Out of Heavy whipping cream, one case
Heavy whipping cream substitute for ice cream
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Half-and-half + butter
Per 1 cup heavy whipping cream
7/8 cup half-and-half + 2 tbsp melted butter
For ice cream, the best heavy whipping cream substitutes are half-and-half + butter, coconut cream, or evaporated milk. Half-and-half + butter and evaporated milk have less fat than heavy cream, so expect a less rich ice cream.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- similar taste and texture
- Best for —
- Traditional ice cream
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 cup heavy whipping cream | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Half-and-half + butterTraditional ice cream | 7/8 cup half-and-half + 2 tbsp melted butterTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Coconut creamVegan ice cream | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Evaporated milkLight ice cream | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Milk + cornstarchLight ice cream | 1 cup milk + 2 tablespoons cornstarchTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Greek yogurt + milkFrozen yogurt | ½ cup Greek yogurt + ½ cup milkTweak it | Tweak it |
Half-and-half + butter
similar taste and texture
The closest dairy substitute to heavy cream for ice cream. The butter adds back some of the fat that half-and-half lacks.
- Best for
- Traditional ice cream, Gelato, Frozen custard, Ice cream cakes
Whisk the melted butter into the half-and-half until well combined, then chill the base before churning. It has less fat than heavy cream, so the ice cream will be a little less rich.
Coconut cream
different taste, similar texture
Dairy-free alternative that provides similar richness and creaminess. Creates smooth, scoopable ice cream with a subtle coconut flavor.
- Best for
- Vegan ice cream, Dairy-free desserts, Tropical flavors, Coconut ice cream
Use full-fat coconut milk, refrigerate overnight, and use only the thick cream on top. Good for dairy-free ice cream.
Evaporated milk
similar taste and texture
Concentrated milk that provides similar thickness and richness. Creates lighter ice cream with good texture and flavor.
- Best for
- Light ice cream, Frozen yogurt, Ice cream bars, Frozen treats
Use full-fat evaporated milk for best results. Mix with sugar and vanilla before churning.
Milk + cornstarch
similar taste, different texture
Creates a thickened milk mixture that mimics heavy cream's consistency. Good for lighter ice cream with good texture.
- Best for
- Light ice cream, Frozen yogurt, Ice cream bases, Frozen desserts
Mix cornstarch with cold milk first, then heat while whisking until thickened. Cool before churning.
Greek yogurt + milk
different taste, similar texture
Tangy alternative that provides creaminess and body. Creates smooth, tangy ice cream with less fat than traditional recipes.
- Best for
- Frozen yogurt, Tangy ice cream, Fruit ice cream, Light desserts
Mix Greek yogurt with milk until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla before churning.
How it behaves in this recipe
Ice cream requires cream substitutes that provide enough fat content for smooth, creamy texture and proper freezing. Half-and-half + butter works because the butter adds back some of the fat that half-and-half lacks, while coconut cream works well for dairy-free options. The key is choosing a substitute that has enough fat to prevent ice crystals and create the smooth, scoopable texture expected in ice cream.
Tips for substituting heavy whipping cream
8 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
Notes on heavy whipping cream
- Use mascarpone + milk for extra-rich ice cream
- Try sour cream + milk for tangy ice cream
- Use ricotta cheese + milk for a different texture
- Consider using buttermilk + butter for tangy cream ice cream
- Try using condensed milk + milk for sweet, rich ice cream
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the best substitute for heavy cream in ice cream?
Half-and-half + butter is the closest dairy substitute: use 7/8 cup half-and-half plus 2 tablespoons melted butter for each cup of heavy cream. It has less fat than heavy cream, so expect a slightly less rich ice cream.
Can I use coconut cream for ice cream?
Yes! Coconut cream works excellently for ice cream, especially for dairy-free versions. It creates smooth, scoopable ice cream with a subtle coconut flavor.
Will my ice cream be creamy without heavy cream?
It depends on your substitute. Half-and-half + butter and coconut cream will create creamy ice cream, while regular milk may result in icier texture.
Can I use evaporated milk for ice cream?
Yes, evaporated milk works well for ice cream. It creates lighter ice cream with good texture and flavor, though it may be slightly less rich than heavy cream.
How do I make dairy-free ice cream?
Use coconut cream as your base. Mix it with sugar, vanilla, and your desired flavors, then churn in an ice cream maker for best results.
Can I use Greek yogurt for ice cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt works well for ice cream, especially frozen yogurt. It creates tangy, smooth ice cream with less fat than traditional recipes.