Is there such a thing as a cream cheese substitute? page 2

[j3nn]

Cashew actually makes a perfect cream cheese sub. I've had raw vegan cheesecake made with it and I swear it's impossible to tell the difference.

Soak 1cup unsalted raw cashews, grind until smooth with1 tbsp lemon juice and a dash of salt. Chill overnight. It's so good. You might need to blend in a teaspoon or two of maple syrup or other sweetener. Experiment to taste. I don't recommend cooking with it, though. Eat chilled.

[SoccerGrok]

You can make cream cheese from cashews. I personally think that would be worse than some real cream cheese, but give it a whirl.

+1 and if you're not lactose intolerant, just use real full fat cream cheese...JMHO

[SallyO]

Tofutti "better than cream cheese" which is made in the USA, but I buy it here in Australia

[Angieh]

Tofutti "better than cream cheese" which is made in the USA, but I buy it here in Australia

A couple of you have recommended tofu cheese as a sub -- I think you would be much better off eating dairy than all that soy which wreaks so much havoc with your hormones. I used to eat a lot of soy (in various forms) but don't touch it anymore except maybe a small splash of tamari a few times a year in certain recipes.

[Kaylee99]

I agree but the OP was wanting a non-dairy substitute.

[Angieh]

Yes, I understood that, Kaylee, but I think it's misinformed and perhaps even irresponsible to recommend tofu products to someone striving for a healthful diet. Fermented soy products (tempeh) or actual soybeans (edamame) may be ok in limited amounts, but soy (especially processed soy that's in a lot of vegetarian products like Morningstar veggie burgers, etc.) and even tofu are linked to lots of health problems (many people still think anything with soy or made from soy is healthy -- that's simply untrue).

Here is what Mark has to say about soy -- I don't think tofutti and tofu cheese are very healthy options -- I was just pointing that out.

[Owly]

I have to agree, better to eat the dairy than the soy.

[Kaylee99]

And I'm agreeing with you Angieh but the OP wanted non-dairy. Short of tofu (yuck) cheese what else is there?

(I didn't know cashews could be a replacement.)

[Angieh]

And I'm agreeing with you Angieh but the OP wanted non-dairy. Short of tofu (yuck) cheese what else is there?

(I didn't know cashews could be a replacement.)

I don't know (might not be an adequate nondairy sub), but while googling it just now I came upon this utterly decadent looking recipe that I saved to my recipes... I know I have an occasion I can make this for soon -- maybe Mother's Day. Dang, it looks yummy! Going into the rare and special treat recipe file!

And here is a homemade nondairy paleo cream cheese substitute -- it looks slightly labor intensive but not too bad. Might be worth a try if you need it for a recipe. It looks pretty tasty!

And, how could I forget about this "cream cheese" frosting made with palm oil (I use Tropical Traditions -- basically paleo Crisco). Very tasty! It's from the FoodLover's site -- primalpalate. They now have a cookbook and have some truly amazing recipes! I used this frosting on their molasses cookies -- I've made these the last two Christmases and they were a hit.

So maybe there are a few non-dairy options after all. I'm intrigued by the almond one and may give it a whirl when I have time. If anyone makes it, let me know how it is.

[Mhatcher17]

Thanks--I am not into soy, so I think that I will just stick to the full-fat cream cheese. The recipe calls for 8oz--that would be a lot of almonds!