What Is Heavy Cream, Exactly?
Heavy cream is the high-fat portion of cow’s milk that rises to the top, which is a result of its fat content. From there, the cream is skimmed off to create low-fat and fat-free milk. For whole milk, the cream is mixed right in. Once skimmed and separated from the lower-fat milk, the decadent heavy cream has about 36% to 40% milk fat. If you’re wondering what to substitute for heavy cream to fit a lactose-free or vegan lifestyle, or you simply realize you’ve run out halfway through a recipe, here are some substitutions.
The Best Heavy Cream Substitutes for Savory Recipes
Consider the options below as one-for-one subs for heavy cream in savory options like creamy soups, sauces, or fluffy mashed potatoes.
The Best Heavy Cream Substitutes for Sweet Recipes
Besides the whipped dessert topping (with a two-for-one trade mentioned below) these subs for can be used one-for-one in heavy cream recipes.
Whipped dessert topping is the best semi-homemade substitute for whipping cream. It’s perfect for icebox cakes and pies and other no-bake treats, or (not surprisingly) as a dessert topping. For 1 cup whipping cream called for in your dessert recipe, substitute 2 cups whipped dessert topping, such as Cool Whip. Milk and butter. For 1 cup of a heavy cream substitute, melt ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, then allow it to cool to room temperature. Whisk with ¾ cup whole milk and use in any sweet application that doesn’t require whipping. Mascarpone Cheese is about 44% fat and is like a sweeter cousin to sour cream and crème fraîche. Try it as a dessert topping as is, or try mixing it with whipping cream and sugar in a whipped mascarpone recipe. Crème Fraîche is a slightly tangy cultured cream that has around 30% fat. Try it in pudding and other non-whipped heavy cream recipes.
The Best Non-Dairy Substitutes for Heavy Cream
If you’re in need of a dairy-free cream substitute, consider these ingredients as a one-for-one alternative.
Plant-based milk and oil. Stir together ⅔ cup soy or rice milk and ⅓ cup oil for a non-dairy substitute that can be used in casseroles or soups. This is also a lighter calorie and fat substitute in pasta sauces, like white or tomato cream sauces. Tofu. Puree firm or extra-firm silken tofu to make a substitute for thickening sauces and soups. Coconut cream or coconut milk. Coconut cream (not cream of coconut, which is sweetened) is a perfect heavy whipping cream substitute, while coconut milk is fantastic in more savory applications.
Now that you’re well-versed in all of the best heavy cream substitutes, you can adjust accordingly based on your dietary needs, pantry storage, and recipe flavor.
