I’ve spent years experimenting with the best heavy cream replacements in both sweet recipes and savory dishes. Ever found yourself in the midst of a recipe calling for heavy cream, only to realize it’s not in your fridge? Don’t worry!
There are several excellent substitutes that can save the day without requiring a trip to the store. In fact, you might discover that some of these alternatives not only work seamlessly but also offer unique flavors and textures that you’ll love, especially if you’re exploring dairy-free options or prefer lighter alternatives.
Finding Easy Swaps for Heavy Cream
Finding the perfect cream alternative can be essential when cooking for someone with dietary restrictions such as my daughter who is lactose intolerant.
Heavy cream is beloved for its richness and ability to add creamy texture to dishes, from soups and sauces to desserts. When you’re out of heavy cream, reach for ingredients like half-and-half, which blends milk and cream for a slightly lighter texture, making it ideal for coffee or as a base for creamy sauces.
Experimenting with these substitutes not only ensures you can continue cooking without interruptions but also opens up new culinary possibilities. Whether you’re adapting recipes to dietary preferences or simply exploring different flavors, these alternatives prove that delicious results are always within reach, right in your own kitchen.
There are plenty of great substitutes that work in various dishes.
Heavy Cream also Called Whipping Cream
Cream helps give baked goods a rich texture and, used as a whipped topping, holds its shape the longest.
Why Replace Heavy Cream?
- Lactose intolerance and dairy allergies require dairy-free substitutes.
- Dietary needs. Some people prefer plant-based milk or a lower fat content.
- Availability. running out of a cup of heavy cream and needing an alternative.
Best Dairy-Free Heavy Cream Substitutes
Full-Fat Coconut Milk. A great substitute for creamy sauces, pasta sauce, and dessert toppings. A can of full-fat coconut milk gives a creamy consistency and works well in both savory recipes and sweet recipes, though it may have a subtle coconut flavor. The thick, hardened coconut cream is naturally sweet, so it works best in desserts, and it can be whipped. To make it chill a can of full-fat coconut milk in the fridge overnight, open it and pour the liquid contents into another container. What’s left is the thick coconut cream. To substitute just swap equal amounts.
Cashew Cream. Blend a cup of cashews with cold water in a food processor to make a creamy richness that works in creamy soups and salad dressings.
Almond Milk and Oil Blend. Using almond milk mixed with a neutral oil (such as olive oil) mimics the milk fat in dairy cream and creates a similar texture.
Oat Milk and Cornstarch. This vegan heavy cream substitute adds a thicker texture and is an easy swap for light cream in savory sauces.
Soy Milk and Olive Oil. A one-to-one ratio of soy milk and olive oil can create a rich texture close to a cup of whole milk with cup butter. To replicate the flavor and thickness of heavy cream, combine 2/3 cup of soy milk with 1/3 cup of olive oil for every cup of heavy cream.
Tofu and Soy Milk Blend. Pureeing silken tofu with soy milk makes a creamier consistency that is excellent in savory dishes. Mix equal parts silken tofu and soy milk and blend thoroughly. This mixture works well to thicken soups and sauces. It can also be whipped like heavy cream.
Hemp Milk and Cornstarch. A nut-free option that provides a richness of heavy cream.
Mashed Avocado with Milk Alternative. Adds a velvety texture and healthy fats, ideal for pasta sauce and savory sauces.
Pureed White Beans with Broth. A great way to get a creamy texture in creamy soups and savory dishes.
Best Dairy-Based Replacements
Half-and-Half. Works as a good substitute in recipes that do not require whipping. Use a one-to-one ratio in place of heavy cream.
Half-and-Half with Butter. The best substitute for heavy cream when fat content is important. Mix 7/8 cup of half-and-half with 1/8 cup of melted butter to create a richer consistency.
Milk and Butter. A great way to add back fat and texture. Use ¾ cup of milk and ¼ cup of melted butter to replace one cup of heavy cream in cooking.
Evaporated Milk. A cream alternative that works well in creamy sauces, savory recipes, and even ice cream.
