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Home » Healthy Recipes » Gluten Free Dairy Free Desserts » Dairy Free Cream Cheese Frosting

Dairy Free Cream Cheese Frosting

07/04/2022 by fitasamamabear

Jump to Recipe

This dairy-free cream cheese frosting will soon become a dessert staple in your house because it’s so easy. Made with only three ingredients and naturally dyed, it’s perfect for first birthday cupcakes, carrot cake or any other indulgence!

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Learn how to make this frosting as well as the best natural color options to take your desserts from good, to great!

Pink cream cheese frosting in a steel bowl with a handheld blender over top and cupcakes on a cutting board behind them this …

The traditional frosting is a combination of butter and powdered sugar. And though it can be delicious, as a Certified Nutrition Coach, I strive for something healthier.

This easy cream cheese frosting comes with only two main ingredients and can be dyed naturally. In fact, you can even make it sugar-free!

You’ll fall in love with this cream cheese frosting recipe because:

  • Allergy-friendly: dairy-free, gluten-free, and can be paleo and soy-free depending on the cream cheese of choice
  • Easy: you only need two to three ingredients!
  • It can be made sugar free
  • It’s super easy to customize
  • There are no food dyes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is completely dairy-free but tastes like "normal". Learn more about the benefits of a dairy-free diet and whip it up today!

Vegan cream cheese: the brand of vegan cream cheese you choose will matter because all of them are slightly different. Thus, the taste and texture will vary brand to brand. This particular recipe was made with Daiya regular vegan cream cheese.

Honey: used in place of powdered sugar for a hint of sweetness. The bad news is that this means this recipe is not a vegan cream cheese frosting. However, truthfully you don’t need it if you don't want it! You can actually make the frosting without the honey to make it sugar-free (more on that below), vegan cream cheese frosting. If using honey, make sure to use creamed honey for the best texture.

Natural dye: chose 1-3 teaspoons of the color you want or leave the homemade frosting as is if you're using it for vegan carrot cake!

Honey, dairy-free cream cheese and beet powder in measuring cups with text labels over top and un-frosted muffins on a cutting board

How To Make Dairy-Free Frosting

  1. Make sure the vegan cream cheese has been softened at room temperature.
  2. Add the cream cheese and honey to a large bowl.
  3. Use a handheld mixer to whip the frosting for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add in any colorant you’re using and whip again.
  5. Portion into a piping bag and pipe onto cupcakes!

Step By Step Photos

Honey being poured into a steel bowl of dairy-free cream cheese
Add the cream cheese and honey to a large bowl.
Handheld mixer whipping dairy-free frosting in a steel bowl with vanilla cupcakes behind it
Mix with a handheld mixer.
Handheld mixer whipping dairy-free frosting in a steel bowl with vanilla cupcakes behind it and pink coloring in the middle of the frosting
Add colorant and mix again.
Pink cream cheese frosting in a steel bowl with a handheld blender over top and cupcakes on a cutting board behind them

How To Color The Frosting

As a nutrition coach, I tend to use natural dyes in food versus traditional.

Thus, for this recipe, I used beet crystals for the pink. Below are my favorite ways to naturally dye the cream cheese frosting.

  • beet crystals (not beet powder)
  • freeze-dried strawberries(pink and sweeter)
  • dried blueberries powder (purple-ish)
  • spirulina (blue-green)

Likewise, you can always color the frosting with traditional methods like dye (these natural food dyes are really great), or learn to make natural food dye. 

Important Teaching Tips & Substitutions

As mentioned, this frosting can be made sugar-free. In fact, it’s what I use in my dairy-free first birthday cupcakes!

You don’t need the honey. However, if using honey, make sure to use creamed honey as it gives the cream cheese icing a better texture. Regular honey dilutes the frosting too much and it won’t hold together to pipe.

If opting for a sugar-free cream cheese frosting, add in a teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.

Again, you could always add in a hint of powdered sugar but that’s up to you.

The frosting seems thin and soft when freshly made but it pipes well. If stored in the fridge it works really well to spread on baked goods or carrot cake cupcakes but it is ever so slightly too hard to pipe.

Letting it thaw at room temperature for 5-10 minutes will help.

This frosting is sweetened very lightly, thus it’s not too sweet! Mostly, it is a great addition to a sweet dessert. However, don’t rely on the frosting to give you the sugar flavor. If that’s what you’re looking for, you may want to add in some liquid stevia to the blend or opt for this dairy-free buttercream frosting.

vanilla cupcakes with pink and white frosting with one in front and more on a wooden cutting board behind it

Frequently Asked Questions About Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Frosting

What is a non-dairy substitute for cream cheese?

