Cream cheese gives frostings, cheesecakes, and dips their tangy richness and body. Whether you ran out mid-recipe or need a dietary swap, here are the best substitutes for cream cheese, with exact amounts.
Use: 1:1 for 8 oz cream cheese
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Slightly sweeter and softer.
Use: 1:1 for 8 oz cream cheese
Swap directly.
Lower fat, nearly identical in recipes.
Use: 3/4 cup Greek yogurt + 1/4 cup softened butter for 8 oz cream cheese
Beat until completely smooth.
Best for frostings and dips.
The best all-round substitute is Mascarpone: use 1:1 for 8 oz cream cheese. Swap directly. Slightly sweeter and softer.
Yes. Use 1:1 for 8 oz cream cheese. Swap directly. Lower fat, nearly identical in recipes.
Gluten-free options: Mascarpone, Neufchâtel, Greek yogurt + butter.
Use 3/4 cup Greek yogurt + 1/4 cup softened butter. Beat until completely smooth.
Missing something else? Search all 48 ingredients in the substitute finder.