Greek Yogurt and Milk. Equal parts plain Greek yogurt and regular milk can replace heavy cream powder in recipes. A nice high protein alternative. This combination is great for thickening soups or sauces but cannot be used for whipping.
Crème Fraîche. A tangy creamier consistency that works well in savory sauces and dessert toppings.
Cottage Cheese and Milk. Blending cottage cheese with a cup of milk creates a whipped topping alternative. Combine equal parts of cottage cheese and milk and blend until all the lumps have been removed.
Cream Cheese. It can work as a substitute for heavy cream, but it depends on the recipe. It’s best for thickening soups, sauces, and some baked goods. Adds a tangy, rich texture, so it’s best suited for savory dishes and some desserts (like ganache or frostings). How to Substitute. Use 6 oz of cream cheese mixed with ¼ cup of milk to replace 1 cup of heavy cream.
Milk and cornstarch. It’s best for thickening soups, sauces, and some baked goods. The cornstarch helps add thickness, but the result won’t be as rich as heavy cream. It’s not suitable for whipping. How to Substitute. Mix 1 cup of milk (preferably whole milk) with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, then let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before using.
Choosing the Right Substitute for Different Recipes
- For Soups & Sauces. Coconut cream, cashew cream, oat milk with cornstarch, or pureed white beans.
- For Baking. Almond milk with oil, soy milk with olive oil, or tofu and soy milk blend.
- For Whipping. Chilled full-fat coconut cream can be whipped into stiff peaks.
- For Coffee & Drinks. Oat milk, hemp milk, or homemade cashew cream.
- For Ice Cream. Cream of coconut adds a luscious texture.
How to Make Homemade Cashew Cream
Soak one cup of cashews in cold water for a few hours. Blend in a food processor with cup of milk alternative until smooth. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Can You Substitute Buttermilk for Heavy Cream?
Yes, buttermilk can sometimes be substituted for heavy cream, but it depends on the recipe.
When It Works. Buttermilk can be a good alternative in baking recipes like cakes, muffins, and biscuits, where its acidity reacts with leavening agents to create a light and fluffy texture. It also works in dressings and marinades where a tangy flavor is desirable.
When It Doesn’t Work. Buttermilk is much lower in fat and thinner than heavy cream, so it’s not a good substitute for whipping, making rich sauces, or in recipes where the creaminess and fat content are essential (such as ice cream or creamy soups).
Buttermilk has a distinctly tangy flavor similar to sour cream. It is not recommended for use in coffee and other recipes where the tang is not desired.
Substitutes for Heavy Cream in Ganache
Ganache typically relies on heavy cream to create a smooth, glossy texture, but you can still achieve a rich consistency with these alternatives:
- Full-Fat Coconut Milk. This is the best dairy-free option for ganache. Use a 1:1 ratio in place of heavy cream. It provides a creamy texture but may add a mild coconut flavor.
- Evaporated Milk. Works well in ganache but is slightly less rich. Use ¾ cup evaporated milk for every 1 cup of heavy cream and add 1 tbsp butter for extra fat.
- Butter and Milk. A simple homemade alternative. Use ¾ cup whole milk mixed with ¼ cup melted butter for a similar fat content.
- Half-and-Half. This works but results in a thinner ganache. Add 1 tbsp butter per cup of half-and-half to help mimic the richness.
- Greek Yogurt and Milk. Blend ½ cup Greek yogurt with ½ cup milk for a thick, creamy substitute. This works well for frosting-style ganache.
For best results, always heat substitutes gently and mix thoroughly to prevent separation.
Final Tips for Success
- Taste test before adding replacements to ensure the neutral flavor fits your dish.
- Experiment with different options based on the creamy richness you need.
- Grocery store vs. homemade substitutes—both have pros and cons.
There are plenty of best substitutes for heavy whipping cream, whether you need a vegan substitute, a dairy-free substitute, or just ran out of the real thing. From plant-based milk options to dairy milk alternatives. You can find a great way to replace heavy cream without compromising taste or texture.
References
Epicurious. No Heavy Cream? Here Are the Best Substitutes.
Healthline. The 10 Best Substitutes for Heavy Cream.
