Out of Heavy cream, one case
Dairy-free heavy cream substitute
10 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut cream
Same amount as the heavy cream
The best dairy-free heavy cream substitutes are coconut cream (for richness and whipping), cashew milk (for neutral flavor), oat milk (for creaminess), or almond milk (for mild flavor). Coconut cream can even be whipped like heavy cream.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- desserts
One casethe full heavy cream card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of heavy cream | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut creamdesserts | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Coconut milkcurries | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Cashew milkcooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Oat milkcoffee | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Almond milkcoffee | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 6 | Soy milkbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 7 | Hemp milksmoothies | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 8 | Rice milkcereal | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 9 | Plant-based creamercoffee | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 10 | Homemade nut creamall recipes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Coconut cream
different taste, similar texture
Coconut cream is the richest dairy-free substitute for heavy cream. It's thick, creamy, and can even be whipped like heavy cream. It adds a subtle coconut flavor that works well in many recipes.
- Best for
- desserts, whipped cream, curries, vegan recipes, ice cream
Very rich and creamy, can be whipped.
Coconut milk
different taste, similar texture
Full-fat coconut milk is an excellent dairy-free substitute for heavy cream. It provides good creaminess and works well in both sweet and savory dishes.
- Best for
- curries, soups, baking, desserts, vegan recipes
Rich and creamy, adds coconut flavor.
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
- cooking, baking, soups, sauces, vegan recipes
Creamy texture, neutral flavor.
Oat milk
similar taste and texture
Oat milk has a naturally creamy texture and neutral flavor that works well as a heavy cream substitute. It's especially good for coffee and baking.
- Best for
- coffee, baking, cooking, soups, vegan recipes
Naturally creamy, neutral flavor.
Almond milk
different taste and texture
Almond milk is the most widely available dairy-free option. It has a mild nutty flavor and works well in most recipes, though it may be thinner than heavy cream.
- Best for
- coffee, baking, cooking, smoothies, vegan recipes
Mild nutty flavor, widely available.
Soy milk
similar taste and texture
Soy milk is a good dairy-free option with a neutral flavor and similar consistency to heavy cream. It's high in protein and often fortified with vitamins.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, soups, sauces, vegan recipes
Neutral flavor, high protein.
Hemp milk
different taste and texture
Hemp milk has a nutty flavor and is high in omega-3 fatty acids. It works well in baking and cooking but may have a stronger flavor than other plant-based options.
- Best for
- smoothies, baking, cooking, vegan recipes
Nutty flavor, high in omega-3s.
Rice milk
different taste and texture
Rice milk is naturally sweet and has a thin consistency. It's good for baking and cereal but may need thickening for other uses.
- Best for
- cereal, baking, smoothies, vegan recipes
Sweet flavor, thin consistency.
Plant-based creamer
similar taste and texture
Commercial plant-based creamers are specifically designed to mimic heavy cream. They come in various flavors and are often fortified with vitamins and minerals.
- Best for
- coffee, tea, hot beverages, vegan recipes
Designed for coffee, various flavors.
Homemade nut cream
different taste, similar texture
Make your own nut cream by blending soaked nuts with water and straining. You can control the thickness and flavor to match heavy cream more closely.
- Best for
- all recipes, whipped cream, desserts, vegan recipes
Customizable flavor and texture.
How it behaves in this recipe
Dairy-free substitutes for heavy cream are essential for those with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or following a vegan diet. The key is finding plant-based alternatives that provide similar creaminess and texture while maintaining the right flavor profile for your specific recipe. Coconut cream is particularly versatile as it can even be whipped like heavy cream.
Tips for substituting heavy cream
10 tips- For whipping: Use coconut cream or chilled coconut milk for best results
- In baking: Coconut milk or cashew milk provide the best texture and richness
- For soups: Coconut milk or cashew milk add creaminess without separating
- In sauces: Cashew milk or soy milk work well and don't curdle easily
- For pasta: Coconut milk or cashew milk work best for creaminess
- In coffee: Oat milk or almond milk are popular choices
- For ice cream: Coconut cream is essential for the right texture
- In curries: Coconut milk or coconut cream are traditional choices
- For whipped cream: Coconut cream can be whipped just like heavy cream
- In smoothies: Any plant-based milk works, choose based on flavor preference
Notes on heavy cream
- Mix different plant-based milks for custom flavor and texture
- Use coconut cream for recipes that need whipping or extra richness
- Combine plant-based milk with plant-based creamers for custom consistency
- Make your own nut cream for customizable thickness and flavor
- Try different commercial plant-based creamers to find your preferred taste
Questions
10 questionsWhat'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 use coconut milk as a heavy cream substitute?
Yes, coconut milk is an excellent dairy-free substitute for heavy cream. Use full-fat coconut milk for the best texture and richness. It adds a subtle coconut flavor that works well in many recipes.
What's the best vegan heavy cream substitute?
The best vegan heavy cream substitutes are coconut cream (for richness and whipping), cashew milk (for neutral flavor), or oat milk (for creaminess). Coconut cream is especially good for desserts and whipped cream.
Can I substitute almond milk for heavy cream?
Yes, almond milk can substitute for heavy cream, but it may be thinner. It works well in coffee, baking, and cooking. For thicker consistency, you can mix it with a plant-based creamer or use coconut cream instead.
What's the best lactose-free substitute for heavy cream?
Lactose-free milk mixed with lactose-free cream is the closest substitute. For plant-based options, coconut cream, cashew milk, or oat milk work well and are naturally lactose-free.
Can I use cashew milk as a heavy cream substitute?
Yes, cashew milk is an excellent dairy-free substitute for heavy cream. It has a naturally creamy texture and neutral flavor, making it good for most recipes without adding unwanted flavors.
What's the best non-dairy substitute for heavy cream in baking?
Coconut milk or cashew milk work best in baking as they provide the right texture and richness. Oat milk is also a good option for most baked goods.
Can I make whipped cream with dairy-free substitutes?
Yes, coconut cream can be whipped just like heavy cream. Chill it overnight, then whip it with a mixer. It will hold its shape and taste great as a dairy-free whipped cream alternative.
What's the best plant-based substitute for heavy cream in soup?
Coconut milk or cashew milk work best in soup as they add creaminess without separating. They also have neutral flavors that won't overpower your soup.
Can I use oat milk as a heavy cream substitute?
Yes, oat milk is an excellent dairy-free substitute for heavy cream. It has a naturally creamy texture and neutral flavor that works well in coffee, baking, and cooking.