Substitutes for heavy cream can include options like a soy milk-olive oil combo, evaporated milk, and coconut cream, among others.
Heavy cream features in a wide variety of recipes, including soups, sauces, homemade butter, ice cream, and sour cream.
Sometimes called heavy whipping cream, it’s made from the high fat part of fresh milk. When fresh milk is left to stand, a heavy cream rises to the top and can be scraped off.
Consisting of at least 36% milk fat, heavy cream is higher in fat than other cream varieties, including whipping cream, half-and-half, and light cream.
However, because heavy cream is high in fat and contains dairy, it may not be a suitable option for everyone.
Regardless of what you’re making, the following are the best heavy cream substitutes for cooking, baking, or whipping into dessert.Half-and-half + butter. … Milk + butter. … Coconut cream. … Milk + cornstarch. … Greek yogurt + milk. … Alt milk + oil. … Heavy cream powder.
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Half-and-half + butter. …
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Milk + butter. …
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Coconut cream. …
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Milk + cornstarch. …
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Greek yogurt + milk. …
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Alt milk + oil. …
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Heavy cream powder.
Greek yogurt and milk
A mixture of Greek yogurt and whole milk is another alternative to heavy cream that will help you thicken up your recipes.
Greek yogurt is high in protein and can provide a healthy twist to your finished product by increasing the protein content.
It’s thicker than heavy cream, but you can add milk to thin it out and achieve a texture similar to that of heavy cream.
Blend together equal parts Greek yogurt and whole milk and use it in place of the same amount of heavy cream.
Note that this substitute can add thickness to dishes like soups or sauces, but it shouldn’t be used in recipes that require whipping.
Additionally, Greek yogurt is lower in fat and may not provide the same tenderness or flavor as heavy cream in baked goods or desserts.
Evaporated milk is a canned, shelf-stable milk product with less water than regular milk.
Thus, it’s thicker and creamier than milk and can be an easy lower-calorie alternative to heavy cream in some recipes. It may also be fortified with vitamin D and other nutrients.
Evaporated milk is best for recipes in which heavy cream is a liquid ingredient, such as in baked goods, since it will not provide the same thickness as heavy cream and does not whip as well.
For best results, substitute heavy cream with an equal amount of evaporated milk. If you’re making a dessert, you can also add a few drops of vanilla extract to sweeten it.
Silken tofu and soy milk
Like regular tofu, silken tofu is made from condensed soy milk that has been formed into solid white blocks.
However, silken tofu has a softer consistency and can easily be blended into a high protein, dairy-free replacement for heavy cream.
Blending it with soy milk helps give it a smooth texture to remove lumps. You can also use regular milk or another plant-based milk instead of soy milk.
Combine equal parts silken tofu and soy milk and blend thoroughly in an immersion blender or food processor until the mixture reaches a smooth, thick consistency. Then use it in place of an equal amount of heavy cream to thicken your favorite recipes, such as soups or sauces.
Because it can be whipped like heavy cream, you can also add a bit of vanilla extract or sprinkle of sugar to make it into a homemade vegan whipped topping for desserts.
How to Make Heavy Cream
FAQ
What is a substitute for 1 cup of heavy cream?
Can I substitute sour cream for heavy cream?
Is heavy cream or milk better for frosting?
What can I substitute for heavy cream in frosting?
There are several substitutes for heavy cream in frosting including coconut cream, Greek yogurt, sour cream, milk, and half-and-half. Coconut cream works particularly well for a dairy-free, vegan option, while using Greek yogurt or sour cream will add a tangy flavor to the frosting.
What is a substitute for icing sugar?
You can replace icing sugar with lump sugar, stevia, agave syrup, sweeteners, or honey. Your choice will depend on your tastes, preferences, and if there is any underlying pathology.
Can you substitute whole milk for heavy cream in frosting?
But with certain recipes, there’s a little wiggle room for substitutions. You can substitute whole milk for heavy cream in recipes that call for a small amount of cream to thin the frosting. Recipes that rely on heavy cream as a main ingredient, such as ganache, don’t adapt well to whole milk.
What is a good substitute for heavy cream?
Coconut cream makes a great heavy cream substitute for two reasons: it’s non-dairy, bypassing any issues for people with dairy sensitivities or special diets, and it can actually be whipped. Since coconut milk is naturally sweet, it adds a nice flavor and works well in desserts. Best for: desserts, whipping. 5. Cream Cheese