13 Heavy Cream Substitutes You Should Know!

Heavy cream is a culinary powerhouse, offering a rich and indulgent texture to a vast array of sweet and savory dishes. Its versatility has earned it a spot as a staple ingredient for many cooks. Whether you’re adding it to your morning coffee, drizzling it over dessert, or whipping up a batch of creamy ice cream, heavy cream is an ingredient that’s hard to imagine cooking without. But what if you need to cut back on the fat content?

Or, worse still, find yourself without any heavy cream in the fridge when a recipe calls for it? Fear not, as there are numerous excellent substitutes waiting to save the day. Options like whipping cream and Greek yogurt can help reduce calorie counts while ensuring your dish turns out just right. In this article, we’ll be exploring 13 game-changing heavy cream substitutes that will keep you cooking with confidence.

Half-And-Half And Butter

A top contender for replacing heavy cream is an ingenious concoction that leverages existing ingredients with creamy undertones. The best part? It’s lightning-fast to prepare and requires minimal effort. This substitute not only saves time but also boasts a significantly reduced fat content, making it a healthier alternative. Despite the lower fat profile, its flavor remains delectable.

What’s more, this recipe can even be used to create a scrumptious whipped cream, albeit with slightly less stability. Once prepared, we suggest utilizing this substitute in soups or sauces, where its rich and creamy texture will truly shine.

Cashew Cream

If you’re searching for a 100% plant-based heavy cream substitute that’s perfect for vegan-friendly recipes like homemade sour cream cake ideas or as a dairy-free alternative to traditional sour cream, consider using cashew cream. This creamy and tangy substitute boasts a unique flavor profile that’s both fresh and bright. The best part? You only need six simple ingredients to create this impressive plant-based cream.

Not only is it an excellent replacement for heavy cream in various dishes, but its versatility also allows you to use it in everything from desserts and appetizers to pizzas and baked potatoes, making it a truly endless option.

Heavy Cream Powder

For those with busy schedules, our next substitute is an ideal solution. In the event of a heavy cream shortage, a reliable option to keep on hand is a high-quality powder that can be easily stored in your pantry. Unlike making fresh substitutes, these powders provide the rich, creamy flavor and texture you crave, without sacrificing time.

Notably, Anthony’s Heavy Cream Powder stands out for its additive-free and filler-free formula, which makes it suitable for both keto dieters and those looking to minimize their carb intake.

Butter And Milk

When time is of the essence and a heavy cream substitute is needed in just 10 minutes, this butter and milk combination proves to be an excellent option. Unlike relying on pre-packaged powders, this DIY alternative leverages the natural properties of butter and whole milk to create a creamy consistency that can be used interchangeably with traditional heavy cream.

While the final product might not boast the same thickness as its counterpart, it’s certainly close enough, considering butter inherently contains cream. Moreover, our accompanying recipe demonstrates how to elevate this substitute into a delectable whipped cream by incorporating sugar – the perfect addition for any dessert enthusiast.

Evaporated Milk

For a thicker and stronger whipped cream alternative, consider substituting with evaporated milk. This versatile ingredient can be used to create a stable heavy cream that’s perfect for topping desserts or beverages. The process of making this creamy concoction is remarkably quick and easy, yielding a sweet, soft, and fluffy treat that’s sure to impress.

Simply combine evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and confectioner’s sugar in a mixer, and you’ll be enjoying the fruits of your labor within just 5 minutes.

Coconut Cream/Coconut Milk

Coconut milk or coconut cream are our go-to substitutes for heavy cream. This vegan-friendly option adds an unmistakable twist to any recipe, making it an excellent choice for those seeking something distinct. While it may not be the ideal replacement for traditional heavy cream, its unique flavor and tropical essence make it perfect for those looking to add a touch of exotic flair.

Simply separate the liquids, whip the creamy portion into a rich and velvety consistency, and you’ll have a substitute that’s sure to impress.

Greek Yogurt And Milk

Greek yogurt is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used as a substitute for various creamy dairy products. One of its most impressive uses is as a heavy cream alternative. To achieve this, you simply need to thin out the Greek yogurt with whole milk, which helps to counterbalance its natural thickness and creates a more enjoyable texture that’s not overpowering.

This combination is perfect for soups, sauces, dips, and smoothies, but it’s essential to consider the tangy flavor of the yogurt when substituting it for heavy cream.

Milk And Cottage Cheese

A standout among cream substitutes is the blend of powdered skim milk and cottage cheese. This duo not only delivers on creaminess and texture but also boasts impressive nutritional credentials. With a carb- and fat-friendly profile, yet packed with protein and calcium, this substitute is both delicious and nutritious. Simply combine the two ingredients in a blender and puree for 5 minutes to create a smooth consistency. If needed, adjust by adding a small amount of milk.

This versatile substitute excels in applications such as baked goods, sauces, and soups.

Milk And Cornstarch

When seeking to replicate the rich texture of heavy cream without the added fat, cornstarch proves an effective solution. To create this substitute, start by whisking 2 tablespoons of cornstarch into 1 cup of milk until well combined, smooth, and thick. This mixture is ideal for recipes that don’t require a high-fat content, such as sauces, frostings, custards, and puddings.

By using this cornstarch-based heavy cream substitute, you can achieve a consistency similar to heavy cream while maintaining a lower fat profile.

Silken Tofu And Soy Milk

To create an exceptional heavy cream substitute, just four ingredients are required. Soy milk and silken tofu are the foundation of this formula, which yields a neutral-tasting alternative ideal for plant-based diets. Unlike other substitutes, this one won’t alter the flavor profile of your dish; instead, it will deliver the coveted creamy texture. This versatile option is perfect for those seeking a flavorless substitute that still captures the essence of heavy cream.

Sour Cream

When it comes to substituting heavy cream with a lighter alternative, sour cream is an excellent choice. Not only is it incredibly easy to use, but it also offers a unique flavor profile that can enhance the overall taste of your dish. While the flavor may have a slightly tangy tone, the color and texture will remain remarkably similar to traditional heavy cream.

The key to making this substitution work seamlessly is to use an equal amount of sour cream for every cup of heavy cream you’d normally use. For instance, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of heavy cream, simply swap it out with 1 cup of sour cream. This versatile substitute works particularly well in soups, mashed potatoes, and frostings, where its richness and creaminess can really shine.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is another versatile substitute that can elevate the flavor and texture of many dishes. For those who adore the rich, velvety quality of heavy cream, cream cheese might just be the perfect alternative. Its thick, creamy consistency makes it an excellent choice for sauces, frostings, and soups, adding a distinctive tangy flavor that sets it apart from traditional heavy creams. In fact, we’ve successfully used cream cheese to create a mouthwatering macaroni and cheese dish.

When substituting cream cheese for heavy cream, a simple 1:1 ratio works well – use one cup of cream cheese for every cup of heavy cream called for in your recipe.

Final Thoughts

Now that we’ve explored 13 alternatives to heavy cream, you’re all set to find the perfect solution for your recipe or dietary needs. From substitutes that closely mimic the characteristics of heavy cream to those that offer a distinct twist and accommodate vegan or keto diets, our list has something for everyone. With so many options at your fingertips, selecting the ideal substitute is simply a matter of personal preference. Whatever you choose, rest assured it will deliver the desired result.