Eggs are a common ingredient in many recipes, including cream cheese spreads and dips. However, people with egg allergies or dietary restrictions like veganism need egg substitutes. Thankfully, there are many easy ways to replace eggs in cream cheese recipes.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about substituting eggs in cream cheese:
- The best egg substitutes for cream cheese are: mashed bananas, applesauce, mashed avocado, silken tofu, commercial egg replacer powder, arrowroot powder, ground flaxseed.
- For every 1 egg in a cream cheese recipe, substitute: 1/4 cup mashed banana, 1/4 cup applesauce, 2 tablespoons mashed avocado, 1/4 cup silken tofu, 1 teaspoon commercial egg replacer whisked with 2 tablespoons water.
- Egg substitutes work best in creamy dips and spreads. They may not hold up as well in cream cheese recipes that need structure, like cheesecake.
- Adjust other liquids in the recipe to compensate for the added moisture from egg substitutes. Reduce milk or cream by 1-2 tablespoons for each egg replaced.
- Add a bit of lemon juice or vinegar to help mimic the acidity eggs provide if the cream cheese mixture seems too thick.
Why Eggs Are Used in Cream Cheese
Understanding the role eggs play in recipes helps determine the best substitute. Here’s what eggs do:
- Structure – Eggs help provide the solid shape and sturdy texture in baked goods like cheesecake.
- Leavening – When whipped, eggs trap air bubbles that make cream cheese mixtures lighter.
- Binding – Eggs help hold ingredients together smoothly in creamy dips and frostings.
- Moisture – The water in eggs keeps cream cheese spreads from becoming dry or crumbly.
- Richness – The fat in egg yolks enhances flavor and creamy texture.
- Color – Egg yolks add a pale yellow hue to cream cheese.
When choosing an egg substitute, go for options that mimic these properties as closely as possible.
Best Egg Substitutes for Cream Cheese
Here are the top egg substitute options to use in place of eggs in cream cheese recipes:
Mashed Banana
Mashed ripe banana is one of the most popular egg replacements because it adds moisture, binding, sweetness, and structure. Use 1/4 cup mashed banana in place of 1 egg.
Applesauce
Applesauce is an easy swap for eggs in cream cheese frostings, dips, and spreads. Use unsweetened applesauce and reduce sugar in the recipe. Replace 1 egg with 1/4 cup applesauce.
Mashed Avocado
For a creamy, nutty flavor and green tint, use mashed avocado instead of eggs. The texture works well in dips. Substitute 2 tablespoons mashed avocado for 1 egg.
Silken Tofu
Blended silken tofu provides protein, binds like eggs, and adds moisture. Use 1/4 cup silken tofu in place of 1 egg in cream cheese recipes.
Commercial Egg Replacer Powder
Ener-G is a popular brand of egg replacer made from potato starch and tapioca flour. For each egg, whisk 1 teaspoon powder with 2 tablespoons water.
Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot works as a binder in creamy mixtures. Use 1 tablespoon arrowroot whisked with 3 tablespoons water to replace 1 egg.
Ground Flaxseed
When combined with water, ground flax forms a thick gel similar to eggs. For each egg, use 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed whisked with 3 tablespoons water.
| Egg Substitute | Substitution Ratio |
|---|---|
| Mashed banana | 1/4 cup per egg |
| Applesauce | 1/4 cup per egg |
| Mashed avocado | 2 tablespoons per egg |
| Silken tofu | 1/4 cup per egg |
| Egg replacer powder | 1 teaspoon powder + 2 tablespoons water per egg |
| Arrowroot powder | 1 tablespoon powder + 3 tablespoons water per egg |
| Ground flaxseed | 1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water per egg |
Tips for Replacing Eggs in Cream Cheese Recipes
Here are some helpful hints for getting the best results when substituting eggs in cream cheese recipes:
Adjust Moisture
Since many egg substitutes add extra moisture, reduce other liquids in the recipe. Use 1-2 tablespoons less milk or cream for each egg replaced.
Add Acidity
If your cream cheese mixture seems too thick without eggs, add a teaspoon or two of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic eggs’ acidity.
Use Binding Agents
For sturdier recipes like cheesecake that need more structure, add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum or guar gum per egg replaced.
Whip Well
Whip egg substitutes into the cream cheese vigorously to incorporate air for a light, smooth texture.
Limit Baked Goods
Egg substitutes work better in no-bake recipes. They may not provide enough structure for baked cream cheese recipes.
Check Consistency
Monitor the thickness as you mix in egg substitutes. Add more liquids or thickeners as needed for optimal consistency.
Recipes Using Egg Substitutes in Cream Cheese
Here are some delicious recipes that use egg replacements in cream cheese successfully:
Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
This rich frosting uses silken tofu in place of eggs. It goes perfectly on cakes or cupcakes.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup margarine
- 1/4 cup silken tofu
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Beat together cream cheese and margarine until smooth.
- Blend in silken tofu until fully incorporated.
- Mix in vanilla and powdered sugar.
- Whip frosting for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip
This eggless, protein-packed dip uses mashed avocado instead of eggs. It’s perfect with apple slices or graham crackers.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
- 2 tablespoons mashed avocado
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions:
- Beat together cream cheese, pumpkin, and avocado.
- Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Banana Cream Cheese Muffins
These moist muffins use mashed banana in place of eggs. The banana flavor pairs perfectly with the cream cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 3/4 cup mashed banana (about 2 medium)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line muffin pan with liners.
- Mix flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, mix oil, banana, cream cheese and vanilla.
- Add wet ingredients to dry and stir just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly into muffin cups.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cream cheese frosting without eggs?
Yes, you can make eggless cream cheese frosting! Use banana, applesauce, or silken tofu in place of eggs for a smooth, creamy frosting. Add lemon juice or vinegar for needed acidity without eggs.
What can I substitute for eggs in cheesecake?
For eggless cheesecake, try substituting 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed whisked with 3 tablespoons water for each egg. The ground flax will act as a binder and add structure in the absence of eggs.
Do I need to use egg substitutes in no-bake cream cheese recipes?
No, egg substitutes are not necessary in no-bake cream cheese recipes since the eggs are only for structure. Simply omit the eggs completely from no-bake dips, frostings, pie fillings, etc.
Can I make vegan cream cheese at home?
Yes, you can make easy vegan cream cheese at home using cashews or tofu. Soak raw cashews overnight then blend into a creamy paste. Or blend silken tofu with lemon juice and seasoning to mimic sour cream cheese texture.
Is cream cheese made with eggs?
Authentic cream cheese is made without eggs. The main ingredients are just milk and cream which are thickened and cultured. However, some cream cheese-based recipes and spreads call for added eggs.
Conclusion
With a few easy substitutions, you can make virtually any cream cheese recipe egg-free. Banana, applesauce, avocado, tofu and egg replacers mimic the moisture, binding, and richness that eggs provide. Adjust other liquids to prevent thinning, and add lemon juice if needed. Whip the replacements in well for smooth, creamy texture. Stick to no-bake recipes or use binding agents for optimal results. With these tips, you can enjoy delicious eggless cream cheese-based treats.