7 Substitutes for Heavy Cream (2025)

Heavy cream, also referred to as heavy whipping cream, is a simple ingredient that makes a big difference in recipes. A splash of heavy cream can enrich the flavor and texture of a sauce or soup, and combining heavy cream and a little work with a whisk creates whipped cream — a decadent element that can be incorporated into pastries, puddings, and other desserts. But don't fret if your personal stash of heavy cream has gone sour — you can get the same effect using one of these substitutes for heavy cream.

7 Substitutes for Heavy Cream (1)

The Best Heavy Cream Substitutes

Different ingredients have different strengths, so consider how you intend to use your heavy cream substitute. For example, one substitute may be a great thickener for soups and sauces, but won't whip well. Examine your recipe and choose the substitute that will work best.

1. Half-and-Half and Butter

A combination of half-and-half and butter makes the best all-around heavy cream substitute. Both heavy cream and half-and-half are made from cream — the distinction is that half-and-half is a mixture of cream and milk and has about a third as much as fat. However, combining half-and-half with a little butter works well. Substitute for 1 cup of whipped cream by mixing 7/8 cups half-and-half and 1/8 cup melted butter. If your recipe doesn't require whipping, you can simply substitute an equal amount of half-and-half.

Best for: just about everything, but you can't whip it into stiff peaks.

2. Milk and Butter

Similarly to half-and-half, milk makes a good heavy cream substitute when it's combined with melted butter. Combine 3/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup melted butter for every cup of heavy cream. This mixture is not suitable for whipping.

Best for: cooking and baking.

3. Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk is an ideal heavy cream substitute in recipes that use heavy cream as a liquid. It won't whip well, but it's a great way to add moisture to baked goods. Substitute an equal amount of evaporated milk for heavy cream.

Best for: baking.

4. Coconut Cream

Coconut cream makes a great heavy cream substitute for two reasons: it's non-dairy, bypassing any issues for people with dairy sensitivities or special diets, and it can actually be whipped. Since coconut milk is naturally sweet, it adds a nice flavor and works well in desserts.

Best for: desserts, whipping.

5. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese may not be the first heavy cream substitute that comes to mind, but that doesn't mean it should be overlooked. Cream cheese may be too heavy to whip, but it's a good thickening agent for foods like soups, sauces, and frostings — just be sure you use it in foods that agree with its thick texture and tangy taste. Use in a 1:1 ratio. If you can't find cream cheese, try mascarpone.

Best for: sauces, soups, frosting.

6. Greek Yogurt and Milk

When you really need to thicken a dish, Greek yogurt gets the job done — in fact, it's much thicker than heavy cream. Combine equal parts Greek yogurt and milk for a substitute closer to heavy cream's thickness. Be sure to add it while your dish is off the heat to avoid curdling, and don't use it for whipping.

Best for: sauces, soups, some baking.

7. Soy Milk and Olive Oil

Combining 2/3 cup soy milk with 1/3 cup olive oil makes a shockingly creamy non-dairy heavy cream substitute. However, it won't replicate heavy cream's taste and does not whip well.

Best for: cooking and baking.

Related:

7 Substitutes for Heavy Cream (2025)

FAQs

How to make your own heavy cream? ›

To make homemade heavy whipping cream, melt 1/3 cup of unsalted butter. Let it cool slightly, then blend it with 2/3 cup of whole milk on high for 1-2 minutes until well combined. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes before using.

How can I thicken cream without heavy cream? ›

Here are Alexa Weibel's rules for substituting heavy cream: For 1 cup heavy cream, use 3/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup melted butter, or thicken 1 cup milk with 1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour. (Whisk milk into cornstarch or flour little by little.)

What happens if I use milk instead of heavy cream? ›

For example if you're making a sauce, then it will be fine. The result will be propably less creamy, but it will do (one cup milk for one cup cream). But if your recipe calls for whipped cream, then there is no way of substituting one for another.

