Let's dive into our recipe for homemade Vegan Tofu Cream Cheese. This luscious delight is not only dairy-free but also packed with protein, making it a nutritious addition to your snacks and meals. With just a handful of ingredients, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to create a creamy and flavorful vegan spread!
Ingredients for this Vegan Tofu Cream Cheese:
- Extra firm tofu
- Coconut oil
- Lemon juice
- Apple cider vinegar
- Nutritional yeast
- Salt
You literally just need to blend all the ingredients until creamy, let it set for a couple of hours in the fridge and VOILÁ!
Cooking Tips for this Vegan Tofu Cream Cheese:
- Ensure your tofu is extra firm for the best texture.
- Take time to blend the ingredients thoroughly, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor. This will result in a smooth and velvety cream cheese consistency.
- Don't hesitate to customize the flavor. Experiment with additional spices, herbs, or even a touch of garlic to make it uniquely yours. This is a plain kind of cream cheese flavor that works great with sweet and savory combinations!
Variations for this Vegan Tofu Cream Cheese:
- Herbed Delight: Add chopped fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley to infuse your cream cheese with vibrant flavors.
- Smoky Sensation: Incorporate a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to lend a delightful smoky note to your spread.
- Spicy Temptation: For a kick of heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Sweet and Savory Twist: Mix in a teaspoon of maple syrup or agave nectar and a pinch of cinnamon for a subtly sweet and savory cream cheese.
- Zesty Lemon Zing: Amp up the lemon flavor by adding extra lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Infusion: Blend in sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy richness. Serve it alongside toasted bread or use it as a flavorful filling for wraps.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend: Mix in a teaspoon of everything bagel seasoning for a delightful combination of flavors reminiscent of your favorite bagel shop.
FAQs:
Can I use silken tofu instead of extra firm tofu?
Absolutely! However, note that silken tofu has a softer texture, so the resulting cream cheese may be slightly less firm.
Can I substitute coconut oil with another oil?
Sure! Coconut oil adds a subtle flavor, but you can use other oils like olive oil or avocado oil as alternatives. Keep in mind that the taste and texture will vary.
Is nutritional yeast necessary for this Vegan Tofu Cream Cheese?
Nutritional yeast contributes a savory, cheese-like flavor to the cream cheese. If you don't have it on hand, the recipe will still work, but you may miss out on that unique umami element.
How long will the cream cheese last in the refrigerator?
This vegan cream cheese can be refrigerated for 7-10 days when stored in an airtight container. Ensure freshness by covering it tightly and avoiding exposure to air.
Can I freeze the tofu cream cheese?
Freezing may alter the texture and cause separation. It's best to enjoy this spreadable delight fresh from the refrigerator.
How can I use this cream cheese besides spreading it on bagels or toast?
Get creative! Use it as a dip for fresh veggies, layer it in sandwiches, stuff it into wraps, or even dollop it onto roasted vegetables. You can also blend it with some water, add a tiny piece of garlic, more lime juice, salt and boom! there you have some sour cream! The possibilities are endless!
Congratulations! You've unlocked the secret to mouthwatering vegan tofu cream cheese. Indulge in its velvety smoothness and savor the healthful benefits of a high-protein, plant-based alternative. With our recipe, you can easily whip up this delicious spread in your own kitchen. Enjoy!
We HIGHLY recommend spreading this Vegan Cream Cheese on some toasted baguette. We have a great and easy recipe to make your own Homemade Baguette. Click here to go to the recipe.
If you make this recipe and decide to share it on Facebook or Instagram, don't forget to tag me @happyvegannie + #happyvegannie. I love seeing your yummy recreations 💕
Easy Vegan Tofu Cream Cheese
INGREDIENTS
- 300 g extra firm tofu
- 84 g refined coconut oil, melted, (¼ cup + 2 tbsp)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon nutritional yeast
- ¾ teaspoon salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a blender or food processor, add the tofu, melted coconut oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, and salt.
- Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides and ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. You can add more lemon juice, salt, or nutritional yeast if desired.
- Once the mixture is smooth, transfer it to a sealable container.
- Place the container in the refrigerator and allow the cream cheese to set for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight. This will help it thicken and develop a creamier texture.
- After chilling, your vegan cream cheese/spreadable cheese is ready to be used! It can be spread on bagels, crackers, or toast. Enjoy!
NOTES
- This vegan cream cheese/spreadable cheese will keep in the refrigerator for about 7-10 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
- This vegan cream cheese is great as a spread but wouldn't recommend substituting it for recipes like cream cheese frosting, due to its texture and low-fat content.
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Using refined coconut oil is crucial as it doesn't impart any coconut flavor. This is important to ensure that the cheese maintains its intended taste without any unexpected coconut undertones.
bruce says
lush! the recipe works out exactly as described and can easily be adapted, according to taste. We add a little garlic to give it an extra kick. Only drawback? it doesn't last too long in this vegan household+ Many thanks for sharing Vegannie
Annie says
Hi Bruce! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Adding garlic is like a wonderful idea!!
And lol! I feel you on that drawback 😛
Have a great weekend!