Double cream substitutes
Double cream substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Heavy cream
Same amount as the double cream
High-fat cream with similar fat content and whipping properties.
The best substitutes for double cream are heavy cream, whipping cream, or a blend of milk and butter depending on your recipe and desired fat content.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- whipping
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of double cream | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heavy creamwhipping | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Whipping creamwhipping | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Milk + buttercooking | ¾ cup milk + ¼ cup butterTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Single cream + buttercooking | 1 cup single cream + 2 tbsp butterTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Coconut creamwhipping | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Crème fraîchecooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Heavy cream
identical taste and texture
High-fat cream with similar fat content and whipping properties.
- Best for
- whipping, cooking, baking, sauces
Very similar to double cream in fat content and performance.
Whipping cream
similar taste and texture
Cream with slightly lower fat content but good whipping properties.
- Best for
- whipping, cooking, baking, sauces
May not whip as stiffly as double cream.
Milk + butter
similar taste, different texture
Homemade blend that mimics double cream's fat content.
- Best for
- cooking, baking, sauces
Won't whip well, best for cooking applications.
Single cream + butter
similar taste, different texture
Blend of lighter cream with added butter for richness.
- Best for
- cooking, baking, sauces
Won't whip well, best for cooking applications.
Coconut cream
different taste, similar texture
Plant-based cream with high fat content and whipping properties.
- Best for
- whipping, cooking, vegan recipes, desserts
May impart slight coconut flavor.
Crème fraîche
different taste, similar texture
Cultured cream with similar fat content and tangy flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, sauces, desserts, toppings
Has a tangy flavor that may not work in all recipes.
Questions
4 questionsWhat's the difference between double cream and heavy cream?
Double cream has a higher fat content (48%) compared to heavy cream (36-40%). Both can be used interchangeably in most recipes, but double cream will whip stiffer and be richer.
Can I use double cream for whipping?
Yes, double cream is excellent for whipping and will create stiff peaks. It's actually better for whipping than lighter creams due to its high fat content.
Is double cream the same as whipping cream?
No, double cream has a higher fat content than whipping cream. Double cream is 48% fat, while whipping cream is typically 30-36% fat. Double cream will whip stiffer and be richer.
Can I substitute double cream in baking?
Yes, double cream can be used in baking, but be aware that its high fat content may affect the texture of some baked goods. It's best used in recipes that specifically call for it.
Tips for substituting double cream
10 tips- Double cream is essential for making stiff whipped cream
- It has a high fat content that makes it good for cooking
- The cream adds richness and body to sauces and soups
- It's commonly used in British and European cuisines
- Double cream can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- It's good for making ice cream and frozen desserts
- The cream works well in custards and puddings
- It can be used to finish pasta dishes and risottos
- Double cream is excellent for making ganache and chocolate sauces
- It's a key ingredient in many classic dessert recipes