RecipesVegan Substitute for Ricotta Cheese
Updated on: 10.12.2020Are you looking for the best, easiest vegan ricotta cheese substitute recipe? Look no further, we’ve got exactly what you’re looking for!
Although vegan ricotta cheese has only a few simple ingredients, it sure packs a punch, whether in a sweet or salty version.
The recipe below contains instructions for making the sweet version of vegan ricotta cheese, made out of tofu.
- Click here for the salty tofu version.
- We also have a cultured cashew ricotta cheese recipe, which takes some planning ahead but is absolutely breathtaking.
The Two Bases for Making Vegan Ricotta Cheese
There are two main recipe approaches to making vegan ricotta cheese that we use all the time and truly recommend you give a try. One uses tofu as a base and the other one uses cashews. In this article, we present the recipe that uses tofu. You can get the cashew recipe here.
Personally, we prefer the tofu recipe because of its superior protein profile and much easier and quicker preparation, however, if you’re willing to put in the time (mostly passive waiting), the cashew ricotta cheese substitute is really to die for!
Something Salty, Something Sweet
The sweet and salty versions of the recipe are both super easy to make and are very similar. Basically, in the sweet version, instead of using salt and vinegar, you use sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Optionally, you can add nutmeg or pumpkin spice, too.
Each of the recipes is accompanied by recommendations for dish combinations, such as using vegan ricotta cheese in lasagna. Bon appetit! 🙂
How to make Vegan Ricotta Cheese Substitute
Ingredients for one person:
– 1/2 block of firm tofu (200g)
– a splash of vegan non-sweetened cream OR canned coconut milk OR plain vegan yogurt
– sugar
– cinnamon, pumpkin spice, nutmeg (optional)
Total Time: 3 minutes
Divide the Tofu
Divide the tofu into two halves. Put one half into a small blender and crumble the other one into a bowl using your hands.
The chunks should resemble those you make for tofu scramble. This will give the final result the characteristic gritty texture of ricotta cheese. If you prefer fully smooth ricotta cheese, blend the whole tofu.
Add spices and blend
Take the blender with the other half of the tofu. Add a good amount of sugar, spices, and a splash of vegan cream. Blend until you get a smooth texture.
Try it and add additional sugar or spices if desired. Note that the mixture should have a strong taste, since mixing it with the unprocessed tofu will make it milder.
Join the mixture to the crumbled tofu
Once you have achieved the desired texture of the blended tofu, use a spoon to mix it into the crumbled tofu. Add additional sugar or spices if you want a stronger taste, or yogurt if you want it smoother.
Optional: Wash some berries, cut them into small pieces, and add them to the mixture.
Serve with desired sides
This vegan ricotta cheese substitute is a great addition to any sweet food, such as pancakes, dumplings or sponge cake. It also works great as an ingredient for batter, when you want to make ricotta dough.
