Running low on Dream Whip? Same here—it happens. The good news is, there are seven creamy substitutes that’ll still make your desserts shine. From whipped cream to mascarpone, these options are super simple and taste amazing.
We’ve tested them all—on pies, mousses, and everything in between—and they totally work. Odds are, you might already have some of these sitting in your pantry or fridge.
Stick around as we share these seven easy swaps for Dream Whip. Dessert-making just got a whole lot creamier!
7 Easy Substitutes for Dream Whip
Here are seven substitutes for Dream Whip that will work perfectly in your sweet treats:
1 – Whipped Cream
It all started when I ran out of Dream Whip and stared at a tub of whipped cream. Yes, the ready-to-eat kind works well as a substitute!
Use an equal amount of whipped cream in your recipes. It adds that same light, airy texture you’d expect. Bonus, it’s pre-whipped, so no extra work needed.
Keep in mind, whipped cream may not hold its shape for long. It’s best for chilled desserts, like pies or trifles, instead of baked ones.
Whipped cream swaps are quick and tasty in last-minute situations. Plus, they’re everywhere at grocery stores. For other ideas, check out this guide to whipped cream substitutes.
2 – Cool Whip
It all started when we ran out of Dream Whip and Cool Whip became our savior. Cool Whip works just as well and is super easy to use. Just swap it in equal amounts for Dream Whip.
Cool Whip holds its texture longer than whipped cream, making it better for layered desserts like parfaits. It’s also great for no-bake recipes. You get a consistent, airy finish without the hassle of whipping anything yourself.
However, Cool Whip already includes sugar, so adjust your recipe accordingly to avoid excess sweetness. If you’re wondering about more options, check out this list of Cool Whip substitutes for quick alternatives.
3 – Heavy Cream with Sugar
This one substitute will save your recipe and make you feel like a pro in the process. Heavy cream with sugar is a simple, reliable swap. Mix 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar to replace 1 cup of Dream Whip.
It’s rich, creamy, and gives your desserts a homemade vibe. Whip it until it’s just thick enough to hold soft peaks. Don’t overdo it, or you’ll end up with butter.
We noticed it works best for cakes, frostings, and even pies. You control the sweetness, which is a big win for customizing flavors. It’s easy to grab and mix if you already have heavy cream at home. Interested in other ideas? Check out these super handy heavy cream substitutes for more tips.
4 – Coconut Cream
You’ll never believe how easy it is to use coconut cream as a substitute. Swap 1 cup of coconut cream for 1 cup of Dream Whip. It’s super creamy and thick, giving desserts a rich texture.
It works best in recipes for cakes, pies, or frostings. The mild coconut flavor adds a tropical twist, making it stand out. Chill it first, then whip it for the best consistency.
We like that it’s dairy-free, so it’s handy for non-dairy recipes. It’s also versatile and works in sweet or savory dishes. Just check the consistency before using.
If you’re curious about more options, take a look at coconut cream substitutes to find even more ideas.
5 – Mascarpone Cheese with Sugar
What if I told you that mascarpone cheese mixed with sugar could solve so many dessert dilemmas? Combine 1 cup of mascarpone cheese with 1/4 cup of sugar to replace 1 cup of Dream Whip. It’s creamy, thick, and mildly sweet.
It works great for frostings, tiramisu, or even creamy fillings. The sugar balances the tanginess of mascarpone for a smooth flavor. Chill it beforehand for better texture.
We like that it’s super rich while being simple to use. It’s a straightforward option for sweet recipes. For savory ones, skip the sugar and adjust as needed.
If you’re curious about other alternatives, check out mascarpone cheese substitutes for more ideas.
6 – Evaporated Milk Whipped with Sugar
You’ll never believe how easy it is to whip evaporated milk into a Dream Whip substitute. All you need is 1 cup of evaporated milk and 1/4 cup of sugar. Chill the milk first. Then, whip it with the sugar until it’s fluffy.
It’s light, airy, and just sweet enough. This works for toppings, fillings, or even light frostings. The texture isn’t as stable as some other options, so serve it fresh. It’s also budget-friendly and super handy when fresh cream isn’t around.
Want more ideas like this? Check out these other evaporated milk substitutes for more useful options.
7 – Greek Yogurt with Honey
What if I told you that Greek yogurt with honey is a simple swap that works great? Mix 1 cup of Greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons of honey. That’s it. The result is creamy, slightly tangy, and lightly sweet.
Use it in place of whipped toppings or creamy fillings. It’s healthier, too, since Greek yogurt has more protein. The texture? Thicker than whipped cream but blends well in most recipes. It’s practically effortless.
The key is balancing the sweetness, which the honey handles perfectly. Use more or less honey depending on your recipe. This trick also works for desserts and breakfast treats.
If you want more brilliant swaps, check out these Greek yogurt substitutes to keep your dishes versatile.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.