I'm so excited to share my go-to trick for a lighter, easier cream cheese frosting. Most traditional versions can feel a bit too rich because of all the butter, but this healthy cream cheese frosting with Greek yoghurt skips that completely. It comes together in just 5 minutes and turns out smooth, fluffy, and slightly tangy - perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or brownies.
The secret? Greek yoghurt! It takes the place of butter, cutting down the fat while keeping that creamy texture we all love. It also adds a gentle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully, as it does in my caramel apple cake.
⏱ 5-Min Prep Time | 🍰 Serves 8 (approx.) | 🥣 Lower-Fat
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You might wonder if frosting without butter can really hold up on cupcakes or layered cakes - and yes, it absolutely can! The key is to use full-fat Greek yogurt and block-style cream cheese, since they have less water and make the frosting thicker.
But I'll be honest - I used the spreadable cream cheese (the same kind my kids always insist we keep in the fridge for their morning toast) and it worked beautifully. So if you can't find block-style cream cheese, the spreadable is as good - it just might be a touch softer, which you can easily fix by chilling it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
Because this frosting is lighter than traditional versions, it's perfect for all sorts of desserts. It's a great option if you're baking for kids or anyone who prefers something less sugary - just reduce the sugar or swap it for a natural sweetener.
I especially love it on moist spiced cakes and on these seasonal autumn pumpkin muffins. If you've been searching for the best light cream cheese frosting for carrot cake, this one's a winner - creamy, tangy, and never too sweet.
Liz says:
"Oh, my gosh, this frosting is fabulous!!! So delicious that we all wanted to lick the bowl."
Once you have this amazing frosting, you'll need a few ideas on how to use it! Since this frosting is so much lighter, it pairs perfectly with richer desserts.
It's amazing slathered over a slice of gooey chocolate brownie. The tanginess of the yogurt cuts through the rich chocolate beautifully. Plus, using this lighter frosting keeps the whole treat from feeling too heavy.
💗 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's Super Quick: This recipe takes less than 5 minutes. You just toss all the ingredients into a bowl and mix. That's it!
- The Texture is Perfect: The frosting is wonderfully fluffy and creamy, just like the classic version, but without any greasy feel from butter.
- A Delicious Tang: The Greek yogurt adds a bright, subtle tang and keeps the frosting from tasting too sweet-just like in my simple cake recipe without flour, which is light, fluffy, and cheesecake-like.
- Lighter Option: It uses much less fat than traditional recipes, making it a great option if you're looking for a healthy cream cheese frosting you can feel good about.
🎂 Ingredients
*See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Greek yoghurt: Use a thicker, full-fat Greek yoghurt, at least 2% fat, for a creamier texture-avoid very low-fat or extra runny versions. For a high-protein option, use a higher-protein plain Greek yoghurt.
- Soft cheese: For the best results, use block-style cream cheese.
- Icing sugar: Swap with confectioners' sugar (slightly less if you want it less sweet). For a healthier option, try 1 levelled teaspoon of stevia or 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey - all blend smoothly.
♻️ Substitutes & Variations
- Changing the Sweetener (Keto/Low-Carb): If you are trying to make a keto cream cheese frosting or a sugar-free version, substitute the icing sugar (powdered sugar) with an equal amount of a powdered sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit blend. Start with the same measurement, then add more to taste, as the sweetness level can vary between brands.
- Vanilla paste: Replace with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or a sachet of vanilla sugar.
- Flavoured twist: Cocoa powder for chocolate or a touch of citrus zest for zing, it's perfect for lovers of light lemon cakes.
- Skip the soft cheese: You can make a yoghurt-only frosting, though it will be lighter in texture.
- Extra thick frosting: If it's too soft, add 1 tablespoon milk powder while mixing - it absorbs extra liquid without changing the taste. Great for thickening frosting without sugar.
- Different taste: Add a teaspoon of finely grated orange zest, or swap vanilla paste for almond extract for a nutty touch.
👩🍳 How To Make Healthy Cream Cheese Frosting
Everyone needs a simple frosting recipe for cakes, cupcakes, pancakes, or cookies! This one uses just 4 ingredients, is lower in sugar, and much lighter than traditional cheese frosting. You can even freeze it to make a quick ice cream for summer days with some fresh fruits added.
Step 1: Place the room temperature soft cheese, Greek yogurt, icing sugar (or powdered sugar), and vanilla paste into your mixing bowl.
Step 2: Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
*See the recipe card for detailed instructions.
💭 Expert Tips
- Softening the cheese helps the mixing go smoothly-cold cheese can give lumps. After mixing, if your frosting is too soft, chilling for 10-15 minutes helps it firm up slightly.
- This frosting spreads easily on top and sides of cakes and can even be piped after chilling overnight.
- Spread the frosting on desserts that will be eaten reasonably soon, especially if the environment is warm-this frosting holds best when cool. It's also perfect for dipping treats like these quick no-yeast apple treats.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
- Dessert Topping: Use it as a topping for a healthy carrot cake, banana bread, cinnamon rolls or any spice cake.
- Fruit Dip: It works perfectly as a high-protein dip for fresh fruit like strawberries, pineapple, or grapes.
- Sandwich Cookie Filling: Use it to sandwich two small cookies together for a lighter take on a whoopie pie or cream sandwich cookie.
- Breakfast Spread: Spread a thin layer on a bagel or toast and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a quick, yummy breakfast.
💡 Have a specific food allergy?
