🥛 Dairy

Heavy Whipping Cream Substitute for Ice Cream Guide

Discover the best heavy whipping cream substitutes for making homemade ice cream and frozen desserts.

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Quick Answer

For ice cream, the best heavy whipping cream substitutes are half-and-half + butter, coconut cream, or evaporated milk. These provide the fat content and creaminess needed for smooth, rich ice cream.

Best Substitutes

Half-and-Half + Butter

1/2 cup half-and-half + 1/2 cup melted butter

The closest substitute to heavy cream for ice cream. Provides the exact fat content needed for smooth, creamy texture and proper freezing.

Best for:

Traditional ice creamGelatoFrozen custardIce cream cakes

Mix melted butter into half-and-half until well combined. This recreates the exact fat content of heavy cream for ice cream.

Coconut Cream

1:1

Dairy-free alternative that provides similar richness and creaminess. Creates smooth, scoopable ice cream with a subtle coconut flavor.

Best for:

Vegan ice creamDairy-free dessertsTropical flavorsCoconut ice cream

Use full-fat coconut milk, refrigerate overnight, and use only the thick cream on top. Perfect for dairy-free ice cream.

Evaporated Milk

1:1

Concentrated milk that provides similar thickness and richness. Creates lighter ice cream with good texture and flavor.

Best for:

Light ice creamFrozen yogurtIce cream barsFrozen treats

Use full-fat evaporated milk for best results. Mix with sugar and vanilla before churning.

Milk + Cornstarch

1 cup milk + 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Creates a thickened milk mixture that mimics heavy cream's consistency. Perfect for lighter ice cream with good texture.

Best for:

Light ice creamFrozen yogurtIce cream basesFrozen desserts

Mix cornstarch with cold milk first, then heat while whisking until thickened. Cool before churning.

Greek Yogurt + Milk

1/2 cup Greek yogurt + 1/2 cup milk

Tangy alternative that provides creaminess and body. Creates smooth, tangy ice cream with less fat than traditional recipes.

Best for:

Frozen yogurtTangy ice creamFruit ice creamLight desserts

Mix Greek yogurt with milk until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla before churning.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Always chill your ice cream base thoroughly before churning
  • 💡For best results, use an ice cream maker for proper texture
  • 💡Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of your ice cream
  • 💡Coconut cream works best for dairy-free ice cream
  • 💡Greek yogurt adds a tangy note that complements fruit flavors
  • 💡Evaporated milk creates lighter ice cream with good texture
  • 💡For richer ice cream, use half-and-half + butter
  • 💡Store homemade ice cream in the freezer for at least 4 hours before serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Discover the best heavy whipping cream substitutes for ice cream including half-and-half + butter, coconut cream, and evaporated milk. Perfect for homemade ice cream and frozen desserts.