What is heavy cream
Skimmed from cow’s milk, heavy cream has the highest fat concentration of any cream you’ll find in the grocery store at 36%. Traditionally, heavy cream is used almost exclusively to make cream sauces or to be turned into whipped cream – but there are plenty of other ways to use it in cooking. Its thicker texture and creamier, sweeter flavor lends itself to both sweet and savory dishes from ice cream and desserts to pasta sauce.
Considerations when substituting heavy cream
If you don’t have heavy cream to hand or you’re looking for a lighter option, you have to consider a few things to match the best substitute to your dish:
Substitutes for heavy cream
Half and half and butter
Because heavy cream is rich in fat, this is one of the best substitutes for heavy cream, texture-wise. It also tastes pretty similar and is best used for recipes where flavor is particularly important – think sweet dishes like ice cream, homemade butter, or pastry cream. Ingredients and Measurements: To substitute 1 cup of heavy cream, use ¼ cup of salted butter to ¾ cup of half and half. Process: Melt the butter, then allow to cool to room temperature before whisking in the milk until thickened.
Milk and butter
Just like half-half and butter, milk and butter make for an easy substitute that gives a similar taste and yield. Because it’s not quite as thick as half and half, whole milk will give you a thinner cream, so it’s better for pasta sauces and cakes. Ingredients and Measurements: Use 2/3 cup of whole milk to 1/3 cup of unsalted butter to yield the equivalent of 1 cup of heavy cream. Process: Melt the butter and allow it to cool to room temperature before whisking well until thickened.
Coconut cream
One of the most popular vegan substitutes for whipped cream, coconut cream has a distinct coconut flavor but brings the thick texture that heavy cream is known for. It has a higher fat content than traditional coconut milk and is best used for incorporating into cakes or adding to thicken soups. Ingredients and Measurements: All you need are mature coconuts and some water. Process: You can follow my handy guide to making your own Coconut Cream or buy pre-made. Use 1:1 ratio.
Milk and cornstarch
When mixed with a liquid, cornstarch becomes a slurry that’s used to thicken gravies, rich sauces, curries, and stews. As substitutes for heavy cream, use milk over ordinary water – it’ll add extra richness to the cream substitute but won’t add any additional flavors. Ingredients and Measurements: For 1 cup of heavy cream, measure 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 cup of milk. Process: Mix the cornstarch with the milk until a white liquid sauce has formed. It may look runny, but it’ll thicken any sauces you add it to.
Greek yogurt and milk
Greek yogurt is thicker than traditional heavy cream, but when mixed with milk it makes a great substitute – as well as a high-protein one. Use it in place of cream in cakes, dips, and soup recipes as one of the tangier substitutes for heavy cream. Ingredients and Measurements: Use equal parts Greek yogurt and whole milk. Process: Mix the yogurt and milk until the mixture has thinned slightly.
Heavy cream powder
The dehydrated option is easier to store and longer-lasting than traditional heavy cream but yields a similar consistency and flavor when added directly to a dish or reconstituted with water or milk. Because it’s unsweetened, it’s best used for more liquid dishes like soups, sauces, or healthy smoothies. Ingredients and Measurements: Use ½ cup of the heavy cream powder to 1 cup of water. Process: Add the powder to the water and stir until a thicker cream has formed. Alternatively, add directly to the dish and stir until combined.
Evaporated milk
Sweet and dense, evaporated milk is most frequently used in baking. The milk has been heated to such a degree that the amount of water in the milk has reduced. With its neutral taste, it’s best used in drinks for a creamier, richer taste – especially for hot chocolate and coffee, or used to make sweets (like homemade caramel fudge) and sauces. Ingredients and Measurements: Use an equal amount of evaporated milk as you would heavy cream, as the recipe requires. Process: You can buy this already made from a grocery store. It will be thinner than heavy cream and not quite as creamy.
Cream cheese
Thick and delicious, cream cheese is a great heavy cream alternative for sauces as it’ll bring the necessary richness without dominating the flavor profile. It’s not quite as thick as Greek yogurt and will melt nicely over the heat. Plus, the sharpness of the cheese works great with bright, summer vegetables like tomatoes. Ingredients and Measurements: Use the same amount of cream cheese as you would heavy cream. If it’s too thick, you can loosen it with a few tablespoons of milk. Process: Buy cream cheese from the grocery or make it yourself with my 3-ingredient recipe.
Sour cream
Tangy and creamy, sour cream is a versatile ingredient with an acidic flavor. Best used instead of heavy cream in savory recipes – particularly creamy tomato soup and sauces – it’s a great way of adding flavor as well as texture to a dish. Ingredients and Measurements: Use the same measurement of sour cream as you would heavy cream. Process: Pour directly into your dish and stir to fully combine.
Crème fraîche
Similar to sour cream in texture, crème fraiche is made from sour heavy cream. It is, therefore, the closest substitute for heavy cream. Reach for crème fraiche if you’re making any kind of creamy pasta dish to make delicious sauces. Ingredients and Measurements: Use the same measurement of crème fraiche as you would heavy cream. Process: Pour directly into the dish and stir until combined.
Soy milk and olive oil
For a vegan-friendly option, blending soy milk and olive oil will make a creamy substitute that’s best used for savory dishes as the olive oil will alter the overall taste of your dish. This also works with most plant-based milks. Ingredients and Measurements: Use 2 cups soy milk to 1 cup olive oil – adjust with a 2:1 ratio as needed. Process: Add the milk and oil together and stir until combined.
Cottage cheese and milk
Great for using in casseroles, sauces, and soups, blended cottage cheese and milk will give you a thick, creamy sauce that adds a tangy flavor to savory dishes. You do need to blend this before using. However, so your dish maintains a smooth texture – and not a chunky one. Ingredients and Measurements: Use 1 cup cottage cheese to 1 cup milk at a ratio of 1:1. Adjust as needed. Process: Blend the cottage cheese completely in a blender. Then add the milk and blend again until you have a smooth sauce.
Mascarpone
This Italian soft cheese is most frequently used to make authentic tiramisu and thicken avocado pasta sauces. Its high-fat content makes it a close heavy cream substitute and is easily substituted in both sweet and savory dishes. Ingredients and Measurements: Use the same measurement of mascarpone as you would heavy cream. Process: Add the mascarpone directly into your dish while cooking.
Silken tofu and soy milk
With a texture a little like custard and a soft consistency, silken tofu makes a surprisingly good heavy cream substitute. Made from soy, it’s thinned out with soy milk to create a pouring consistency and is a great way to make puddings. Ingredients and Measurements: Use equal parts silken tofu and soy milk at a 1:1 ratio. Process: Blend the tofu and soy milk until a thick sauce has formed. If you try any of these substitutes, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