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❓ Healthy Cream Cheese Frosting FAQs
As this recipe proves, you can easily make a delicious and healthy cream cheese frosting without butter. We replace the butter with thick, full-fat Greek yoghurt. This substitution gives you a lighter texture, a lovely tang, and a creamier finish without the added fat from butter.
This healthy cream cheese frosting skips the butter completely. If you like this idea, you might also enjoy my homemade mayo with no oil - which skips the fat but keeps the texture just right. And when it comes to desserts, this frosting is amazing on this easy homemade carrot cake or even my spooky red velvet ghost cake.
For most people, there are no downsides! Greek yoghurt is nutritious and high in protein. The only potential issue is if you have a dairy sensitivity or lactose intolerance. If so, look for lactose-free soft cheese and Greek yoghurt options to use in this recipe!
Greek yoghurt is packed with protein and probiotics, so I love adding it to all kinds of dishes. Love it in my roasted eggplant salad for a creamy base or in my yogurt-based potato soup for richness without extra cream.
You can use Greek yoghurt as a frosting! However, using plain Greek yoghurt on its own can sometimes be a little too soft or too sour. By combining it with soft cheese and a little powdered sugar, like in this recipe, you get the perfect balance of tanginess, sweetness, and thickness, creating the ultimate cake frosting.
You can, yes, but it will be thinner due to higher water content and won't set properly. For this recipe, I chose Greek yogurt, look for the full-fat, plain Greek version for the best, creamiest results.
Because this frosting is made with fresh ingredients, you must store it in the refrigerator. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep it chilled for up to 4 days. If it seems a little stiff when you take it out, you can let it sit on the counter for 5 to 10 minutes or give it a quick whip with a spoon before using it.
You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months-thaw in the fridge overnight and re-whip if needed.
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📖 Recipe
Healthy Cream Cheese Frosting with Greek Yogurt (No Butter)
Video
Equipment
- An electric hand mixer (or stand mixer) to get it smooth
Ingredients
- 9 oz soft cream cheese, block style 250 g
- 9 oz plain Greek yogurt, at least 2% fat 250 g
- 2½ oz icing sugar (powdered sugar) 70 g
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or the seeds from one vanilla pod
Instructions
- Remove the block of cream cheese from the fridge so it softens slightly (about 10 minutes is fine).9 oz soft cream cheese, block style
- Measure out the Greek yogurt and icing sugar. Add the vanilla paste or seeds.9 oz plain Greek yogurt, at least 2% fat, 2½ oz icing sugar (powdered sugar), 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or the seeds from one vanilla pod
- Place all ingredients into the mixing bowl.
- Using the hand mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through.
- Stop mixing when it holds its shape and looks creamy-not runny.
- Spread the frosting over your cake, cupcakes or other dessert while it's still fresh.
- If it's too soft, chill in the fridge for 10 minutes before spreading.
Notes
- Soft Cream Cheese, Block Style: For best results, use cream cheese that comes in a foil-wrapped block rather than the plastic tub varieties, as the block has a lower water content. Ensure it is fully softened to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps in the finished frosting.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Using a thick, full-fat variety will yield the best creamy consistency. Avoid using regular (non-Greek) yogurt, as its thinness will likely make the frosting runny. Always check labels to ensure the yogurt has no added sugars or thickeners, which can affect the final texture.
- Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar): This is the sweetener and texture component for the recipe. Sifting it before use is highly recommended to prevent lumps and ensure a perfectly smooth final product.
- Vanilla Paste or the Seeds from One Vanilla Pod: Vanilla paste is a thicker, more concentrated product than extract and often provides tiny black specks that signify true vanilla. If using the seeds from a pod, ensure they are scraped out fully and dispersed evenly.
May says
I was so impressed with this frosting! The Greek yogurt gives it a wonderful tang. It held its shape perfectly on my cupcakes and tasted amazing.
Hanna says
This is sooo good. You would never know it wasn't made with cream cheese!
Mary says
I'm in love with this frosting! So creamy and delicious!
Jeff says
GREAT recipe. It tastes exactly the same.
Libby says
Oh, my gosh, I'm so glad I found your fabulous recipe!! It tastes just as delicious as the traditional cream cheese frosting without all the guilt!!
Rosa says
This Cream Cheese frosting is so good and healthy, as it has Greek yogurt. I am going to make it again.
Maria says
This frosting is so good! I love how healthy it is.
Lora says
This light cream cheese frosting is smooth, fluffy, and perfectly tangy. Made with Greek yogurt instead of butter, it’s ready in minutes and feels much lighter.
Helen says
I like this healthy version of cream cheese that is made with Greek yogurt. So perfect texture, thanks for sharing.
Swathi says
I like this healthy version of cream cheese that is made with Greek yogurt. So perfect texture, thanks for sharing.
Kara says
This lightened-up cream cheese frosting is smooth, fluffy, and perfectly tangy. I love that it uses Greek yogurt instead of butter — so easy and refreshing!
Jai says
You are a genius for finding a way to make cream cheese frosting healthy! Using Greek yogurt is a brilliant swap. No more guilt for eating half the bowl with a spoon (maybe). Can’t wait to try this!
Liz says
Oh, my gosh, this frosting is fabulous!!! So delicious that we all wanted to lick the bowl.
Dasha says
I used this on sourdough cinnamon rolls because I'm trying to make sure my kids get extra protein if eating sugary treats. It was easy and I'd definitely make it again.
Claudia Ciorteanu says
My family loved this!