What is a Substitute for Heavy Whipping Cream?

Updated on April 9th, 2023

We can use heavy cream in everything from creamy pasta sauces and soups to homestyle casseroles and desserts. But what if you don’t have any heavy cream? There’s no reason to cancel your dinner plans. There are numerous suitable substitutes for this ingredient to make your dishes taste just as good.

The layer of fat that rises to the top of fresh milk gives rise to the phrase “cream of the crop.” This rich, thick cream must contain at least 36% fat to be called heavy cream.

Heavy cream is a must-have ingredient, and for a good reason. It’s used in soups, sauces, homemade butter, ice cream, and sour cream, among other things.

It is made from the high-fat portion of fresh milk and is sometimes referred to as heavy whipping cream when fresh milk is allowed to stand, a thick cream forms on the surface and can be scraped off.
Heavy cream, which contains 36–40% fat, is higher in fat than other cream varieties such as whipping cream, half-and-half, and light cream.
On the other hand, heavy cream is high in fat and contains dairy, so it may not be suitable for everyone.

If you want to replace heavy cream with a lower-fat or dairy-free alternative, there are many options

Heavy cream adds a luxurious touch to any dish. This cream makes a rich, silky sauce for creamy Indian dishes like butter chicken or tikka masala. Heavy cream adds an extra layer of comfort to baked pasta dishes and casseroles. Because heavy cream is perishable, We cannot store it in the pantry for later use. You’ll want the freshest cream you can find for the best-tasting dishes.

Here are Some of the Top Substitutes

1. Butter and milk

Milk and butter are an easy, foolproof substitute for heavy cream that will work in most recipes. The butter adds extra fat to the milk, bringing it closer to the fat percentage of heavy cream.

One cup (237 mL) heavy cream is made by combining 1/4 cup (57 grams) melted butter and 3/4 cup (178 mL) milk. You can also thicken the liquid with a tablespoon (8 grams) of flour, especially if you’re using low-fat milk.

Remember that this substitute works well in cooking and baking recipes for heavy cream to add flavor and creaminess. However, it will not whip as well as heavy cream.

2. Olive oil and soy milk

To make a vegan, dairy-free substitute for heavy cream, combine soy milk and olive oil. Like the combination of milk and butter, olive oil adds fat to soy milk for a flavor and function similar to heavy cream.

To make 1 cup (237 mL) of heavy cream, combine 2/3 cup (159 mL) soy milk and 1/3 cup (79 mL) olive oil. This substitute works well for adding tenderness and flavor to cooking and baking, but We should not use it in recipes that call for whipping.

3. Cornstarch 

This combination may work well for you if you look for a low-fat, low-calorie alternative to heavy cream. To replicate the texture of heavy cream, cornstarch is used to thicken the milk. To replace 1 cup (237 mL) of heavy cream in your recipe, combine two tablespoons (19 grams) of cornstarch with 1 cup (237 mL) milk and stir to thicken.

To reduce your recipe’s calories and fat content, use whole milk instead of skim milk. This substitute is particularly useful in cooking, but it may change the texture of baked goods and does not whip as well as heavy cream.

4. Half-and-half

Half-and-half cream combined with butter in a pinch can be a simple substitute for heavy cream in many recipes.

Half-and-half is made from whole milk and cream, but it contains about one-third the fat of heavy cream. The addition of butter raises the fat percentage of half-and-half, making it a suitable substitute for heavy cream in almost any recipe, including those that call for whipping.

In some recipes, such as sauces and soups, We can use half-and-half to replace heavy cream without adding butter. To replace 1 cup (237 mL) of heavy cream, combine 7/8 cup (232 grams) half-and-half and 1/8 cup (29 grams) melted butter.

5. Soy milk and silken tofu

Silken tofu, like regular tofu, is made from condensed soy milk formed into solid white blocks.

On the other hand, silken tofu has a softer texture and can be easily blended into a high protein, a dairy-free replacement for heavy cream. Blending it with soy milk helps to smooth it out and remove lumps. Instead of soy milk, you can use regular or plant-based milk.

In a food processor or immersion blender, combine equal parts silken tofu and soy milk and thoroughly blend until the mixture is smooth and thick. Then use it to thicken your favorite recipes, such as soups or sauces, instead of an equal amount of heavy cream.

Because We can whip it like heavy cream, you can make a homemade vegan whipped topping for desserts by adding a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of sugar.

6. Greek yogurt

A mixture of Greek yogurt and whole milk is another thickening agent that We can use in place of heavy cream.

Greek yogurt is high in protein and can give your finished product a healthy twist by increasing the protein content. It’s thicker than heavy cream, but you can thin it out with milk to achieve a texture similar to heavy cream. Use a mixture of equal parts Greek yogurt and whole milk in place of the same amount of heavy cream.

This substitute can thicken dishes like soups and sauces, but We should not use it in recipes that call for whipping. Furthermore, because Greek yogurt contains less fat, it may not provide the same tenderness or flavor as heavy cream in baked goods or desserts.

7. Evaporated milk

Evaporated milk is a canned, shelf-stable milk product that contains approximately 60% less water than regular milk.

As a result, it’s thicker and creamier than milk and can serve as a low-calorie substitute for heavy cream in some recipes. Evaporated milk is best for recipes that call for heavy cream as a liquid ingredient, such as baked goods because it does not provide the same thickness and does not whip as well as heavy cream.

8. Cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is made from cow’s milk curds. It’s high in protein and contains a variety of micronutrients, making it a healthy alternative to heavy cream.

Cottage cheese can be a good substitute for heavy cream in recipes such as sauces. Blend it with an immersion blender or food processor to remove the lumps. You can also combine it with milk to mimic heavy cream’s smooth, creamy texture in other recipes.

Blend equal parts cottage cheese and milk until all lumps are gone. We can use this mixture in place of an equal amount of heavy cream. Choose recipes that complement cottage cheese’s distinct, cheesy flavors, such as savory soups and sauces.

Also, keep in mind that cottage cheese can be high in sodium. If you’re salt-sensitive, choose a lower-sodium variety or reduce the amount of salt in your recipe if you use this substitution.

9. Coconut Cream 

Coconut cream is a versatile ingredient that works well as a vegan substitute for heavy cream.

While it is pre-made, it is also simple to make at home with coconut milk. Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight in the refrigerator, open it and pour the liquid contents into another container. The thick, hardened coconut cream that remains in the can-can then be scooped out and used as a substitute for heavy cream.

Replace an equal amount of heavy cream with coconut cream in your favorite sweets and baked goods recipes. We can even use it to make coconut ice cream or whipped into a tasty topping for desserts. Although coconut cream has similar properties to heavy cream, keep in mind that it may change the flavor of your final product and should be used only in appropriate recipes.

10. Cream cheese

Cream cheese is a fresh cheese that is made from milk and cream. Though it is most commonly used as a spread for bagels and as the main ingredient in cheesecakes, We can also use it in place of heavy cream in some recipes.

Cream cheese, in particular, is a good substitute for frostings and can help thicken cream-based soups and sauces. However, We should not use it in place of heavy cream in recipes that call for whipping. We can use cream cheese in place of heavy cream in a 1:1 ratio.

Keep in mind that cream cheese can change the taste and texture of the final product, so use it in recipes where the flavors will complement each other, such as creamy soups or cheesy sauces.

11. Whipped Cashew Cream

Here’s another delectable vegan substitute for heavy cream. Cook raw cashews for 5 minutes or soak in water overnight. Rinse and drain the cashews before putting them in a blender. Combine filtered water, maple syrup, vanilla extract, tapioca starch, and a pinch of sea salt in a mixing bowl. Blend until creamy, then place in the fridge to cool and thicken for at least three hours.

So, Would you Like to Make Some Delicious Recipes with Whipped Cream?

Here are some!

Caramelized Cream Eggs from Food Ideas

What is the simplest and most rewarding thing to do with cream (should we stop here?)? Fry eggs, pork chops, carrots, onions, or anything else you want in it. As the liquid cooks down in a skillet, it separates into layers of butterfat and buttermilk, simultaneously steaming and caramelizing the eggs.

Baked Eggs with Cream

These eggs, which won our recent Your Best Creamy Breakfast recipe contest, are, well.. really creamy. And it’s really good! The bechamel sauce, which forms a cradle for the eggs, can easily be made with a splash of heavy cream instead of all milk—you’re going to use it up anyway.

Baked Apricot-Almond Oatmeal

This oatmeal is hearty, wholesome, and downright creamy; it’s also ready to fuel your frosty winter mornings. Chopped dried apricots and almonds adorn the oatmeal, becoming plump and delicious in a pool of heavy cream poured over it.

Ultimate Chicken Tikka Masala

Keeping with the chicken theme, this recipe is dubbed the “ultimate” for a good reason: boneless, skinless chicken breasts are rendered helplessly tender and flavorful thanks to a punchy yogurt marinade and a spicy, creamy, tomato-y braising sauce.

Skewers of Herbed Beef with Horseradish Cream

Prime rib and horseradish are classic pairings often reserved for special occasions. This weeknight version uses thick sirloin planks skewered on tough rosemary sprigs and grilled on a grill pan for a few minutes. It’s topped with a creamy, lemony horseradish sauce, perfectly complements the dish.

Are Whipping Cream and Heavy Cream the Same?

Both heavy cream and whipping cream are cream products, but heavy cream has more fat than whipping cream. Whipping cream contains 30–35% fat, whereas heavy cream contains at least 36% fat; if you can’t find heavy cream, substitute whipping cream if it’s available.

How do you Make Heavy Cream in the Absence of Cream?

This homemade heavy cream is excellent for soups, stews, and casseroles. Combine butter with milk to increase the fat content (or half and a half). This cream will be liquid inconsistently and will not whip like store-bought heavy cream.

Can I Use Half and Half in Place of Heavy Cream?

Half and half are composed of equal parts whole milk and light cream, and it contains about 12% fat, which is less than one-third of the fat content of heavy cream. Half and half isn’t a good substitute for heavy cream, but We can combine it with butter to make your liquid cream.

When do I Need to Use Heavy Cream?

Everything gets richer, creamier, and tastier with heavy cream. Recipes that use a lot of heavy creams, such as creamy cauliflower soup and Boston cream pie ice cream, become more luscious. A splash of heavy cream in recipes such as slow-cooker Bolognese sauce and tarragon cream sauce can add a satisfying decadence to simple weeknight meals.

Conclusion

We can find heavy cream in a variety of savory and sweet recipes. If you run out of heavy cream or prefer low-fat or vegan substitutes, there are many options.

Some even include extra protein or reduce calories. Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and silken tofu are examples.

However, substituting any ingredient in a recipe can change the taste and texture, so use these substitutes incompatible recipes.