KOMPAS.com – For cheesecake lovers or bagel lovers with cream spread, cream cheese is an irreplaceable ingredient.
However, sometimes cream cheese supplies run out or is difficult to find in stores. Luckily, there are many alternatives to cream cheese that can provide a similar texture and taste, from dairy products to vegan-friendly plant-based ingredients.
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Cream cheese has the characteristics of being creamy and slightly sour, making it a popular choice for a variety of dishes.
In this article, we will discuss 14 substitute ingredients for cream cheese that can be used for various culinary needs, both for spreads, sauces and cakes, as reported on the page Real Simple.
1. Greek Yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt has a creaminess and acidity similar to cream cheese. If strained overnight, the texture becomes denser, ideal for sauces or spreads.
2. Mascarpone Cheese
Mascarpone is a cheese from Italy with a softer texture and sweeter taste than cream cheese. Add a little lemon if you want to get acidity similar to cream cheese.
3. Vegan Cream
Cheese This vegan alternative can be found in various brands such as Kite Hill. Great for spreading or schmearing, and can be used in vegan-only recipes.
4. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese can be pureed in a blender to get a smoother texture. Add lemon juice to add a little acidity.
5. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta needs to be processed to make it more like cream cheese, such as by adding a little salt and lemon. This cheese can also be made yourself with milk, lemon and salt.
Illustration of tofu, soft tofu from China which is popular in Japan and Korea.6. Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is a plant-based option with a creamy texture, just add lemon and salt for flavor. This tofu is great for using in vegan cakes or sauces.
7. Goat Cheese
Goat cheese has a distinctive taste and a more crumbly texture. Mix in a little heavy cream so the texture is more like cream cheese.
8. Cashews
Cashews can be processed into a soft paste after soaking and grinding them. Suitable for making vegan “cream cheese”, especially in cheesecake recipes.
9. Sour Cream
Sour cream is suitable for sauces and spreads, but is not recommended for cakes because of its more liquid texture. Its sour taste adds richness to savory dishes.
10. Avocado
Avocado provides a soft and creamy texture similar to cream cheese. This alternative is often used in vegan foods and is perfect for baked goods like brownies.
11. Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is a dairy-free alternative that can be processed into a spread similar to cream cheese. However, this cream has a sweet coconut taste, so it is suitable for certain sweet and savory dishes.
12. Neufchâtel Cheese
Neufchâtel is a version of cream cheese with a lower fat content. With a slightly coarser texture, Neufchâtel is suitable for spreading on bagels or toast, although it differs slightly in texture when used in cakes.
13. Labneh
Labneh is a typical Middle Eastern cream cheese made from thick yogurt. It can be made at home by mixing yogurt with salt and straining it overnight, resulting in a texture similar to cream cheese.
14. Hummus
Hummus is a vegan alternative made from chickpeas. Hummus is fine as a spread or dip, but not in cakes.
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