Growing up, Sunday mornings were sacred, not just for the cartoons but for the kitchen experiments. My sister and I would often play mad scientists, substituting ingredients in recipes for what we had on hand.
The most memorable? The day we ran out of heavy cream. Panic ensued until we discovered milk and butter could work. Mix them, and voila—you’ve got a great heavy cream substitute.
A recent survey shows that 65% of home bakers have been short an ingredient but still baked successfully with a substitute. Our heavy cream substitute guide ensures you’re in that winning majority.
We’ve tested them all, so you don’t have to worry about the results.
7 Easy Substitutes for Heavy Cream
Here are seven heavy cream substitutes and how to use them. Don’t be surprised if you start prefering some of these substitutes over traditional heavy cream!
1 – Milk and Butter
Milk and butter mix well, giving us a creamy texture quite similar to heavy cream. This duo brings richness to recipes without watering them down.
In our kitchen capers, we’ve found it perfect for soups and sauces. Boldly, it stands in at a 1 cup milk to 2 tablespoons butter ratio. It’s a lifesaver for those last-minute baking projects.
Sure, heavy cream is a bit thicker, but our mix does the trick pretty well when you’re in a bind. Want more tips on swapping things out in recipes? Take a peek at our guide on cool butter alternatives.
2 – Soy Milk and Olive Oil
Soy milk mixed with olive oil gives a surprisingly creamy texture, perfect for vegan recipes. This combo nails it at 2/3 cup soy milk with 1/3 cup olive oil. It’s our go-to for dairy-free cooking.
We’ve discovered it adds a light but rich touch to dishes. Great for those who enjoy cooking without dairy. If you’re curious about other dairy alternatives, check out our insights on plant-based milk here and healthier oil options here.
This method is simpler than you might think. Recipes get that desired creamy consistency, minus the heavy cream.
3 – Milk and Cornstarch
Milk and cornstarch mix well, almost like magic. It’s the go-to when we need thickness without the heavy. For every cup of milk, just whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
It gets sauces and soups just right, without the heaviness of cream. Also, if you’re tweaking more recipes, check out alternatives to cornstarch that might come in handy.
This blend is a savior for lactose-friendly meals. We’ve nailed it, making our dishes just as lush as with heavy cream.
4 – Greek Yogurt and Milk
Mixing Greek yogurt with milk gives a tangier twist than heavy cream. This blend is creamier and thicker, ideal for baking and sauces. We often go for a half-and-half mix.
In our experience, it adds a delightful zing to recipes. Especially in cheesecakes, it’s a game changer with its subtle tanginess. For those keen on exploring dairy swaps, check out our favorite alternatives to Greek yogurt.
Thicker consistency. Rich flavor. You won’t miss the heavy cream.
5 – Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk is thick and creamy, less watery. Works like a charm in recipes asking for heavy cream. We use it straight from the can for convenience.
For every cup of heavy cream, use one cup of evaporated milk. It’s a handy swap, making dishes just as rich and smooth.
We found it stellar in soups and sauces. Gives that creamy texture without the weight.
For those looking into even more dairy twists, our guide on substitutes for evaporated milk might spark your interest.
6 – Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is thicker and richer than heavy cream. We found it perfect for curries and desserts.
It brings a slight coconut flavor, which can be a plus in many dishes. For each cup of heavy cream needed, use one cup of coconut cream.
Some of us were surprised by how well it blended into recipes without overpowering them. If you’re looking for more dairy-free options, our guide on creamy coconut cream alternatives might help.
It’s simple to use and easily found in most stores.
7 – Half-and-Half and Butter
Half-and-half mixed with butter gives dishes a rich feel, pretty close to heavy cream’s density. For each cup needed, mix 3/4 cup of half-and-half with 1/4 cup of melted butter. This combo is great for recipes needing that creamy texture.
We’ve used it in our cooking and honestly, it’s a solid stand-in. Not as thick as heavy cream, but it does the job. Plus, it’s likely you’ve got these ingredients in your fridge already. For more dairy swap insights, find your way over to creamy half-and-half substitutes.
This substitute keeps recipes creamy. It’s our go-to.
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.