What Is a Good Substitute for Heavy Cream? 14 Substitutes (2024)

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- Why is heavy cream bad for your health?
Heavy Cream Substitutes
- 14 substitutes for heavy cream
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Why is heavy cream bad for your health?

Cream is the thick, fat-rich part of milk that rises to the top and is skimmed off when the milk is fresh. The fat content of heavy cream ranges between 36%-40%. According to the US Department of Agriculture, FoodData Central database, a single tablespoon of heavy cream contains:

60 calories
6 grams of fat, 4 grams of which are saturated fat

The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat to 5%-6% of total calories to support cardiovascular health. Heavy cream is not recommended for people who consume 2,000 calories per day.

Excess consumption of heavy cream has been linked to obesity, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol levels and harmful effects on the “good bacteria” in the gut.

14 substitutes for heavy cream

Coconut cream: If you're vegan or lactose intolerant, coconut cream can be used in place of heavy cream. In terms of fat content, coconut cream most closely resembles dairy-based cream and is a convenient substitute.
Whole milk: While not as thick, it could be a good substitute for heavy cream. Skim or 2% milk will not have the same effect. Whole milk works especially well in mashed potato recipes.
Potatoes: Pureed potatoes are ideal for making a creamy vegan soup without the use of cream. They can be used in soups with butternut squash or broccoli.
Evaporated or condensed milk: Evaporated milk is simply milk that has been simmered until 60% of its water has evaporated. It's not as thick as cream, but it's more concentrated than other types of milk. Condensed milk is evaporated milk that has been sweetened with sugar. Evaporated milk can be used in place of heavy cream in most recipes, whereas condensed milk is best reserved for desserts. Some health food stores may sell evaporated coconut milk, which is also a good substitute.
Oat milk: Oat milk is one of the creamier plant-based vegan milks, and it's great for more than just lattes. Most store bought oat milk contains some added oil to give your recipe the fat it requires.
Half and half: Half and half, which is made by combining heavy cream and whole milk, is a close substitute for plain heavy cream. If you want the full cream experience with fewer calories and fat, use it to make dishes creamier.
Cashew cream: Because cashew cream must be made at home, it is more time-consuming. Cashew cream is made by soaking cashews in water (20 minutes in boiling water or 8 hours in room temperature water) and then blending with desired liquids and spices.
Silken tofu: Tofu is nutritionally distinct from cream because it is higher in protein and lower in fat. However, silken tofu has a neutral flavor and blends into a silky texture, making it a good substitute for heavy cream. Simply add some fat (such as oil or non dairy butter) to your recipe to compensate.
Soy milk: Soy milk, another plant-based cream substitute, works well in mashed potatoes or cauliflower, casseroles, soups, and desserts. If you're using soy milk in a savory recipe, make sure it's unsweetened and plain.
Vegan cream cheese: Use vegan cream cheese if you don't want to use dairy or if you don't want to add a coconut flavor in your desserts. It makes an excellent sweet filling or frosting when combined with sugar and cream cheese.
Cornstarch and milk: By thickening milk with cornstarch, you can achieve a texture similar to that of heavy cream. You can also use skimmed milk or whole milk depending on the fat content of your recipe.
Onion cream: You can make this heavy cream substitute by roasting and puréeing onions. You can substitute it for cream in risotto or add it to pasta with fresh herbs for a healthier and brighter dish. You can also whip it into mashed potatoes or use it to lighten up the base of a quiche.
Vegan yogurt: This alternative is similar to silken tofu. By combining vegan yogurt and milk, you can use it in place of heavy whipping cream. Use unsweetened vegan yogurt and thin it with some milk. This will give your dish a creamy and luscious texture by mimicking the thickness of heavy cream.
Rice and plant milk: A mixture of cooked white rice and milk can be used to replace heavy cream. It is considered a quick replacement. This mixture is thick and creamy, and it can be used in soups, sauces, and baked goods.

QUESTION According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See Answer

References

Image Source: Getty Images

Substitute for Heavy Cream: Healthy and Vegan Options Included: https://thekitchencommunity.org/substitute-for-heavy-cream/

Top 7 Dairy-Free Heavy Cream Substitutes: https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/top-7-dairy-free-heavy-cream-substitutes/

FAQs

What Is a Good Substitute for Heavy Cream? 14 Substitutes? ›

If you don't have any cornstarch on hand, you can use some flour to thicken the milk instead. If you do use flour, you will likely need to use heat to help the mixture thicken. If you're looking for another vegan alternative, you can use tofu to thicken soy milk and resemble heavy cream.

