A few years ago, I gave up my pursuit of dairy-free yogurt cheese. Most dairy-free yogurt brands contain gums and other binders that prevent them from draining and setting up like dairy-based yogurt usually does. But when I saw the simple ingredient list in Silk AlmondMilk Yogurt Alternative, I knew that I had to give it just one more try. The result was this amazing vegan yogurt cheese!
Why This Dairy-Free Yogurt Cheese Works
The ingredients in Silk AlmondMilk Plain Yogurt Alternative are simply Almondmilk (Filtered Water, Almonds), Cane Sugar, and 2% or less of Calcium Citrate, Pectin, Live and Active Cultures, and Vitamin D2.
As a result, the dairy-free “whey” separated beautifully when drained, leaving behind a wonderfully creamy dairy-free yogurt cheese. I couldn’t help myself from enjoying it by the spoonful, but it also works beautifully as a thick dip or soft spread. And the drinkable “whey” tastes delicious, too. I tossed it in my morning smoothie for a sweet-tangy, probiotic boost.
More Essential Notes & Tips for Dairy-Free Yogurt Cheese
It’s Light & Spreadable. The consistency of this dairy-free yogurt cheese is like a whipped cream cheese. It’s thicker than Greek yogurt, but not quite as thick as traditional cream cheese.
It’s Versatile. This vegan yogurt cheese is very lightly tangy with a very pleasant, mellow taste. I used Silk’s Plain AlmondMilk Yogurt, which does impart a hint of sweetness. I was still able to use it in a couple of savory dishes, but it is best suited to spooning, spreading, complimenting fruit, or using in a sweet recipe.
The Brand Matters. As mentioned above, this dairy-free yogurt cheese recipe won’t work with any old dairy-free yogurt alternative. Silk AlmondMilk Yogurt Alternative is the only one I’ve had success with to date. I’m pretty sure it’s because they don’t use any gums for thickening. And they don’t need it! Their yogurt has a perfect, creamy, thick, spoonable consistency.
Savor the Flavors. For rich, sweetly flavored spreads, Silk AlmondMilk Yogurt Alternative also comes in Vanilla, Peach, Strawberry, and Dark Chocolate Coconut (my favorite!). These should all work well for making different flavors of this whipped cream cheese-like spread.
Patience is a Virtue. After 12 hours, it will look noticeably thicker, and you might be tempted to remove it from the cheesecloth. At this stage, it’s like Greek yogurt in thickness, and will still be a bit too sticky. Let it rest for that full 24 hours. It should firm up just enough for you to flip it onto a plate and gently peel away the cheesecloth without losing much of the creamy goodness. See the before and after of the dairy-free yogurt alternative to yogurt cheese disk transformation below.
#SilkYouCanSpoon
I whipped up this addictively good, dairy-free yogurt cheese recipe in honor of the newly expanded Silk AlmondMilk Yogurt Alternative line.
They currently offer five scrumptious flavors in single-serve cups, including Plain, Vanilla, Peach, Strawberry, and Dark Chocolate Coconut. AND they are introducing the Plain and Vanilla AlmondMilk Yogurt Alternatives in NEW multi-serve 24-ounce tubs. Each variety contains 5 to 8 grams of protein from California almonds per serving.
To pick some up, check the Store Locator on the Silk Website. But first, Grab a Coupon!
And yes, both Silk AlmondMilk Yogurt Alternative and my recipe for dairy-free yogurt cheese are creamy and delicious by the spoonful! This is #SilkYouCanSpoon.
This post is sponsored by Silk. The ideas, recipe, photos, and writing in this post are all my own. And as always, my opinions remain 100% honest. We personally choose the brands we want to share with you.
Special Diet Notes: Dairy-Free Yogurt Cheese
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, plant-based, and vegetarian.
For nut-free, dairy-free yogurt cheese, Silk Soy Yogurt might work well. I haven’t tested it yet, but it is also free of gums.
- 1 6-ounce container (generous ½ cup) Silk Plain Almondmilk Yogurt Alternative (see Yogurt Note below)
- ½ teaspoon honey or agave nectar, or to taste
- Generous pinch salt, or to taste
- Place a fine mesh sieve on a bowl to catch any liquid. Line the sieve with three square layers of cheesecloth.
- Scrape the yogurt into the center of the cheesecloth. Bring the corners of the cheesecloth together and gently twist to enclose the yogurt into a round.
- Refrigerate for 24 hours.
