting. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen cream cheese in the fridge before using. To reheat, simply microwave for short bursts until softened, stirring frequently. To meal prep, portion the cream cheese into small containers for individual grab-and-go snacks.