Heavy cream is one of those ingredients that is essential to many recipes. Just a few days ago I was baking a cake and realized I was out of heavy cream. I didn’t want to run to the store, so I started looking online for substitutes. I found a few different ones, but I wasn’t sure which one to choose.
In the end, I decided to go with the one that had the most similarities to heavy cream. The cake came out delicious!
Do you love the taste of heavy cream in your cooking and baking, but don’t like the high-calorie count? Or maybe like me, you just don’t have any on hand. No problem!
There are many substitutes for heavy cream that will give your recipes the same great flavor, without all of the extra fat and calories. In this article, we’ll discuss different substitutes that you can use in place of heavy cream.
Substitutes for Heavy Cream:
- Milk and butter
- Cream cheese
- Soy milk and olive oil
- Evaporated milk
- Coconut milk/cream
- Milk and cornstarch
- Half-half and butter
- Sour cream
- Mascarpone
- Greek Yogurt and milk
- Cottage cheese
- Creme Fraiche
- Anthony’s Heavy Cream Powder
Milk and butter
Milk and butter might be a viable substitute for heavy cream in some cases, but it’s not going to work as a 1:1 replacement in every scenario. Milk and butter have different fat contents, so you’ll need to experiment with the ratio a bit for the desired outcome.
For baking, a good rule of thumb is to use 3/4 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of butter for every cup of heavy cream called for in the recipe.
This substitution works well in sweet recipes where you’re not looking to whip the cream. If you’re making a savory dish or need to achieve a stiffer consistency, you may want to add a thickening agent such as flour or cornstarch.
Occasionally, the batter may clump or solidify. To avoid this, put the mixture in a mixing bowl over a pan of hot water. Continue mixing until the mixture is silky smooth.
Ultimately, whether or not milk and butter make a suitable stand-in for heavy cream will depend on the dish you’re making and your personal preferences.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in sweet or savory dishes. It’s also a great substitute for heavy cream, especially when you don’t want something that’s too heavy or sweet. When substituting cream cheese for heavy cream, use a 1:1 ratio.
This substitute can also be used as a thickening agent in frostings, soups or sauces, so if your recipe calls for heavy cream or you want a thicker sauce or soup, you may want to use cream cheese.
Keep in mind that cream cheese has a thick texture and tangy taste, so it may not be a good substitute for every dish. Cream cheese cannot be whipped. When you replace cream cheese with heavy cream, the taste of your dessert changes considerably.
Soy milk and olive oil
Try using soy milk and olive oil as a substitute for heavy cream if you want to enjoy a vegan dish.
The soy milk and olive oil combination is also lower in calories and fat than heavy cream. To substitute, use a ratio of 2/3 cup of soy milk and 1/3 cup of olive oil.
Keep in mind that this substitution won’t work in recipes where you need a light and airy consistency. Also, the olive oil flavor can tend to stand out, where it ought not to. Seeing that the fat component of the substitute is olive oil, you can’t take it out of the mix.
A way to solve the whipping problem is to simply whisk tofu and soy milk together in the blender before adding olive oil. It’s a fantastic alternative.
Evaporated milk
Evaporated milk is a great alternative to heavy cream because it’s thick, creamy and has a similar consistency. Plus, it’s shelf-stable and can be found in most grocery stores.
To substitute, use a ratio of one cup of evaporated milk for every one cup of heavy cream called for in the recipe.
This substitution works well in both sweet and savory dishes, but keep in mind that evaporated milk is sweeter than heavy cream. If you’re using it as a substitute in a savory dish, you may want to add a little bit of salt to balance out the flavors.
Coconut milk
Coconut milk is a great substitute for heavy cream. It has a similar consistency and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
This alternative may be used in place of butter, cream, or heavy cream for desserts and whipping. You can use coconut milk instead of heavy cream if you are dairy intolerant and need to replace it in your baking recipes.
To substitute, use a ratio of one cup of coconut milk or cream for every one cup of heavy cream called for in the recipe.
When using coconut milk or cream as a substitute, keep in mind that it has a coconut flavor. This may not be desirable in some dishes. If you don’t want your dish to taste like coconut, you may want to try another substitute.
Milk and cornstarch
Milk is a common ingredient that you probably already have in your fridge. It’s also a great substitute for heavy cream.
To thicken milk so that it has a consistency similar to heavy cream, add cornstarch. The ratio you’ll want to use is 2 tablespoons of cornstarch for every cup of milk.
When using this substitute, 1 cup of low-fat milk should be heated in the low flame. While heating, add the measured cornstarch and stir continuously without forming lumps. You may sometimes get a thick texture as a result of this procedure.
This substitution works well in both sweet and savory dishes. Keep in mind that milk is less creamy than heavy cream, so your dish may not be as rich as it would be if you used heavy cream.
Half-half and butter
The half-half and butter mixture is considered the best substitute for heavy cream.
Half-half is made by mixing equal parts whole milk and cream, while butter is essentially just the solidified fat from cream. While both options are less healthy than heavy cream, they can be used in all dishes that call for heavy cream without any noticeable difference in taste or texture.
When using half-half and butter as a substitute, simply stir it into the dish constantly while it cooks to prevent it from curdling. With this simple substitution, you can enjoy all your favorite creamy dishes without all the guilt.