- Once ready, the cheesecloth should peel away to reveal a soft but spreadable wheel of dairy-free yogurt cheese. It will be similar to a whipped cream cheese in consistency.
- If desired, transfer the yogurt cheese to a bowl and stir in the sweetener and salt until smooth.
- The leftover liquid can be used like a dairy-free "whey" in smoothies. It tastes good!
- Store any leftover dairy-free yogurt cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Pin this Dairy-Free & Vegan Yogurt Cheese Recipe!
Want More Dairy-Free Recipes? Enjoy Eat Dairy Free!
38 Comments
i done this and forgot about it. it;s been in the fridge for about a week, is it still safe to eat?
I’m not sure! It would have the same shelf-life as an open yogurt.
Would you be able to freeze the “whey” for later use? or does that harm the probiotic cultures? Thanks
I honestly couldn’t tell you. I’ve never really been able to get a straight answer on the stability of probiotics in the freezer. I think it depends on the strains.
Is this yogurt cheese similar to cream cheese in texture and flavor?
In texture it is similar to a whipped cream cheese. In flavor, it depends on the yogurt.
Pingback: Sweet Watermelon Pizza Recipe with Fresh & Fruity Toppings
Pingback: Yoghurt Tiramisu Parfait | Allergy Girl Eats
I was wondering if the taste would be the same when you follow this recipe or just use the yogurt directly. Because as I see the difference here is about the substance of the yogurt
I’m not really sure what you are asking. The resultant yogurt cheese will have a similar flavor profile to the yogurt that you use (this is just like any yogurt cheese recipe – even dairy ones). However, the flavor will be slightly different, since you are draining it and the texture will be completely different. Trust me, it’s a tasty experience and a new way to enjoy it!
I got it 🙂 Thanks for your detailed explaination!
Pingback: Silk AlmondMilk Yogurt Review: This is More Than a Dairy Alternative
Made these and already have two more batches in the fridge as I couldn’t help but try other flavor profiles right away! The first two I did were with the Silk yogurt you used and Kite Hill Unsweetened Greek Style Yogurt. The Kite Hill got much firmer and I like the texture better but taste I think I like the Silk better. Definitely would make both again, obviously! 😉
I was so impressed I shared a video on Instagram Stories with them and will be sharing again.
Thanks so much for the detailed feedback Sarah! This is awesome 🙂
I would never have imagined it would be so easy. Gotta try this one!
It really is!
This is so cool! I would definitely struggle with being patient while I wait as it starts to look good. Thanks for the tip to wait for a full 24 hours.
Haha, I struggle with patience on these things, too! I’m always peeking 🙂
I bet the dark chocolate with toasted coconut would be delicious as a dessert spread.
Indeed – I’m dreaming of it now.
This looks so easy! I’ve never heard of dairy free yogurt cheese, but it sounds so delicious!
That’s because it doesn’t exist! Until now 🙂
I’m just imagining how yummy this would be on a gluten free bagel. Perfect for breakfast!
It is SO perfect on bagels. I enjoyed it on toast many mornings.
I love yogurt cheese! We eat it as dessert with a drizzle of honey and cocoa nibs. I have never thought of using a flavoured yogurt to make it… sounds like a fun idea.
Yep, flavors are fun and so doable!
Ok. I’m inspired. This sounds so simple, there is no way I cannot try it. 🙂
Nope, no way. you must try it 🙂
This is such a good idea, and I cannot believe I didn’t think of it before. Thank you so much for inspiring my eats. I feel like I could make it savory with lemon zest and fresh herbs? What do you think?
Kind of, but the Plain has a little sweetness to it naturally, so it won’t go fully savory. But like mentioned, I did use it (without the added honey) in some savory dishes! Hopefully a totally unsweetened version is on the horizon!
I can’t believe how simple this is! I’ve been wanting to try making the yogurt cheese. Your experimentation will save me hours of time.
I am hoping it does for many 🙂
I LOVE this method! definitely going to try your recipe soon. (and I used to love those graham crackers…) 🙂
This is such a “Kristina” recipe – I swear 🙂 It reminded me of you!
I am very excited about this! My mom used to make yogurt cheese a lot when I was growing up, and I’ve missed having a dairy-free version. Thinking about all of the recipes I can use this in….
You’re going to love it! So creamy and rich. And EASY!!
I love this idea, I need to try it! I’ve heard of people making this with dairy yogurt, but haven’t tried it with almond yogurt
Yes, this is the first yogurt brand it has ever worked with for me! Highly recommended.