Is evaporated milk the same as heavy cream? ›

Evaporated Milk – With a similar consistency, you can use a 1-to-1 swap of evaporated milk for heavy cream in most sweet and savory dishes. Its flavor is richer with unique caramelized tones and is not a lower-fat option, but evaporated milk makes do in a pinch.

Can you mix butter and milk to make heavy cream? ›

You can turn them into expensive, heavy whipping cream within 5 minutes. Stir butter and the milk over medium heat. until the butter is melted. Blend the mixture on high speed for one minute.

Can you use creamer instead of heavy cream? ›

To make soup creamy, simply swap heavy cream for unflavored coffee creamer by mixing it into the recipe or swirling it over top. If you happen to be out of milk when baking, use coffee creamer instead! Using a vanilla-flavored variety is a great way to add extra vanilla flavor to your favorite sweet treats.

Is half-and-half the same as heavy cream? ›

The biggest difference between half-and-half and heavy cream is the milk fat content. According to the FDA, half-and-half contains between 10.5 percent to 18 percent milk fat, while heavy cream contains between 36 percent and 40 percent milk fat.

Can I use sour cream instead of heavy cream? ›

Sour cream is an easy replacement for heavy cream. It can be easily stirred into a dish and offers another flavor profile to soups, stews and sauces. Plus, using it as a heavy cream substitute is a great way to use up that lingering tub in the fridge.

Can I use condensed milk instead of heavy cream? ›

Condensed milk is evaporated milk that has been sweetened with sugar. Evaporated milk can be used in place of heavy cream in most recipes, whereas condensed milk is best reserved for desserts. Some health food stores may sell evaporated coconut milk, which is also a good substitute.

What can you substitute for heavy cream in a quiche? ›

Can I substitute the heavy cream in quiche? Short answer: Yes. Recommended substitutes: Half-and-half or whole milk. Caveats: Some quiche recipes call for all cream, some call for a mixture of cream and whole milk (with a popular ratio of 1:1), and some call for all milk.

What to use if you don't have heavy cream? ›

The 10 Best Substitutes for Heavy Cream
  • Milk and butter.
  • Soy milk and olive oil.
  • Milk and cornstarch.
  • Half-and-half.
  • Tofu and soy.
  • Yogurt and milk.
  • Evaporated milk.
  • Cottage cheese and milk.

How do I make my own heavy whipping cream? ›

How to Make Heavy Cream with Milk and Butter
  1. Add butter and milk to a saucepan, cook and stir over medium low heat, turn off the heat right after the butter is fully melted. ...
  2. Pour the mixture into a blender. ...
  3. Transfer the blended mixture to a large mixing bowl. ...
  4. Once you are ready to whip the cream.
May 28, 2023

How to make whipping cream at home without heavy cream? ›

Using just 3 ingredients this a great substitute when you're out of heavy cream. It requires just milk and butter to create a heavy cream, with the addition of powdered sugar to replicate a whipping cream. The heavy cream works perfectly and is a fantastic substitute to flavour your pasta, soups and casseroles.

Can I substitute milk for heavy cream in pasta? ›

Whole milk is an excellent substitute for heavy cream. It adds richness to your pasta sauce without the excess fat. Simply simmer your favourite pasta sauce with whole milk until it thickens to your desired consistency. The result is a velvety and indulgent sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta.

Can I use almond milk instead of heavy cream? ›

No milk (except for coconut milk) can replace heavy cream without the addition of a thickener, ideally a fat of some kind. To make a heavy cream substitute with almond milk, we recommend adding soaked nuts or vegan butter, or plain silken tofu to get the right texture.

Can I use coffee creamer instead of heavy cream? ›

To make soup creamy, simply swap heavy cream for unflavored coffee creamer by mixing it into the recipe or swirling it over top. If you happen to be out of milk when baking, use coffee creamer instead! Using a vanilla-flavored variety is a great way to add extra vanilla flavor to your favorite sweet treats.

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