You may even use half-half in soups and sauces for added nutrients.
Sour cream
Sour cream can make an excellent substitute for heavy cream, although there are a few things to keep in mind. It has a fat content that is not the same with heavy cream, so it may not produce the same results.
In addition, Sour cream can be quite – according to its name – sour, so you may need to add sugar to reduce the sourness.
Finally, be sure to mix in cool food, as heat can cause the sour cream to curdle. Despite these caveats, sour cream can be a delicious and healthy substitute for heavy cream. Plus, it’s a great way to add a little zing to your favorite recipes.
Mascarpone
Mascarpone is a thick Italian dairy product with a fat content of 44%. It can be used as a substitute for heavy cream because it has a similar heaviness and texture. Mascarpone can work well in sweet and savory dishes.
It’s often used in tiramisu, but can also be used to thicken soups or sauces. When substituting mascarpone for heavy cream, use the same amount of mascarpone as you would heavy cream.
Store-bought mascarpone may be used in the place of heavy cream because the consistency and heaviness are comparable. You may also sweeten it for use in cakes and frostings.
Greek Yogurt and milk
This is a two-ingredient substitute for heavy cream that works well in baking. The acidity in the yogurt helps to thicken and stabilize the mixture, while the milk adds creaminess and fat.
To substitute, mix together equal parts Greek yogurt and milk. This substitution works best in recipes that are baked or frozen, as the yogurt can curdle when heated.
Greek yogurt is a great substitute for heavy cream because it’s lower in fat and calories, but higher in protein. It also adds a little tang to your dish.
Cottage cheese and milk
This is another two-ingredient substitute that works well in baking.
To make this substitution, mix together equal parts cottage cheese and milk. Then, use a blender or food processor to blend the mixture until it’s smooth.
A food processor is used to give the look and feel of heavy cream. Cottage cheese adds a savory flavor to recipes that require heavy cream. It’s also an excellent thickener for soups and sauces.
Creme Fraiche
Creme fraiche is a French dairy product with a high-fat content of 30%. It’s similar to sour cream, but not as tangy. Creme fraiche can be used as an alternative to heavy cream in many dishes.
Creme Fraiche is a wonderful substitute for heavy cream when used at a ratio of 1:1. It works well in soups, stews, and sauces since it is less acidic than sour cream.
It’s also useful for sweet dishes that call for a lot of cream to add richness.
Anthony’s Heavy cream powder
This is a great substitute for those who want the convenience of having heavy cream on hand. Simply add water to the heavy cream powder and whisk until it’s thick and creamy.
This product can be used in all recipes that call for heavy cream, but it works best when baking. The powder dissolves easily in liquids and doesn’t curdle like milk or yogurt.
Plus, it’s shelf-stable and doesn’t need to be refrigerated.
Sweet cream solids are the only ingredients in Anthony’s Heavy Cream Powder. Once reconstituted, it may be used one-for-one in any recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use milk as a substitute for heavy cream?
Milk can be used as a substitute for heavy cream, but it will not produce the same results. Milk has lower fat content than heavy cream, so it will not be as thick or creamy.
In addition, milk can curdle when heated, so it’s not the best choice for dishes that require cooking or baking.
What is the best substitute for heavy cream in a recipe?
The best substitutes for heavy cream are ones that have a similar fat content. This includes mascarpone, creme fraiche, and Greek yogurt. These substitutes will produce results that are similar to heavy cream. But ultimately, it depends on your preferences.
Can I use whipping cream as a substitute for heavy cream?
Yes, whipping cream can be used as a substitute for heavy cream. It has a higher fat content than heavy cream, so it will be thicker and more stable when heated.
However, whipping cream will not produce the same results as heavy cream. It will be lighter and fluffier, so it’s best used in dishes that require these qualities.
What is the best heavy cream substitute for baking?
There are a few different substitutes that can be used in baking recipes, such as Greek yogurt, coconut milk, or silken tofu blended with soy milk.
Each of these options will provide a similar texture and consistency to heavy cream.
The main flavor difference is that the final dish will have a slight soy flavor, which may be desirable or undesired depending on the recipe.
What is the best heavy cream substitute for savory dishes?
Cream cheese and coconut milk are both good substitutes for heavy cream in savory dishes.
Cream cheese will provide a rich and creamy texture, while coconut milk will add a subtle flavor of coconut to the finished dish.
Both of these substitutes are lower in calories than heavy cream and contain no cholesterol or saturated fat.
What is the best heavy cream substitute for those watching their fat intake?
Greek yogurt, silken tofu blended with soy milk, and coconut milk are all good substitutes for heavy cream that are lower in fat.
Greek yogurt is a good source of protein while silken tofu blended with soy milk will provide a similar texture and consistency to heavy cream, but the final dish will have a slight soy flavor.
On the other hand, coconut milk is also a good source of healthy fats, which can help to boost metabolism and promote weight loss.
Final Words
Now that we’ve gone over some substitutes for heavy cream, let’s talk about what they are best used for.
Heavy cream is often used in baking because it adds richness and creates a moist texture. It’s also useful for thickening soups and sauces.
For dishes that require cooking or baking, it’s best to use a substitute with similar fat content.
I hope this article has helped you find the best substitutes for heavy cream.
Have fun cooking!