Best Heavy Cream Substitute

Heavy cream is becoming a staple ingredient in every kitchen now. It is used in a wide variety of recipes, like ice cream, soups, sauces, butter, and sour cream. But there are times when we are out of heavy cream. In such times a great heavy cream substitute can make a great addition to your dish.

Heavy cream or whipping cream consists of fresh milk in high quantities. It consists of 30-40% fat and has more fat as compared to whipping cream or Half and half. Because heavy cream contains dairy, it may not be suitable for everyone. 

If you are in search of a heavy cream substitute that is vegan or low fat, there are tons of options out there. 

In this article, we have included some of the best substitutes for heavy cream.

Best Heavy Cream Substitute

Milk and Butter

You can substitute heavy cream for milk and butter, which works in most of the recipes. Butters add extra fat and creaminess and maintain the fat percentage like heavy cream.

To make this heavy cream substitute combine ¼ cup melted butter with ¾ cup milk and mix everything thoroughly. You can also add 8 grams of flour to thicken the mixture using low-fat milk.

This substitute of heavy milk is suitable for cooking and baking recipes where heavy cream adds a creaminess. However, it will not have a similar texture as a heavy cream does. 

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Cornstarch and Milk

Another option if you wish to substitute heavy cream for milk is combining cornstarch with milk. This low-fat, low-calorie substitute will work well for you.

Cornstarch helps in adding thickness and resembles the texture of heavy cream. Combine two tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 cup milk and store nicely; this will replace 1 cup heavy cream. 

You can use skim milk or whole milk to make this recipe and slash your calories and fat content. This substitute works great for cooking but not so well for baking. Also, it cannot be whipped like heavy cream.

Soy Milk and Olive Oil

The best heavy cream substitute in the vegan category is soy milk and olive oil. Like milk and butter, olive oil helps to increase fat content in soy milk and a flavor similar to heavy cream.

If you want to replicate 1 cup heavy cream, combine ⅔ cup soy milk with ⅓ cup olive oil.

This heavy cream substitute adds tenderness as well as taste in baking and cooking. Remember that this alternative cannot be used in recipes that require whipping. 

 Half-and-Half and Butter

When combined with butter, half and half make a great alternative for heavy cream in many recipes. As half and half are made with cream and whole milk, it contains ⅓ fat as a heavy cream does.

Adding butter increases the fat content and makes it a suitable heavy cream substitute in most of the recipes, even the ones that require whipping. You can add half and half alone in soups and sauces to replace heavy cream.

To make this substitute combine ⅞ cup half and half with ⅛ cup melted butter for replacing 1 cup heavy cream.

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Milk and Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt and whole milk make a great alternative to heavy cream and can be used in many recipes to thicken the consistency. If you want to increase the protein content, then there is no better option than Greek yogurt. It is thicker than a heavy cream but can be thinned by adding milk and give a similar texture to heavy cream.

This substitute can only be used to add thickness in dishes but cannot be used in recipes requiring whipping. Greek yogurt is also low in fat content and may not provide the same flavor and tenderness as heavy cream in desserts and baked goods. 

 Soy Milk and Silken Tofu

Silken tofu is made with condensed soy milk, which has formed solid white blocks. Silken tofu has soft consistency as compared to regular tofu and can be blended to make a dairy-free, high protein-heavy cream substitute that is vegan.

Combining silken tofu with soy milk gives a smooth texture to get rid of lumps. You can even use regular milk or coconut milk. Combine soy milk and silken tofu in equal parts in a food processor or immersion blender until the mixture gives a smooth and thick consistency.

You can use this alternative in making sauces and soups. You can also add a little bit of sugar or vanilla extract to turn it into vegan whipped topping for all your baked desserts. 

Evaporated Milk

There is no best alternative than to substitute heavy cream for milk, and we are sure by now you know this. Evaporated milk contains 60% less water than regular milk. Thus it is creamier and thicker than regular milk and can make a great low-calorie alternative to heavy cream in recipes.

Evaporate milk is best used in recipes that use liquify versions of heavy cream like baked goods. However, it will not provide the same thickness as heavy cream. Also, it cannot be whipped out the same.

You can use the same quantity of evaporated milk like you would heavy cream when making desserts. You can also add vanilla extract to add a bit of sweetness and flavor. 

Coconut Cream

Coconut cream is a versatile ingredient, and it makes an excellent vegan substitute for heavy cream. It can either be bought pre-made, or you can easily make it at home using coconut milk.

Chill a can of coconut milk overnight in the fridge. Pour the liquid content into a container, and the hardened cream can be scooped out and used as a heavy cream substitute. 

You can use it in baking recipes or sweets. This can also be used to make coconut ice cream and as a tasty topping on desserts. Coconut cream has similar properties to that of heavy cream; however, it can alter the flavor of your dish.

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Milk and Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese has high protein content and contains micronutrients which makes it a healthy substitute for heavy cream. It is made with cow’s milk.

Cottage cheese alone makes a great heavy cream substitute and adds thickness to recipes like soups and sauces. All you need to do is remove the lumps by blending them with a food processor or immersion blender. You can also add milk to mimic the creamy and smooth texture.

Combine equal parts milk and cottage cheese and blend properly to remove any lumps. You can use this mixture to replace heavy cream in equal parts. However, be sure to use it in recipes that can carry the cheesy flavor.

Remember that cottage cheese can contain sodium in high quantities. If you are salt-sensitive, opt for sodium-free cottage cheese.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a fresh cheese made with milk and cream. It is mostly used as a spread for bagels and is a star ingredient of cheesecake. Cream cheese makes a great heavy cream substitute.  

It can be used in frostings and to thicken cream-based sauces and soups. However, do not use it in recipes that require whipping. Cream cheese works as a one-to-one substitute for heavy cream.

Remember that it can alter the texture and taste of the final dish. Make sure to use it in suitable recipes where all the flavors work together, like in cheesy sauce and creamy soups.

Final Words:

Heavy cream is used in a wide range of recipes, both sweet and savory. In case you are out of heavy cream or like to use vegan and low-fat alternatives, there are plenty of substitutes. 

Some of these heavy cream substitutes are loaded with protein, are vegan and low calorie like silken tofu, cottage cheese, greek yogurt. However, replacing these ingredients can modify the taste of your recipe and even the texture. Therefore always use substitutes in recipes that are compatible with your dish.