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Can you use flour instead of heavy cream? ›

What is the same as heavy cream? ›

Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are essentially the same thing—they both have over 36% milk fat, and the name just depends on the brand. Whipping cream, however, is slightly different—it contains 30% to 35% milk fat, so it's slightly lighter (it's sometimes labeled light whipping cream).

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Can I use sour cream instead of heavy cream? ›

Sour cream is an easy replacement for heavy cream. It can be easily stirred into a dish and offers another flavor profile to soups, stews and sauces. Plus, using it as a heavy cream substitute is a great way to use up that lingering tub in the fridge.

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Can I skip heavy cream in a recipe? ›

Incorporating extra fat into regular milk can make a great substitute for heavy cream. Simply melt unsalted butter, let it cool slightly, and then whisk it into milk, using a ratio of 1 part melted butter to 3 parts milk by volume.

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Can I use condensed milk instead of heavy cream? ›

Condensed milk is evaporated milk that has been sweetened with sugar. Evaporated milk can be used in place of heavy cream in most recipes, whereas condensed milk is best reserved for desserts. Some health food stores may sell evaporated coconut milk, which is also a good substitute.

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Can I use coconut milk instead of heavy cream? ›

The fat content of coconut milk should be roughly that of a dairy-based heavy cream. So, when a recipe calls for heavy cream, you just make a one-to-one substitution with coconut milk – so long as the fat content matches up.

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How to make 2 cups of heavy cream? ›

Use a 1-to-3 ratio of butter and whole milk in your recipe. For every 1 cup (237 mL) of heavy cream your recipe calls for, use ¹/₄ cup (57 g) of butter and a ³⁄₄ c (180 mL) of milk. Simply place the butter on your counter and wait for it to become room temperature before stirring it into the whole milk with a whisk.

Will half-and-half whip like heavy cream? ›

Half and half can also be whipped, but because it contains a lot less fat than heavy cream, it needs to be ice cold to whip. Even then it won't hold stiff peaks and will be quick to deflate.

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What is healthier than heavy cream? ›

Healthy Heavy Cream Substitutes

Evaporated skim milk. Half low-fat, unsalted cottage cheese and half plain low-fat yogurt. Low-fat Greek yogurt thinned with milk, or half Greek yogurt and half heavy cream. Whole milk.

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Which is better, half-and-half or heavy cream? ›

If you're looking for a product that can be used in cooking, heavy cream is the most versatile. It can be used to make many different dishes, including soups, sauces, and desserts. However, for an ingredient that can sweeten your favorite drinks, half-and-half may be the healthier option.

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What can you replace heavy cream with in a recipe? ›

Substitutes for heavy cream can include options like a soy milk-olive oil combo, evaporated milk, and coconut cream, among others. Heavy cream, made from the high-fat part of fresh milk, is used in many recipes.

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What is a healthy substitute for heavy cream in pasta? ›

Whole milk is an excellent substitute for heavy cream. It adds richness to your pasta sauce without the excess fat. Simply simmer your favourite pasta sauce with whole milk until it thickens to your desired consistency. The result is a velvety and indulgent sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta.

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Can I use buttermilk instead of heavy cream? ›

Substitutes for Heavy Cream in Savory Dishes

Half and half and buttermilk are great options here, adding more body to soups, stews, and sauces. Whole milk will often do the trick, though you might need to introduce another thickening agent, such as flour or cornstarch, to get the consistency you're looking for.

Can I substitute heavy cream for milk? ›

To substitute heavy cream for milk: Dilute the heavy cream with water to mimic the consistency and reduce the fat concentration. A general guideline is to mix ½ cup of water with ½ cup of heavy cream to replace 1 cup of whole milk.

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Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in pasta? ›

Whole milk is an excellent substitute for heavy cream. It adds richness to your pasta sauce without the excess fat. Simply simmer your favourite pasta sauce with whole milk until it thickens to your desired consistency. The result is a velvety and indulgent sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta.

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Can you use milk in mashed potatoes instead of heavy cream? ›

So, the most convenient way to make mashed potatoes that doesn't take a quick trip to the store is to use milk, sometimes even 1% or 2%, and then add in melted butter to the warm milk when mixing into the mashed potatoes.

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