Decadent Vegan Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in this luscious Vegan Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting that perfectly balances rich chocolate flavors with the creamy, tangy taste of vegan cream cheese. Ideal for topping your favorite cupcakes, cakes, or even enjoyed by the spoonful, this delightful frosting is both simple to make and completely plant-based. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this frosting is sure to impress everyone, vegan or not!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Margarine
1/2 cup (softened at room temperature)
Vegan cream cheese
1/4 cup (softened at room temperature)
Powdered sugar
2 cups (sifted)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Semisweet chocolate
4 ounces (melted in a double boiler)
Instructions
1
In a double boiler, carefully melt the semisweet chocolate until smooth, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2
In a mixing bowl, beat together the margarine and vegan cream cheese using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3
Gradually pour the melted chocolate into the margarine and cream cheese mixture, blending well until fully combined and creamy.
4
Sift the powdered sugar to eliminate any lumps, then gradually add it to the mixing bowl, approximately 1/2 cup at a time, while continuing to mix on low speed until fully incorporated.
5
Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to medium and mix for an additional 2-3 minutes until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
6
Finish by adding the vanilla extract and mixing for another minute for added flavor.
7
Use immediately to frost your favorite desserts, or store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this chocolate cream cheese frosting vegan?
Yes, this recipe uses margarine, vegan cream cheese, and semisweet chocolate to ensure it is 100% plant-based and dairy-free.
How long does this vegan frosting last in the refrigerator?
You can store this frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can I freeze vegan chocolate cream cheese frosting?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and re-whip it with an electric mixer before using to restore the texture.
How do I prevent my frosting from being lumpy?
To avoid lumps, ensure you sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture and make sure your margarine and cream cheese are softened at room temperature.
What is the best way to melt the semisweet chocolate?
The best method is using a double boiler to melt the chocolate slowly and evenly, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Can I use a microwave to melt the chocolate?
Yes, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth, though a double boiler is safer for preventing scorching.
Is this frosting suitable for piping onto cupcakes?
Absolutely! Once mixed for the final 2-3 minutes, the frosting becomes smooth and spreadable, making it perfect for piping.
How many cupcakes will this recipe frost?
This recipe typically provides enough frosting for 12 to 15 cupcakes, depending on how high you pile the frosting.
What should I do if the frosting is too runny?
If the frosting is too soft, try adding more sifted powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time, or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to help it firm up.
What should I do if the frosting is too stiff?
If the frosting is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of plant-based milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate?
This specific recipe relies on melted semisweet chocolate for its decadent texture, but you can substitute with cocoa powder if you adjust the moisture levels with more margarine or milk.
Does this frosting need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because it contains vegan cream cheese, any cake or cupcakes frosted with this should be kept in the refrigerator.
Can I use this frosting for a layer cake?
Yes, this frosting is stable enough to be used as a filling and coating for a standard 8-inch or 9-inch layer cake.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed (margarine, vegan cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and chocolate) are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific brand labels to be certain.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
To keep the recipe vegan, you must use margarine or a vegan butter substitute. If you are not vegan, regular butter will work as a 1:1 replacement.
What type of vegan cream cheese works best?
Firm, tub-style vegan cream cheeses usually work better for frosting than softer, whipped varieties.
How do I get the frosting extra fluffy?
Be sure to beat the margarine and cream cheese for the full 2-3 minutes initially, and then whip the final mixture again at medium speed for another 2-3 minutes.
Can I add other flavors to this frosting?
Yes, you can add almond extract, peppermint oil, or even a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
How long should I let the melted chocolate cool?
Let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. It should still be liquid but not hot enough to melt the margarine and cream cheese on contact.
Is this frosting very sweet?
The tanginess of the vegan cream cheese and the richness of the semisweet chocolate help balance the sweetness of the powdered sugar.
Can I use milk chocolate instead?
You can use vegan milk chocolate, but it will result in a sweeter, less intense chocolate flavor compared to semisweet.
What if I don't have a double boiler?
You can create a makeshift double boiler by placing a heat-proof glass bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
Does the brand of chocolate matter?
High-quality chocolate will result in a better flavor and smoother texture, so choose a brand you enjoy eating on its own.
Why is my frosting grainy?
Graininess is usually caused by unsifted powdered sugar or the chocolate seizing. Ensure sugar is sifted and chocolate is melted smoothly.
Can I use this as a fruit dip?
Yes, this decadent frosting makes an excellent dip for strawberries, pretzels, or apple slices.
How do I make the frosting darker?
To achieve a darker color, use a chocolate with a higher cacao percentage or add a tablespoon of dark cocoa powder.
Is it okay to use a hand mixer?
Yes, an electric hand mixer works perfectly for this recipe if you don't have a stand mixer.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales up very easily; just double all the ingredient measurements.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover frosting in a sealed container in the fridge. It might firm up, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using again.
Does this frosting hold up in warm weather?
Like most cream cheese frostings, it is sensitive to heat. It is best served in a cool environment or kept refrigerated until shortly before serving.