Out of Cool Whip, one case
What can I substitute for Cool Whip
8 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Homemade whipped cream
Same amount as the Cool Whip
You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream, coconut whipped cream, store-bought whipped topping, or mascarpone and heavy cream mixture. Each alternative has different benefits and works best for specific recipes and dietary needs.
- Best for —
- all desserts
One casethe full Cool Whip card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Cool Whip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homemade whipped creamall desserts | Same amount |
| 2 | Coconut whipped creamvegan desserts | Same amount |
| 3 | Store-bought whipped toppingquick substitution | Same amount |
| 4 | Mascarpone + heavy creamrich desserts | Same amountWith equal parts mascarpone and heavy cream |
| 5 | Greek yogurt + heavy creamhealthy desserts | Same amountWith equal parts Greek yogurt and heavy cream |
| 6 | Aquafaba whipped creamvegan desserts | Same amount |
| 7 | Cream cheese + heavy creamcheesecakes | Same amountWith equal parts cream cheese and heavy cream |
| 8 | Cashew creamvegan desserts | Same amount |
Homemade whipped cream
rich and naturally sweet
The best overall substitute for Cool Whip. Made from heavy cream and sugar, it provides superior taste, texture, and nutrition compared to Cool Whip.
- Best for
- all desserts, superior taste, natural ingredients, baking, frosting, toppings
- Texture
- light and airy
Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2-3 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp vanilla until stiff peaks form. Much better than Cool Whip in every way - better taste, texture, and nutrition.
Coconut whipped cream
naturally sweet with subtle coconut flavor
Good dairy-free substitute for Cool Whip. Made from coconut milk, it's naturally sweet and provides a creamy texture without any dairy products.
- Best for
- vegan desserts, dairy-free baking, natural sweetness, stable texture, toppings, frosting
- Texture
- light and fluffy
Refrigerate full-fat coconut milk overnight, then whip the thick cream that separates to the top. Add vanilla and maple syrup for sweetness. Completely natural and dairy-free.
Store-bought whipped topping
similar to Cool Whip
Convenient substitute that's similar to Cool Whip but often with better ingredients. Look for brands with fewer processed ingredients than Cool Whip.
- Best for
- quick substitution, convenience, desserts, toppings, frosting, baking
Look for brands with better ingredients than Cool Whip. May be dairy-free or contain dairy. Check labels for hydrogenated oils and choose brands with cleaner ingredients.
Mascarpone + heavy cream
rich and creamy
Rich, luxurious substitute that's more nutritious than Cool Whip. Good for cheesecakes and rich desserts where you want superior taste and texture.
- Best for
- rich desserts, cheesecakes, luxurious texture, protein and calcium, baking, frosting
- Texture
- smooth and luxurious
Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then fold in equal parts mascarpone. This creates a rich, creamy texture that's much more nutritious than Cool Whip.
Greek yogurt + heavy cream
slightly tangy and creamy
Healthy substitute that adds protein and probiotics to your desserts. Good for those who want better nutrition without sacrificing taste.
- Best for
- healthy desserts, protein boost, probiotics, creamy texture, frosting, baking
- Texture
- smooth and creamy
Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then fold in equal parts Greek yogurt. This adds protein and probiotics while maintaining the creamy texture you need.
Aquafaba whipped cream
neutral with vanilla flavor
Revolutionary vegan substitute made from chickpea liquid. It whips up just like dairy cream and provides excellent stability for desserts.
- Best for
- vegan desserts, stable texture, no coconut flavor, baking, frosting, toppings
- Texture
- stable and creamy
Whip aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas) with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Very stable and completely plant-based. Takes longer to whip than dairy cream.
Cream cheese + heavy cream
tangy and creamy
Tangy, creamy substitute that's good for cheesecakes and tangy desserts. Provides excellent stability and won't deflate in baked goods.
- Best for
- cheesecakes, tangy desserts, stable texture, baking, frosting, creamy fillings
- Texture
- smooth and stable
Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then fold in equal parts softened cream cheese. This creates a stable, tangy texture that works well in baked goods.
Cashew cream
naturally sweet and slightly nutty
Rich, creamy vegan substitute made from blended cashews. It's naturally sweet and provides healthy fats and protein while being completely plant-based.
- Best for
- vegan desserts, healthy fats, protein, creamy texture, natural sweetness, frosting
- Texture
- smooth and creamy
Soak 1 cup raw cashews for 2-4 hours, then blend with ¼ cup water, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth. Rich in healthy fats and protein.
How it behaves in this recipe
Cool Whip is a processed whipped topping made from hydrogenated oils. These substitutes provide better taste, texture, and nutrition while maintaining the creamy consistency needed for desserts and toppings. The best substitute depends on your dietary needs and recipe requirements.
Tips for substituting Cool Whip
8 tips- For best results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream
- Always use full-fat coconut milk for coconut whipped cream - light versions won't whip properly
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness of your whipped cream
- For stability, add 1 tsp cornstarch per cup of cream before whipping
- Aquafaba needs to be whipped longer than dairy cream - be patient for best results
- For cashew cream, soak the cashews for at least 2-4 hours for the creamiest texture
- Store homemade whipped creams in the refrigerator and use within 2-3 days
- For extra stability, add ½ tsp cream of tartar when whipping aquafaba
Notes on Cool Whip
- For best overall substitute, use homemade whipped cream
- For dairy-free option, use coconut whipped cream or aquafaba
- For convenience, use store-bought whipped topping with better ingredients
- For rich desserts, use mascarpone and heavy cream mixture
- For healthy option, use Greek yogurt and heavy cream mixture
- For cheesecakes, use cream cheese and heavy cream mixture
- For vegan option, use cashew cream or aquafaba
- For stability in baking, use stabilized whipped cream with cornstarch
Questions
6 questionsWhat can I substitute for Cool Whip?
You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream, coconut whipped cream, store-bought whipped topping, or mascarpone and heavy cream mixture. Each alternative has different benefits and works best for specific recipes and dietary needs.
Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, whipped cream is actually a better substitute for Cool Whip. It has superior taste, texture, and nutrition. Use it at a 1:1 ratio and whip it until stiff peaks form for best results.
What's the best dairy-free substitute for Cool Whip?
Coconut whipped cream is the best dairy-free substitute for Cool Whip. It's naturally sweet, whips up beautifully, and has a texture very similar to Cool Whip without any dairy products.
Can I substitute Cool Whip for whipped cream?
Yes, you can substitute Cool Whip for whipped cream at a 1:1 ratio. However, whipped cream is generally better in terms of taste and nutrition, so you might want to consider using whipped cream instead of Cool Whip.
What can I use instead of Cool Whip in baking?
For baking, use stabilized whipped cream, coconut whipped cream, or mascarpone and heavy cream mixture. These alternatives provide the right texture and stability needed for baked goods while offering better taste and nutrition.
Is there a healthy substitute for Cool Whip?
Yes, homemade whipped cream is the healthiest substitute for Cool Whip. It contains only natural ingredients, no processed additives, and provides better nutrition. Greek yogurt whipped cream is also a healthy option that adds protein and probiotics.