How to Make a Heavy Cream Substitute (2024)

By Stacy Williams April 27, 2023

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Heavy cream is a staple ingredient in many recipes, from soups to sauces, desserts, and more. However, heavy cream can be high in calories and fat, and it is not always available or affordable. Luckily, there are several substitutes for heavy cream that you can use in your cooking and baking. Let me show you how to make a heavy cream substitute, as well as some tips on using it in your favorite recipes.

The first thing to understand about heavy cream substitutes is that they will not provide exactly the same texture or flavor as heavy cream. However, they can still work well in many recipes and provide a similar creaminess and richness.

What Can You Substitute for Heavy Whipping Cream?

One of the most popular substitutes for heavy cream is half-and-half. Half-and-half is a liquid mixture of equal parts whole milk and light cream, and it typically has a fat content of around 12%.

While half-and-half is not as thick as heavy cream, it can be a good substitute in recipes that call for small amounts of heavy cream. For example, a lot of people use half-and-half in your coffee, to add a little creaminess without the extra calories.

Half-and-half will also work in recipes such as mashed potatoes and mac and cheese when you don’t have heavy cream on hand. However, you may want to use less than you normally would. Since half-and-half is not as thick, the consistency of your final product will be watery if you use the normal amount.

Can I Substitute Heavy Cream for Milk?

Yes! I personally prefer to use the recipe listed below this post in the recipe card. It is a substitute for heavy cream that uses a cup of milk and butter. While the consistency is much more watery than regular cream, I have found that it works best for my own home when I’m looking for heavy cream alternatives.

Another popular heavy cream substitute is evaporated milk. Evaporated milk is a canned milk product that has had about 60% of its water removed, resulting in a thicker, creamier texture than regular milk.

Evaporated milk can be used in place of heavy cream in many recipes, but you may need to adjust the recipe to account for the difference in texture and flavor. For example, you may need to add a little more sugar to your recipe if you use evaporated milk, as it is not as sweet as heavy cream.

Are There Any Dairy-Free Substitutes for Heavy Cream?

If you are looking for a dairy-free heavy cream substitute, there are several options available as well. One popular dairy-free option is full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. Coconut cream has a creamy texture because of the thick, creamy layer that rises to the top of a can of coconut milk. It has a rich, coconut flavor that can work well in sweet and savory dishes alike. You can use coconut cream in place of heavy cream in many recipes, but keep in mind that it may give your dish a slight coconut flavor.

Another dairy-free heavy cream substitute is cashew cream. Cashew cream is made by soaking raw cashews in water and then blending them until smooth. The resulting mixture is thick and creamy, and it can be used in place of heavy cream in many recipes. Cashew cream has a neutral flavor, so it is a good option if you want to avoid any added flavors or aromas in your dish.

Tips for Using a Heavy Cream Substitute

When using a heavy cream substitute in your recipes, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, remember that the texture and flavor may be slightly different than if you were using heavy cream. You may need to adjust the recipe to account for these differences, or experiment a bit to find the right balance of ingredients. For example, if you are making a sauce that calls for heavy cream, you may need to use a bit less of the substitute to achieve the same thickness and richness.

Another thing to keep in mind when using heavy cream substitutes is that they may not work in all recipes. Some recipes, such as custards or ice creams, rely heavily on the fat content and texture of heavy cream. In these cases, it may be difficult to find a suitable substitute. However, for most recipes, you should be able to find a substitute that works well and provides a similar level of creaminess and richness.

One final tip when it comes to using heavy cream substitutes: make sure to read the label carefully and choose a product that fits your dietary needs and preferences. Some dairy-free substitutes may contain added sugars or other ingredients that you may want to avoid, so be sure to check the ingredient list before making a purchase.