What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Running low on cream cheese? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About cream cheese
Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese made from milk and cream, originating in America in the 19th century. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavour with a smooth, dense texture and subtle dairy aroma. In cooking and baking, cream cheese adds richness and creaminess to both savoury and sweet dishes, while also providing structure to cheesecakes and stability to frostings and sauces.
Best substitute
Mascarpone
Use 1 cup mascarpone for every 1 cup cream cheese.
View Mascarpone substitute guide →Gluten-freeNut-free
cheesecakesfrostingsdips
Alternative
Ricotta
Blend ricotta until smooth for a closer texture to cream cheese.
Use 1 cup blended ricotta for every 1 cup cream cheese.
View Ricotta substitute guide →Gluten-freeNut-free
dipsspreadsbakingNot suitable for: frostings — less stable