There are lots of dairy-free and vegan cream cheese brands on the market. However, you can also make your own cream cheese with cashews. However, the texture will be slightly different.

What is dairy-free cream cheese made of?

Most vegan cream cheese is made out of a combination of coconut oil, pea protein, flavors, tapioca flour (or another binder), and a preservative. However, each brand will have a different blend of ingredients. This is why using different blends will result in different textures.

Can you store the dairy-free frosting?

The frosting stores really well. However, it will thicken up once chilled. If you need to pipe the dairy-free frosting, either pipe it as soon as it’s mixed or let it thaw to room temperature out of the fridge. Otherwise, the frosting remains soft.

Other Healthy, Dairy-Free Recipes You’ll Love

  • How to eliminate dairy and still love food
  • Paleo chocolate chip cookies
  • Dairy-free chocolate ganache
  • Protein truffles
  • Vanilla protein ice cream
  • Dairy-free S'mores cups
  • Candy cane fudge
  • The BEST dairy-free brownies
  • White chocolate fudge
  • Peppermint patty bars
  • Fudgy protein brownies
  • Chocolate frosted cashew cookies
  • Sugar-free pudding
  • Healthy chocolate pudding
  • Peanut butter thumbprint cookies
  • Chocolate-covered frozen bananas
  • High protein snack ideas
  • Healthy dessert recipes
Pink cream cheese frosting in a steel bowl with a handheld blender over top and cupcakes on a cutting board behind them

Easy Non-Dairy Cream Cheese Frosting

This dairy-free frosting is the perfect addition to cakes, cupcakes, or other sweet desserts! Made with only two main ingredients and naturally dyed, it's a great alternative to the traditional powdered sugar option.
5 from 22 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
0 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 5
Calories 157 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Handheld mixer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Vegan cream cheese softened
  • 2 tbs Creamed honey
  • 1 teaspoon beet crystals or other dye

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl add the cream cheese and honey.
  • Whip with a handheld blender until smooth.
  • Add in the color and whip again.
  • Pipe immediatly or store in the fridge.
  • Makes 5-6 cupcakes worth.

Video

Notes

Make sure to use creamed honey as it gives the dairy-free frosting a better texture. Regular honey dilutes it too much and it won’t hold together to pipe.
If opting for a sugar-free frosting, add in one teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
Again, you could always add in a hint of powdered sugar but that’s up to you.
If stored in the fridge it works really well to spread on baked goods but it is ever so slightly too hard to pipe. Letting it thaw at room temperature for 5-10 minutes will help.
Nutritional breakdown does not include dye.
Disclaimer:

Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 175mgPotassium: 4mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
Keyword dairy-free
Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!

Shelby aka Mama Bear

fitasamamabear

Meet Shelby – a Certified Strength Coach who has spent the last 10 years teaching women how to show up for their goals.

Her website, Fitasamamabear.com is a crucial resource for busy moms who need help making fitness and healthy living practical.

Learn how an everyday smoker and fast food junkie turned into a super fit mom of 3. If you want to send Shelby a message, visit her contact page.

See author's posts

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janessa

    July 04, 2022 at 11:48 am

    5 stars
    I like that this dairy free cream cheese frosting isn't overly sweet! It truly lets the flavour of the tangy cream cheese shine, which I love.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 09, 2022 at 10:53 am

      Yes! It's nice to be able to control it

      Reply
  2. Tiffany

    July 04, 2022 at 4:45 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve never used beet crystals before. I love how it turned out!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 09, 2022 at 10:53 am

      Ohh I love beet crystals! Such an eays color option, glad I converted you hehe

      Reply
  3. Megs

    July 04, 2022 at 9:44 pm

    5 stars
    So simple and it turned out perfect. Thanks for another recipe that make being dairy free tasty!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 09, 2022 at 10:54 am

      Yay!

      Reply
  4. Natalie

    July 05, 2022 at 5:38 am

    5 stars
    I love all the natural ingredients for this frosting. It will be great for my daughters birthday cake, thanks!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 09, 2022 at 10:54 am

      Yes! My daughters love it and never know I'm using something healthy hehe

      Reply
  5. Donny

    July 05, 2022 at 1:43 pm

    5 stars
    I wasn't totally sure it would work for me but it did and it's delicious! Thank you for the tip about using creamed honey. I never would've thought of that.

    Reply
  6. Kim

    July 05, 2022 at 3:22 pm

    5 stars
    This frosting was perfect for my daughter's birthday cupcakes. I love that it was dairy-free so everyone was able to enjoy it!

    Reply
  7. Jennifer

    July 05, 2022 at 4:00 pm

    5 stars
    The color in this tasty icing was stunning! I used it to frost my daughter's cupcakes and she was so impressed!

