Out of Heavy whipping cream, one case
Vegan heavy whipping cream substitute
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut cream
Same amount as the heavy whipping cream
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.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- Whipped toppings
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of heavy whipping cream | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut creamWhipped toppings | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Cashew creamSauces | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Oat creamCoffee | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Silken tofu + plant milkSauces | ½ cup silken tofu + ½ cup plant milkWorks | Works |
| 5 | Avocado + plant milkSmoothies | ½ ripe avocado + ½ cup plant milkTweak it | Tweak it |
Coconut cream
different taste, similar texture
The closest vegan substitute to heavy cream. Whips beautifully and provides similar richness with a subtle coconut flavor.
- Best for
- Whipped toppings, Frostings, Ice cream, Sauces
Refrigerate full-fat coconut milk overnight, then use only the thick cream on top. Whip with powdered sugar for sweet applications.
Cashew cream
similar taste and texture
Neutral-flavored cream made from soaked and blended cashews. Provides richness without strong flavor notes.
- Best for
- Sauces, Soups, Baking, Savory dishes
Soak raw cashews for 2-4 hours, then blend with water until smooth. Use ½ cup cashews to ½ cup water for heavy cream consistency.
Oat cream
similar taste and texture
Mild-flavored cream made from oats. Works well in most applications and has a neutral taste.
- Best for
- Coffee, Sauces, Baking, Smoothies
Blend rolled oats with water and strain through cheesecloth. Use ½ cup oats to 1 cup water for heavy cream consistency.
Silken tofu + plant milk
similar taste and texture
Protein-rich alternative that provides creaminess and body. Works well in savory applications.
- Best for
- Sauces, Soups, Baking, Dressings
Blend silken tofu with your choice of plant milk until completely smooth. Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
Avocado + plant milk
different taste, similar texture
Rich and creamy alternative with healthy fats. Best for applications where the green color won't be an issue.
- Best for
- Smoothies, Dressings, Sauces, Desserts
Blend until completely smooth. Add lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegan heavy whipping cream substitutes need to provide both richness and the ability to whip or thicken. Coconut cream is the closest match because it has high fat content and whips well. Cashew cream offers the most neutral flavor, while oat cream works well in coffee and doesn't curdle. The key is choosing the right substitute based on your specific application and flavor preferences.
Tips for substituting heavy whipping cream
8 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
Notes on heavy whipping cream
- Use commercial vegan cream products like Silk Heavy Whipping Cream Alternative
- Try aquafaba (chickpea liquid) for whipping applications
- Use vegan butter + plant milk for baking applications
- Consider using vegan cream cheese for certain recipes
- Try using nut butters thinned with plant milk for richness
Questions
6 questionsWhat'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.