What Can I Substitute for Cool Whip: Complete Guide
Complete guide to Cool Whip substitutes including whipped cream, coconut cream, and other alternatives. Learn what you can substitute for Cool Whip in any recipe with proper ratios and techniques.
Quick Answer
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 Substitutes
Homemade Whipped Cream
1:1The 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:
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
1:1Perfect 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:
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
1:1Convenient substitute that's similar to Cool Whip but often with better ingredients. Look for brands with fewer processed ingredients than Cool Whip.
Best for:
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
1:1 with equal parts mascarpone and heavy creamRich, luxurious substitute that's more nutritious than Cool Whip. Perfect for cheesecakes and rich desserts where you want superior taste and texture.
Best for:
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
1:1 with equal parts Greek yogurt and heavy creamHealthy substitute that adds protein and probiotics to your desserts. Perfect for those who want better nutrition without sacrificing taste.
Best for:
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
1:1Revolutionary vegan substitute made from chickpea liquid. It whips up just like dairy cream and provides excellent stability for desserts.
Best for:
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
1:1 with equal parts cream cheese and heavy creamTangy, creamy substitute that's perfect for cheesecakes and tangy desserts. Provides excellent stability and won't deflate in baked goods.
Best for:
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
1:1Rich, creamy vegan substitute made from blended cashews. It's naturally sweet and provides healthy fats and protein while being completely plant-based.
Best for:
Soak 1 cup raw cashews for 2-4 hours, then blend with 1/4 cup water, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth. Rich in healthy fats and protein.
Cooking 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 1/2 tsp cream of tartar when whipping aquafaba
Frequently Asked Questions
What 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.
Summary
Complete guide to Cool Whip substitutes including whipped cream, coconut cream, and other alternatives. Learn what you can substitute for Cool Whip in any recipe.