Quick Answer
Yes, whipped cream cheese can generally be substituted for regular cream cheese in most recipes. However, there are a few differences to keep in mind:
- Whipped cream cheese has air whipped into it, so it is lighter and fluffier in texture than regular cream cheese.
- Whipped cream cheese usually has about half the fat content of regular cream cheese.
- Whipped cream cheese tends to be sweeter than regular cream cheese.
- When substituting whipped for regular, you’ll need to use about 50% more whipped cream cheese to account for the air content.
Overall, whipped cream cheese makes a fine substitution in most baked goods, dips, spreads, frostings, and fillings that call for regular cream cheese. The texture will be a bit lighter and fluffier. For savory recipes, you may want to reduce any added sugar to account for the sweetness of whipped cream cheese.
The Differences Between Whipped and Regular Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a soft, mild-flavored fresh cheese made from milk and cream. It has a creamy, tangy flavor and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. However, there are some key differences between regular cream cheese and whipped cream cheese:
Texture
Regular cream cheese has a dense, creamy, and smooth texture. Whipped cream cheese has air beaten into it, giving it a lighter, fluffier texture that spreads easily.
Fat Content
Full-fat regular cream cheese gets about 50% of its calories from fat. Whipped cream cheese is lower in fat, with around 25-30% calories from fat.
Sweetness
Whipped cream cheese tends to contain more sugar than regular cream cheese, making it slightly sweeter. Regular cream cheese has a more tangy, mild flavor.
Water Content
Whipped cream cheese has a higher water content (about 60%) than regular cream cheese (around 50%).
Calorie Content
Due to the increased air content, whipped cream cheese is lower in calories per ounce than regular cream cheese. Regular cream cheese contains about 100 calories per ounce, while whipped cream cheese has around 40-50 calories per ounce.
Substitution Ratio
When substituting whipped for regular cream cheese in recipes, you’ll need to use about 50% more whipped cream cheese by volume to account for the air content. Here is a simple substitution ratio:
Whipped for Regular Cream Cheese Substitution
– 1 cup regular cream cheese = 1 1⁄2 cups whipped cream cheese
– 8 oz regular cream cheese = 12 oz whipped cream cheese
– 1 tablespoon regular cream cheese = 1 1⁄2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
So for example, if a cheesecake recipe calls for 16 oz of regular cream cheese, you would use 24 oz of whipped cream cheese instead. This will help prevent the recipe from turning out too thin or airy.
Tips for Using Whipped Cream Cheese
Here are some useful tips for successfully using whipped cream cheese as a substitute:
- Because whipped cream cheese is lower in fat, avoid overbeating it once incorporated into batter or dough. This can cause the air bubbles to break down. Gently fold it in instead.
- Due to the increased air content, whipped cream cheese may slightly lose volume during baking. You can add a bit more (a couple tablespoons per 8 oz) to account for potential loss.
- Since whipped cream cheese is sweeter, reduce any added sugar in the recipe a bit. Start with 25% less sugar and adjust to taste.
- Whipped cream cheese won’t provide the same binding qualities in recipes. Add an extra egg yolk or two to cheesecake batter to help account for this.
- Because it’s looser, drain any excess liquid from the whipped cream cheese before mixing into dips or spreads.
Recipes Where Whipped Cream Cheese Works Well
Whipped cream cheese makes a suitable substitution in a wide variety of recipes that call for regular cream cheese. Here are some recipes where the swap works well:
Cheesecakes
Using whipped cream cheese will result in a lighter, fluffier texture. Reduce sugar slightly to account for extra sweetness. May need an extra egg yolk for structure.
Frostings and Fillings
Whipped cream cheese makes fluffy, stable frostings for cakes and cupcakes. Use in creamy fruit or chocolate fillings too.
Dips and Spreads
From spinach and artichoke dip to creamy veggie spreads, whipped cream cheese blitends up smoothly. Drain excess liquid before mixing.
Bagels and Baked Goods
Whipped cream cheese is easy to spread on bagels, muffins, scones, etc. The lighter texture pairs well.
Pancakes and Waffles
Adding whipped cream cheese to pancake or waffle batter makes them extra fluffy. No need to drain first.
Sweet Desserts
Use whipped cream cheese in lighter, fluffier desserts like mousse, panna cotta, no-bake cheesecake, etc.
Savory Dishes
For heartier recipes, regular cream cheese works best. But whipped is fine for lighter dishes like omelets, pasta, etc.
Recipes Where Whipped Cream Cheese Doesn’t Work as Well
While whipped cream cheese works great in many recipes, there are some where regular cream cheese is a better choice:
Savory Baked Dishes
The delicate texture and increased water content of whipped cream cheese makes it prone to curdling in high-heat dishes like gratins and casseroles.
Strongly Flavored Savory Foods
The tangy flavor of regular cream cheese stands up better in strongly flavored foods like smoked salmon and hot sauces.
Dense Cheesecakes
For creamy, dense New York-style cheesecakes, avoid whipped cream cheese. The texture will be too light.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Buttercream made with whipped cream cheese won’t hold up well on cakes. Use regular for sturdy frostings.
Savory Cream Cheese Spreads
In spreads like pimento cheese, onion-chive cream cheese, etc. the rich density of regular cream cheese works best.
Sweet Rolled Desserts
Regular cream cheese makes sturdier fillings for rolled desserts like jelly roll cakes and cannoli. Whipped may seep out.
Recipes Without Baking
In unbaked items like cream cheese mints, truffles, and fudge, regular cream cheese helps bind ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does whipped cream cheese taste the same as regular cream cheese?
Whipped cream cheese has a similar creamy, tangy flavor to regular cream cheese, but it is slightly sweeter due to added sugar. The texture is lighter and fluffier as well.
Can I freeze whipped cream cheese?
Yes, whipped cream cheese can be frozen but it may lose some of its airy texture. Thaw frozen whipped cream cheese in the refrigerator before using.
What’s the difference between whipped cream cheese and cream cheese spread?
Cream cheese spread has a similar light, smooth texture to whipped cream cheese. However, it is made with additional ingredients like milk, butter, and stabilizers instead of just cream cheese and air.
Can I use whipped cream cheese in red velvet cake?
Yes, you can substitute whipped cream cheese for the regular cream cheese called for in red velvet cake recipes. Just use 50% more whipped cream cheese and reduce the sugar slightly.
Is whipped cream cheese healthier than regular cream cheese?
Whipped cream cheese is lower in fat and calories than regular cream cheese, so some may consider it a healthier option. However, regular cream cheese is higher in protein.
The Bottom Line
Whipped cream cheese is perfectly suitable for using in place of regular cream cheese in most recipes. The key differences – a lighter texture, decreased fat content, increased air and water, and sweeter flavor – can be accounted for with simple adjustments like using more whipped cream cheese and reducing added sugar. Whipped cream cheese provides a tasty, fluffier alternative in all kinds of baked goods, spreads, dips, frostings, and desserts. However, for very dense, savory dishes, regular cream cheese is still the better option. Consider the texture and flavor you want in the finished dish when deciding whether to use whipped or regular cream cheese. With its versatility and ease of use, whipped cream cheese can expand the range of recipes you can make for delicious results.