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Ingredient Substitutes

Out of Double cream, one case

Guide to double cream substitutes

8 options, ranked, with the exact amount

Use thisBest of 8 options

Use Heavy cream (US/Canada)

Same amount as the double cream

The best double cream substitutes are heavy cream (1:1), whipping cream (1:1), or a blend of milk and butter (¾ cup milk + ¼ cup butter). For vegan options, use coconut cream (1:1) or cashew cream (1:1). Regional availability varies, with heavy cream being the closest US equivalent.

Verdict —
Works
The tweak —
Chill before whipping for best results.
Best for —
whipping

One casethe full double cream card

Every option, one card

Ranked
Double cream substitutes compared
SubstituteInstead of double cream
Heavy cream (US/Canada)whippingSame amountWorks
Whipping creamwhippingSame amountWorks
Milk + butter blendcooking¾ cup milk + ¼ cup butterTweak it
Single cream + buttercooking1 cup single cream + 2 tbsp butterTweak it
Coconut cream (vegan)vegan recipesSame amount
Cashew cream (vegan)vegan recipesSame amountTweak it
Creme fraichecookingSame amount
Greek yogurt + heavy creamcooking½ cup Greek yogurt + ½ cup heavy cream
What changes8 options

Heavy cream (US/Canada)

identical taste and texture

The closest substitute to double cream with 36-40% fat content

Best for
whipping, cooking, baking, sauces, desserts
Prep
Chill before whipping for best results.
Regional availability
USA, Canada

Most readily available in North America. Whips well and provides similar richness.

Whipping cream

similar taste and texture

Slightly lower fat content (30-36%) but good whipping properties

Best for
whipping, cooking, baking, sauces
Prep
May need longer whipping time.
Regional availability
USA, Canada, UK, Australia

May not whip as stiffly as double cream but works well for most applications.

Milk + butter blend

similar taste, different texture

Homemade blend that mimics double cream's fat content

Best for
cooking, baking, sauces, soups
Prep
Melt butter, whisk in milk gradually. Use warm for best results.
Regional availability
Worldwide

Won't whip well, best for cooking applications. Melt butter first, then whisk in milk.

Single cream + butter

similar taste, different texture

Blend of lighter cream with added butter for richness

Best for
cooking, baking, sauces
Prep
Melt butter, whisk into single cream gradually.
Regional availability
UK, Europe

Won't whip well, best for cooking applications.

Coconut cream (vegan)

different (coconut flavor) · similar texture

Plant-based cream that can be whipped and used in cooking

Best for
vegan recipes, whipping, cooking, baking, dairy-free diets
Prep
Refrigerate can overnight, use only the thick cream that separates to the top.
Regional availability
Worldwide

Different flavor profile but similar texture. Refrigerate overnight for best whipping results.

Cashew cream (vegan)

neutral taste, similar texture

Homemade nut-based cream with neutral flavor

Best for
vegan recipes, cooking, baking, sauces, dairy-free diets
Prep
Soak 1 cup cashews overnight, blend with ½ cup water until smooth.
Regional availability
Worldwide

Neutral flavor, can be made thick or thin. Soak cashews overnight for best results.

Creme fraiche

tangy · similar texture

Cultured cream with tangy flavor and similar fat content

Best for
cooking, sauces, soups, baking
Prep
Don't overheat to prevent curdling.
Regional availability
Europe, specialty stores worldwide

Tangy flavor, won't whip well. Great for savory dishes and sauces.

Greek yogurt + heavy cream

tangy · similar texture

Blend that provides tang and richness

Best for
cooking, sauces, baking, dips
Prep
Mix equal parts Greek yogurt and heavy cream until smooth.
Regional availability
Worldwide

Tangy flavor, good for savory applications. Won't whip well.

The longer answer

About this case

Double cream is a rich, high-fat dairy product with 48% milk fat content that's essential for many recipes. Whether you're making pasta sauces, cheesecakes, or whipped cream, finding the right substitute can make or break your dish.

