Vegan Heavy Whipping Cream Substitute Complete Guide
Discover the best plant-based alternatives to heavy whipping cream for vegan cooking and baking.
Quick Answer
The best vegan heavy whipping cream substitutes are coconut cream, cashew cream, and oat cream. Coconut cream whips the best and provides similar richness, while cashew cream offers the most neutral flavor.
Best Substitutes
Coconut Cream
1:1The closest vegan substitute to heavy cream. Whips beautifully and provides similar richness with a subtle coconut flavor.
Best for:
Refrigerate full-fat coconut milk overnight, then use only the thick cream on top. Whip with powdered sugar for sweet applications.
Cashew Cream
1:1Neutral-flavored cream made from soaked and blended cashews. Provides richness without strong flavor notes.
Best for:
Soak raw cashews for 2-4 hours, then blend with water until smooth. Use 1/2 cup cashews to 1/2 cup water for heavy cream consistency.
Oat Cream
1:1Mild-flavored cream made from oats. Works well in most applications and has a neutral taste.
Best for:
Blend rolled oats with water and strain through cheesecloth. Use 1/2 cup oats to 1 cup water for heavy cream consistency.
Silken Tofu + Plant Milk
1/2 cup silken tofu + 1/2 cup plant milkProtein-rich alternative that provides creaminess and body. Works well in savory applications.
Best for:
Blend silken tofu with your choice of plant milk until completely smooth. Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
Avocado + Plant Milk
1/2 ripe avocado + 1/2 cup plant milkRich and creamy alternative with healthy fats. Best for applications where the green color won't be an issue.
Best for:
Blend until completely smooth. Add lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
Cooking Tips
- 💡Always use full-fat coconut milk for the best whipping results
- 💡Chill coconut cream in the refrigerator overnight before whipping
- 💡For cashew cream, soak cashews longer for smoother texture
- 💡Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of plant-based creams
- 💡Use powdered sugar instead of granulated when whipping coconut cream
- 💡For neutral flavor, cashew cream is your best bet
- 💡Oat cream works well in coffee and doesn't curdle when heated
- 💡Silken tofu provides the most protein and works well in savory dishes
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best vegan substitute for heavy whipping cream?
Coconut cream is the best vegan substitute because it whips well and provides similar richness. For neutral flavor, use cashew cream instead.
Can I whip coconut cream like heavy cream?
Yes! Coconut cream whips beautifully and holds its shape well. Make sure to use full-fat coconut milk and chill it overnight first.
Will vegan cream substitutes work in baking?
Yes, most vegan substitutes work well in baking. Coconut cream and cashew cream are particularly good for maintaining texture and moisture.
How do I make cashew cream?
Soak raw cashews for 2-4 hours, then blend with water until smooth. Use a 1:1 ratio of cashews to water for heavy cream consistency.
Can I use oat milk instead of heavy cream?
Regular oat milk is too thin. Make oat cream by blending oats with water and straining, or use a commercial oat cream product.
Do vegan cream substitutes taste like dairy cream?
Coconut cream has a subtle coconut flavor, while cashew cream and oat cream are more neutral. None taste exactly like dairy cream, but they provide similar richness.
Summary
Discover the best vegan heavy whipping cream substitutes including coconut cream, cashew cream, and oat cream. Perfect for plant-based cooking and baking.