    Reply
  8. nancy

    July 05, 2022 at 5:16 pm

    5 stars
    i really wanted a dairy free cream cheese frosting and this one is perfect for my dd bday party when one of the kids ticked that dairy free box

    Reply
  9. Glenda

    July 05, 2022 at 7:12 pm

    5 stars
    Perfectly creamy and delicious! I love using beetroot powder as food coloring.

    Reply
  10. Bernice

    July 05, 2022 at 10:49 pm

    5 stars
    This is so awesome! I have a package of beet powder and no idea what to do with it. The next time my (vegan) daughter comes home I'm whipping some of this up for her!

    Reply
  11. Shilpa

    July 06, 2022 at 2:30 am

    5 stars
    This frosting turned out perfect. I love how it was naturally coloured using beet crystals.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 09, 2022 at 10:54 am

      Right?! Such a fun color option!

      Reply
  12. jennifer

    July 08, 2022 at 6:57 am

    5 stars
    This is so great and I love the beautiful color from beet dye! Perfect for cupcakes . . . and then I'm going to warm up a little the leftover and drizzle on my oatmeal . . . because, why not?!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 09, 2022 at 10:57 am

      Haha yep! It works for everything.. I've used it on overnight oats too!

      Reply
  13. Megan

    July 09, 2022 at 10:20 am

    5 stars
    Oh wow, so good! There is just nothing like creamed honey. This was such a great idea to use for frosting. LOVE the recipe and how pretty it turns out.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 09, 2022 at 10:59 am

      Creamed honey makes everything so thick and indulgent!

      Reply
  14. Asha

    July 10, 2022 at 12:33 pm

    5 stars
    Love this idea for children's birthday parties when you're unsure of everyone's diet concerns. The natural strawberry colouring is beautiful as well

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 12, 2022 at 8:16 pm

      Right?! This way no kid is left out!

      Reply
  15. Terri

    July 11, 2022 at 9:01 am

    5 stars
    This was perfect for my daughter - recently confirmed she's lactose intolerant and she LOVES cream cheese frosting!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 12, 2022 at 8:16 pm

      Ah, glad I could give her a classic then! It's hard when you're just diagnosed to find good swaps of favorites.

      Reply
  16. Kathy

    December 05, 2022 at 9:48 am

    You do not list why the coconut flour is needed.
    I do not like coconut. Do I need this ingredient?

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      December 05, 2022 at 4:51 pm

      Hey Kathy, there's not coconut flour in the recipe so you definitely don't need it. I don't see it listed but if I'm missing something let me know!

      Reply
  17. Kalah

    August 29, 2023 at 6:37 pm

    Could you swap the honey for maple syrup?

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      August 30, 2023 at 1:19 pm

      Technically you can but it does alter the color slightly and the texture (it doesn't blend as well). But I have totally done it!

      Reply

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DISCLAIMERS As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.The content on Fit as a Mama Bear is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. No products mentioned are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

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Pin image with text: Pink cream cheese frosting in a steel bowl with a handheld blender over top and cupcakes on a cutting board behind them
Pin image with text: pink dairy-free cream cheese frosting being piped onto vanilla cupcakes on a cutting board with a steel bowl of frosting behind them
Pin image with text: Pink cream cheese frosting in a steel bowl with a handheld blender over top and cupcakes on a cutting board behind them
Pin image with text: vanilla cupcakes with pink and white frosting with one in front and more on a wooden cutting board behind it
Pin image with text: Pink cream cheese frosting in a steel bowl with a handheld blender over top and cupcakes on a cutting board behind them
Pin image with text: two images, the top of pink cream cheese frosting in a steel bowl with a handheld blender over top and cupcakes on a cutting board behind them and the bottom ofpink dairy-free cream cheese frosting being piped onto vanilla cupcakes on a cutting board with a steel bowl of frosting behind them
Pin image with text: two images, the top of pink dairy-free cream cheese frosting being piped onto vanilla cupcakes on a cutting board with a steel bowl of frosting behind them and the bottom of Pink cream cheese frosting in a steel bowl with a handheld blender over top and cupcakes on a cutting board behind them
Pin image with text: two images, the top of pink dairy-free cream cheese frosting being piped onto vanilla cupcakes on a cutting board with a steel bowl of frosting behind them and the bottom of Pink cream cheese frosting in a steel bowl with a handheld blender over top and cupcakes on a cutting board behind them
Pink cream cheese frosting in a steel bowl with a handheld blender over top and cupcakes on a cutting board behind them
pink dairy-free cream cheese frosting being piped onto vanilla cupcakes on a cutting board with a steel bowl of frosting behind them