Tips for substituting double cream

10 tips
  1. Always use room temperature cream for baking to ensure proper mixing
  2. When whipping cream, chill the bowl and beaters for 30 minutes first
  3. Add cream gradually to hot liquids to prevent curdling
  4. Don't let cream-based sauces boil vigorously - simmer gently
  5. For best whipping results, use cream with at least 30% fat content
  6. If cream curdles, try whisking in a small amount of cold milk
  7. Store cream in the coldest part of your refrigerator
  8. Use cream within 5-7 days of opening
  9. Freeze cream in ice cube trays for small amounts
  10. Shake cream before using to ensure even consistency

Notes on double cream

Regional variations7 cases
  • USAHeavy CreamSame amountHeavy cream is the closest equivalent to double cream in the US. It has 36-40% fat content and whips well.Alternatives: Whipping cream (30-36% fat); Half and half + butter blend; Milk + butter blendBrands: Land O'Lakes Heavy Cream; Organic Valley Heavy Cream; Horizon Organic Heavy Cream
  • UKDouble CreamSame amountDouble cream is readily available in the UK. For substitutes, use whipping cream or single cream + butter.Alternatives: Whipping cream; Single cream + butter; Elmlea double cream substituteBrands: Elmlea Double; Essential Double Cream by Waitrose; Tesco Double Cream
  • CanadaHeavy CreamSame amountSimilar to US, heavy cream is the closest equivalent. Look for 35% milk fat content.Alternatives: Whipping cream; Table cream + butter blendBrands: Natrel Heavy Cream; Lactantia Heavy Cream
  • AustraliaThickened CreamSame amountThickened cream has similar fat content to double cream and whips well.Alternatives: Pure cream; Whipping creamBrands: Bulla Thickened Cream; Pauls Thickened Cream
  • South AfricaFresh CreamSame amountFresh cream with high fat content is the closest equivalent to double cream.Alternatives: Whipping cream; Milk + butter blendBrands: Clover Fresh Cream; Parmalat Fresh Cream
  • FranceCrème EntièreSame amountCrème entière (whole cream) is the French equivalent of double cream.Alternatives: Crème fraîche; Crème liquide + beurreBrands: Elle & Vire Crème Entière; Président Crème Entière
  • New ZealandThickened CreamSame amountSimilar to Australia, thickened cream is the closest equivalent.Alternatives: Pure cream; Whipping creamBrands: Anchor Thickened Cream; Mainland Thickened Cream
Specific use cases7 cases
  • PastaHeavy cream or whipping creamSame amountFor pasta sauces, heavy cream provides the best texture and flavor. Add gradually to prevent curdling.Add cream at the end of cooking; Don't let it boil vigorously; Stir constantly while adding
  • CheesecakeHeavy cream or whipping creamSame amountHeavy cream works best for cheesecakes as it provides the right texture and stability.Use room temperature cream; Don't overmix the batter; Chill thoroughly before serving
  • BakingHeavy cream or milk + butter blendSame amount, or ¾ cup milk + ¼ cup butterFor baking, heavy cream provides the best results. Milk + butter blend works for most recipes.Use room temperature ingredients; Don't overmix; Adjust baking time if needed
  • WhippingHeavy cream or whipping creamSame amountHeavy cream whips best and holds its shape longest. Chill everything before whipping.Chill cream and bowl for 30 minutes; Whip on medium speed; Stop when soft peaks form
  • SaucesHeavy cream or creme fraicheSame amountHeavy cream for neutral flavor, creme fraiche for tangy sauces.Add gradually to prevent curdling; Don't let it boil; Stir constantly
  • CurryCoconut cream or heavy creamSame amountCoconut cream for authentic flavor, heavy cream for neutral taste.Add at the end of cooking; Stir gently to incorporate; Don't let it boil
  • Ice creamHeavy cream or whipping creamSame amountHeavy cream provides the best texture and richness for ice cream.Use cold cream; Don't overmix; Churn according to manufacturer's instructions
Dietary alternatives4 entries
Vegan

Best options

  • Coconut cream · Same amount · Best for whipping and cooking. Refrigerate overnight for best results.
  • Cashew cream · Same amount · Neutral flavor, great for savory dishes. Soak cashews overnight.
  • Oat cream · Same amount · Mild flavor, good for cooking and baking.
Dairy free

