This Vegan Tofu Cream Cheese is a smooth and creamy dairy-free spread made with tofu, lemon juice, and simple seasonings. It blends together in minutes and is perfect as a vegan bagel spread or for toast and sandwiches.

Made with firm tofu, it's a great dairy-free and nut-free alternative to traditional cream cheese.
Spread it on bagels, use it as a dip for vegetables, or incorporate it into your favorite recipes.
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Ingredients
This tofu cream cheese is an easy way to make a flavorful vegan bagel spread using pantry ingredients.

Firm Tofu: The base of the cream cheese. Use firm tofu for a thick, spreadable texture once blended.
Nutritional Yeast: Adds a subtle cheesy, savory flavor.
Vegan Butter: Helps create a rich flavor and thicker texture once chilled. Refined coconut oil can be used as a substitute.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make This Recipe
This simple spread blends together in minutes with just a few ingredients.

Step 1: Add the firm tofu to a blender along with the remaining ingredients.

Step 2: Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Transfer to a container and chill in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes. As it chills, the vegan butter firms up and the texture thickens.

Step 4: Stir in any desired flavor additions and serve on bagels or sandwiches.
Note: If you are not using kosher salt, start with half the amount and adjust to taste.
Variations
You can easily customize the flavor with one of these simple mix-ins.
- Scallion: Stir in chopped scallions for a classic savory option.
- Strawberry: Mix in mashed strawberries for a lightly sweet spread.
- Garlic Herb: Add roasted garlic and fresh herbs like dill, parsley, chives, or scallions.
- Sun-Dried Tomato: Stir in finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cinnamon Walnut: Add cinnamon, raisins, and crushed walnuts for a sweet variation.

Tips & Tricks
No need to press the tofu: Drain the tofu, but do not press it. The extra moisture helps the ingredients blend smoothly and creates a creamy texture.
Use a blender or food processor for the smoothest texture. Blend until completely smooth and scrape down the sides if needed.
Chill before serving: Refrigerating the cream cheese for about an hour helps it thicken and improves the spreadable texture.
Adjust the flavor: Taste after blending and adjust the salt, lemon juice, or garlic to your preference.
Storage
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 to 7 days. Freezing is not recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is best used as a spread rather than in baked goods or frosting.
If the mixture is too thick, blend in a small splash of plant-based milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
This usually means it hasn't blended long enough. For the smoothest texture, use a blender rather than a food processor, which can sometimes leave a slightly gritty texture.
More Vegan Spreads to Try
Looking for other spreads and sauce recipes like this? Try these:
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Recipe

Vegan Tofu Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 14 ounce Firm Tofu
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Nutritional Yeast
- 1 large Garlic Cloves optional
- 3 tablespoons Vegan Butter melted
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt see note
Instructions
- Drain the water from the package of tofu- don't press it.
- Add the firm tofu to a blender along with the remaining ingredients. If you aren't using Kosher salt, please use half the amount listed and add more as needed- read note below.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to a container and chill in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes. As it chills, the vegan butter firms up and the texture thickens.
- Add any desired flavors and serve on a bagel or sandwich. Enjoy!
Notes
Disclosure: This page contains some affiliate links. Please know that I may receive a percentage or commission from a link included on this page, at no extra cost to you. I will only ever recommend a product that I have used and believe has substantial value to my readers.









Christine says
How long does this keep in the fridge for?
Liv says
5 to 7 days in an airtight container 🙂
Sonja says
Really excellent and delicious!! Best vegan cream cheese I've found!
Liv says
That's amazing!! Thank you so much for leaving a review. Means so much 🙂