Whipping cream is a versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savory dishes. Its high-fat content allows it to be whipped into soft, fluffy peaks and gives baked goods structure.
Heavy cream also lends creaminess and richness to soups, sauces, custards, and more. But what do you do when a recipe calls for heavy cream and you don't have any on hand?
Luckily, there are plenty of whipping cream substitutes that can mimic the texture and flavor of heavy cream in everything from cake batter to pasta sauce.
Dairy Substitutes for Heavy Cream
If you don't have an issue with dairy, your best bet for whipping cream substitutes is other dairy products. Here are some of the top contenders:
Half-and-Half
Half-and-half is one of the most readily available substitutes for heavy cream. As the name suggests, it's made from equal parts milk and light cream. With a fat content of 10-12%, half-and-half won't whip quite as well as heavy cream, but it can work in a pinch. For the best results, chill your half-and-half thoroughly before whipping. Use it immediately after whipping, as it will deflate quickly.
Half-and-half makes an excellent 1:1 substitute in any recipe where the cream is added as a liquid, like soups, sauces, and gravies. It provides richness and body without being quite as heavy as cream. Half-and-half is also a handy substitute for coffee drinks.
Milk and Butter
Don't have any half-and-half on hand? No problem! You likely have the ingredients to make an easy whipping cream substitute with milk and butter. The milk provides the base liquid, while the butter adds fat to enrich it.
To make 1 cup of heavy cream substitute, melt 1/4 cup of butter and gradually whisk it into 3/4 cup whole milk. Let the mixture come to room temperature before using. This blend works great in baked goods, casseroles, soups, and more. The only place it falls short is whipping.
Light Cream
As the name suggests, light cream has a lower fat content than heavy whipping cream, with around 20% fat. It can be whipped into soft peaks, though it won't get quite as lofty as whipping cream. For best results, thoroughly chill light cream before whipping. Stabilizers are sometimes added to improve whipping properties.
In recipes where the cream is added straight to a mixture, like cake batter, light cream can typically be swapped 1:1 for heavy cream. The lower fat content will create a slightly less rich end result. Light cream is also a useful substitute for coffee drinks.
Whole Milk
On its own, whole milk is too low in fat to be an ideal whipping cream substitute. But it can work well in some baked goods, soups, and sauces, especially when you don't need to whip the cream. Whole milk has a fat content of around 3.5%, giving it more richness than lower-fat milk options. Use it as a 1:1 substitute in small amounts in recipes where you want to cut back on fat and calories without sacrificing too much richness.
Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk is milk that has been partially evaporated to remove around 60% of the water content. This gives it a rich, creamy texture while still maintaining the protein and sugar content of regular milk. Evaporated milk can be used 1:1 in place of heavy cream in recipes where you need a liquid that will add richness and body. It doesn't whip well but provides creaminess to soups, sauces, casseroles, and more.
Dairy-Free Whipping Cream Substitutes
Avoiding dairy? There are several plant-based ingredients that can mimic the texture of heavy cream remarkably well:
Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is one of the best dairy-free substitutes for whipping cream. To get coconut cream, chill cans of full-fat coconut milk overnight. The cream will rise to the top and solidify. Scoop it out and whip it until light and fluffy.
Coconut cream whips up beautifully. Use it as a 1:1 substitute for whipped cream in desserts, just be aware it will add coconut flavor. It also works well in curries and sauces.
Cashew Cream
Cashew cream is another fantastic dairy-free whipped cream. Soak raw cashews overnight, then blend with water until completely smooth and creamy. The natural fat in cashews gives this cream a rich, indulgent texture. Sweeten it with vanilla, sugar, or other flavorings and use it just like traditional whipped cream.
Silken Tofu and Soy Milk
For a high-protein vegan whipped cream, blend silken tofu with soy milk. Silken tofu is made from condensed soy milk and has an ultra-smooth, pudding-like consistency. When blended, it makes a decadent cream. Add soy milk to thin it to the desired consistency then whip it up. This blend works well for mousses, cheesecakes, and other desserts.
Full-Fat Canned Coconut Milk
On its own, canned coconut milk doesn't whip well due to added stabilizers. But it can be used as-is in soups, curries, puddings, and more in place of heavy cream. The richness it provides is similar, though it will impart a distinct coconut flavor. Be sure to use full-fat coconut milk for the most authentic results.
How to Choose the Right Whipping Cream Substitute
With so many options for heavy cream substitutes, it can be tricky to decide which one to use. Here are some tips:
- For whipping, your best bets are light cream, coconut cream or dairy-free whipped creams made from cashews, tofu, or soy milk.
- In baked goods, use half-and-half, light cream, milk + butter, or whole milk.
- In soups, sauces, and savory dishes, try half-and-half, light cream, whole milk, evaporated milk or full-fat coconut milk.
- For coffee drinks and shakes, reach for half-and-half, light cream, or whole milk.
- To cut back on fat and calories, opt for lower-fat milk, Greek yogurt, or milk blended with cornstarch or arrowroot.
- For vegan and dairy-free recipes, use coconut cream, cashew cream, or tofu cream.
Experiment with different proportions if a substitute seems too thin or too heavy. And make notes on which options work best in your go-to recipes!
FAQs
What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream?
Some of the best whipping cream substitutes are half-and-half, light cream, coconut cream, cashew cream, and milk blended with butter or oil.
What is a good dairy-free substitute for whipping cream?
Coconut cream, cashew cream, and silken tofu blended with non-dairy milk make excellent dairy-free substitutes for whipping cream.
Can you use almond milk instead of heavy cream?
You can make a vegan whipping cream by blending almond milk with coconut oil or another neutral oil. The fat from the oil gives it a richer texture.
Is condensed milk a good substitute for heavy cream?
Sweetened condensed milk is too thin and sweet to substitute for heavy cream in most recipes. Evaporated milk is a better-condensed milk substitute.
Can you whip light cream?
Yes, light cream can be whipped into soft peaks. For best results, thoroughly chill the cream first. It won't whip as stiff as heavy cream.
Can you use half-and-half as whipping cream?
Half-and-half can be whipped in a pinch but it will have a looser texture than properly whipped heavy cream. Chill it well before whipping.
Conclusion
Heavy cream gives an irreplaceable richness and body to dishes across the culinary spectrum.
Fortunately, with a little creativity, you can mimic its creamy texture and rich flavor using ingredients you likely have on hand, whether you prefer dairy or dairy-free options.