Best options

  • Coconut cream · Same amount · Rich and creamy, works well for most applications.
  • Almond cream · Same amount · Mild flavor, good for sweet and savory dishes.
  • Soy cream · Same amount · Neutral flavor, good for cooking.
Low fat

Best options

  • Greek yogurt + milk · ½ cup Greek yogurt + ½ cup milk · Lower fat content, tangy flavor.
  • Evaporated milk · Same amount · Lower fat than cream, good for cooking.
  • Skim milk + cornstarch · 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp cornstarch · Thickened milk for cooking applications.
Healthy

Best options

  • Greek yogurt · Same amount · High protein, lower fat, tangy flavor.
  • Avocado · ½ cup mashed avocado · Healthy fats, creamy texture, green color.
  • Silken tofu · Same amount · High protein, neutral flavor, creamy texture.
Watch out for4 entries
Cream won't whip or form peaks

Solutions

  • Ensure cream has at least 30% fat content
  • Chill cream and equipment for 30 minutes
  • Use a clean, dry bowl
  • Whip on medium speed, not high
  • Add a pinch of sugar to help stabilize
Cream curdles when added to hot liquids

Solutions

  • Add cream gradually while stirring
  • Temper cream by adding hot liquid slowly
  • Don't let the mixture boil
  • Use room temperature cream
  • Add a small amount of cold milk and whisk
Cream separates in sauces or soups

Solutions

  • Don't overheat the mixture
  • Stir constantly while adding cream
  • Add cream at the end of cooking
  • Use a whisk to incorporate properly
  • If separated, try whisking in cold milk
Substitute is too thin or watery

Solutions

  • Use a higher fat content cream
  • Add a small amount of butter
  • Thicken with cornstarch slurry
  • Reduce the liquid in your recipe
  • Use evaporated milk instead

Questions

10 questions

What'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. Heavy cream is the closest substitute available in the US and Canada.

Can I substitute heavy cream for double cream in any recipe?

Yes, heavy cream can be substituted for double cream in most recipes with a 1:1 ratio. The main difference is that heavy cream has slightly less fat content, so it may not whip quite as stiffly, but it will work well for cooking, baking, and most other applications.

What's the best vegan substitute for double cream?

Coconut cream is the best vegan substitute for double cream. It has a similar fat content and can be whipped like dairy cream. For a neutral flavor, cashew cream works well. Both can be used in a 1:1 ratio for most recipes.

Can I use Greek yogurt as a double cream substitute?

Greek yogurt can work as a substitute in some applications, but it has a tangy flavor and different texture. For best results, mix it with heavy cream (½ cup each) or use it in savory dishes where the tangy flavor is welcome. It won't whip like cream.

What's the best substitute for double cream in pasta sauce?

Heavy cream is the best substitute for double cream in pasta sauce. Use a 1:1 ratio and add it gradually at the end of cooking to prevent curdling. Whipping cream also works well, though it may be slightly less rich.

Can I substitute creme fraiche for double cream?

Creme fraiche can be substituted for double cream in cooking applications, but it has a tangy flavor that will change the taste of your dish. It works well in savory sauces and soups but won't whip like double cream. Use a 1:1 ratio.

What's the best low-fat substitute for double cream?

For a low-fat substitute, try mixing Greek yogurt with milk (½ cup each) or use evaporated milk. These won't whip like cream but work well in cooking and baking. For whipping, you'll need at least 30% fat content.

Can I freeze double cream substitutes?

Dairy cream substitutes like heavy cream can be frozen, but they may separate when thawed. Coconut cream freezes well and can be used after thawing. For best results, freeze in small portions and whisk after thawing to restore texture.

What's the difference between single cream and double cream?

Single cream has 18-20% fat content while double cream has 48% fat content. Double cream is much richer and can be whipped, while single cream is thinner and won't whip. To substitute single cream for double cream, add butter (1 cup single cream + 2 tbsp butter).

Can I use milk as a double cream substitute?

Milk alone won't work as a direct substitute for double cream due to its low fat content. However, you can create a substitute by mixing ¾ cup milk with ¼ cup melted butter. This won't whip like cream but works well for cooking and baking.

Related cards

Related cardsHeavy creamWhipping creamCréme fraîche

All 6 double cream substitutes All ingredients