Out of Heavy cream, one case
Heavy cream substitute, in depth
10 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Half and half
Same amount as the heavy cream
The best heavy cream substitutes are half and half (for lighter recipes), milk with butter (for richness), or plant-based options like coconut milk, cashew milk, or oat milk. For whipping, use heavy whipping cream or make a dairy-free version with coconut cream.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- similar taste, different texture
- Best for —
- cooking
One casethe full heavy cream card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of heavy cream | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Half and halfcooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Milk + butterall recipes | 1 cup milk + 2 tbsp butterWorks | Works |
| 3 | Milk + cornstarchsauces | 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp cornstarchTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Evaporated milkbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Coconut milkvegan recipes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Coconut creamvegan recipes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 7 | Cashew milkvegan recipes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 8 | Oat milkcoffee | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 9 | Sour creamsoups | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 10 | Greek yogurtbaking | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Half and half
similar taste, different texture
Half and half is the most common substitute for heavy cream. It has less fat content but similar flavor and works well in most recipes that call for heavy cream.
- Best for
- cooking, baking, soups, sauces, coffee
Lighter option, most common substitute.
Milk + butter
similar taste and texture
Mix milk with melted butter to create a homemade heavy cream substitute. This gives you the closest fat content and texture to heavy cream.
- Best for
- all recipes, baking, cooking, sauces
Homemade heavy cream substitute.
Milk + cornstarch
similar taste, different texture
Mix milk with cornstarch to create a thickened substitute for heavy cream. This works well in sauces and soups where you need the thickening properties.
- Best for
- sauces, soups, gravies, cooking
Thickened milk substitute.
Evaporated milk
different taste, similar texture
Evaporated milk has a similar consistency to heavy cream but is slightly sweeter. It's excellent for baking and desserts where you want extra richness.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, soups, sauces
Slightly sweeter, works well in baking.
Coconut milk
different taste, similar texture
Coconut milk is a great dairy-free substitute that adds a subtle coconut flavor. Use full-fat coconut milk for best results and creaminess.
- Best for
- vegan recipes, curries, soups, baking, desserts
Dairy-free option with coconut flavor.
Coconut cream
different taste, similar texture
Coconut cream is thicker and richer than coconut milk, making it an excellent dairy-free substitute for heavy cream. It can even be whipped like heavy cream.
- Best for
- vegan recipes, desserts, whipped cream, curries
Dairy-free, very rich and creamy.
Cashew milk
similar taste and texture
Cashew milk has a naturally creamy texture and neutral flavor, making it an excellent dairy-free substitute for heavy cream in most recipes.
- Best for
- vegan recipes, cooking, baking, soups
Dairy-free, creamy texture, neutral flavor.
Oat milk
different taste, similar texture
Oat milk has a naturally creamy texture that's closer to heavy cream than other plant-based milks. It's great for coffee and baking.
- Best for
- coffee, baking, cooking, vegan recipes
Dairy-free, naturally creamy.
Sour cream
different taste and texture
Sour cream can work as a substitute but adds a tangy flavor. It's thicker than heavy cream, so you might need to thin it with a little milk.
- Best for
- soups, sauces, baking, dips
Tangy flavor, thicker consistency.
Greek yogurt
different taste and texture
Greek yogurt adds protein and a tangy flavor. It's thicker than heavy cream, so thin it with milk or water for the right consistency.
- Best for
- baking, smoothies, dips, sauces
Tangy flavor, high protein.
How it behaves in this recipe
Heavy cream is a versatile dairy product that adds richness, creaminess, and body to recipes. It's high in fat content (36-40%) which makes it good for whipping, thickening sauces, and adding luxurious texture to dishes. The key to successful substitution is matching the fat content and texture to your specific recipe needs.
Tips for substituting heavy cream
10 tips- For whipping: Use heavy whipping cream or coconut cream for best results
- In baking: Half and half or milk + butter work best for most recipes
- For soups: Milk + cornstarch or coconut milk provide good thickness
- In sauces: Milk + butter or evaporated milk work well
- For pasta: Half and half or coconut milk work best for creaminess
- In coffee: Half and half or oat milk are popular choices
- For ice cream: Heavy whipping cream or coconut cream are essential
- In quiche: Half and half or evaporated milk provide the best texture
- For whipped cream: Heavy whipping cream or coconut cream work best
- In curries: Coconut milk or coconut cream are traditional choices
Notes on heavy cream
- Make your own heavy cream by mixing milk with butter
- Use different fat percentages of milk based on your needs
- Combine plant-based milks with plant-based creamers for dairy-free options
- Try different dairy products like sour cream or Greek yogurt for unique flavors
Questions
10 questionsWhat's the best substitute for heavy cream?
The best substitute for heavy cream depends on your recipe. Half and half works for most cooking, milk + butter for baking, and coconut cream for dairy-free options. For whipping, use heavy whipping cream or coconut cream.
Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream, but the result will be less rich and creamy. For better results, mix milk with butter (1 cup milk + 2 tbsp butter) or cornstarch for thickening.
What's the best dairy-free substitute for heavy cream?
The best dairy-free substitutes are coconut cream (for richness and whipping), cashew milk (for neutral flavor), or oat milk (for creaminess). Coconut cream can even be whipped like heavy cream.
Can I substitute half and half for heavy cream?
Yes, half and half can substitute for heavy cream in most recipes. It will result in a lighter texture, but works well in cooking, baking, and sauces. Use a 1:1 ratio.
What's the best substitute for heavy cream in pasta?
For pasta, half and half or coconut milk work best for creaminess. Milk + butter is also a good option. Avoid substitutes that are too thin or have strong flavors that might overpower the dish.
Can I substitute heavy whipping cream for heavy cream?
Yes, heavy whipping cream and heavy cream are essentially the same product. They can be used interchangeably in all recipes. Heavy whipping cream is just marketed for whipping purposes.
What's the best substitute for heavy cream in soup?
For soup, half and half or coconut milk work best for creaminess. Milk + cornstarch is also good for thickening. Avoid substitutes that might curdle when heated.
Can I substitute evaporated milk for heavy cream?
Yes, evaporated milk is an excellent substitute for heavy cream. It has a similar consistency and works well in baking, soups, and sauces. It's slightly sweeter, which can enhance the flavor of your dish.
What's the best substitute for heavy cream in baking?
For baking, half and half or milk + butter work best. Evaporated milk is also excellent for desserts. The choice depends on whether you want extra richness or a lighter texture.
Can I substitute sour cream for heavy cream?
Yes, sour cream can substitute for heavy cream, but it adds a tangy flavor and is thicker. It works well in soups, sauces, and baking where you want extra moisture and a tangy taste.