8 Best Substitutes For Heavy Cream, Recommended By Experts

Heavy cream, sometimes also called heavy whipping cream, is the milk fat that rises to the top of fresh milk due to its high fat content. It’s one of the highest-fat dairy products on the market. In fact, in the U.S., products must contain at least 36% milk fat to be labeled as heavy cream, containing about 816 calories per cup^[1]Lee CL, Liao HL, Lee WC, et al. Standards and labeling of milk fat and spread products in different countries. J Food Drug Anal. 2018;26(2):469-480. ^[2]FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Accessed 11/29/2023. .

Heavy cream is a versatile ingredient used to enhance the taste and texture of dishes, and is found in both sweet and savory recipes. For instance, it’s often used as a creamy base for soups and sauces, while adding extra flavor to other recipes like mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs. It can also be used to make many sweet treats, including whipped cream, ice cream, frosting, baked goods and more.

Whether you’re fresh out of heavy cream or are looking for vegan or lower-calorie alternative, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few of the best heavy cream substitutes, according to experts.

Greek Yogurt

“Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative to heavy cream that can add richness and tanginess to a dish,” says Allyson Brigham, a registered dietitian and founder of The Sweetitian, a small-batch macaron bakery in Thousand Oaks, California. In addition to enhancing the texture of dishes, Greek yogurt is also a great source of protein and provides other essential nutrients like B vitamins and calcium. Brigham recommends swapping Greek yogurt for heavy cream in a 1:1 ratio for recipes like soups or sauces. “It’s [also] particularly good in recipes where a bit of tartness is beneficial, like stroganoff or creamy salad dressings,” she notes.

Coconut Cream

“[Coconut cream] makes a great dairy-free alternative to heavy cream,” notes Nichole Dandrea, a plant-based dietitian, recipe developer and co-author of Real Superfoods Cookbook, based in Atlanta. Though coconut cream contains a similar amount of calories as heavy cream, it provides less than half the fat, which might make it a good option if you’re limiting your fat intake. “It can be baked in creamy desserts or whipped into a heavy whipped cream-like topping, but it does impart a coconut flavor,” says Dandrea, adding that coconut cream can be used in a 1:1 ratio in place of heavy cream for most sweet recipes.

It’s important to note that some pre-made coconut creams may come with added sugar and ingredients, so if you don’t make your own, make sure to note the nutrition label.

Silken Tofu

Silken tofu is a type of tofu with a soft consistency and a higher water content than firmer varieties. Thanks to its smooth texture, it can also be pureed and used in equal amounts as a substitute for heavy cream, according to Brigham. “It’s great for vegan and dairy-free recipes, particularly in creamy soups, sauces or smoothies, as it adds a creamy texture without a strong flavor,” she says. Furthermore, it also provides some protein, which is essential for supporting optimal health and maintaining muscle mass.

Cashew Cream

“Cashew cream works brilliantly as a dairy-free, nutrient-rich substitute for heavy cream when creating a creamy base for soups,” says Dandrea. “Cashews are a rich source of minerals, like magnesium, copper and zinc, plus plant-based protein and healthy fat, making them an excellent substitute for heavy cream from both a nutritional and culinary perspective,” she notes.

Cashews are also linked to some health benefits. For example, one small study from 2017 found that adding 28 to 64 grams of cashews per day to the diet for 28 days significantly reduced total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels^[3]Mah E, Schulz JA, Kaden VN, et al. Cashew Consumption Reduces Total and Ldl Cholesterol: A Randomized, Crossover, Controlled-Feeding Trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;105(5):1070-1078. .

Like coconut cream, pre-made cashew creams may come with added ingredients, so be sure to look over the nutrition label.

Evaporated Milk

For an easy way to reduce the fat and calorie content of your recipe, Brigham recommends using evaporated milk in place of heavy cream. In fact, each fluid ounce of evaporated milk contains less than half the amount of calories and about one-fourth the amount of fat as heavy cream. “It works best in a 1:1 substitution in recipes like casseroles, soups and sauces, offering a similar texture but lighter consistency,” explains Brigham.

Soy Milk

If you enjoy adding a splash of heavy cream to your morning cup of coffee, soy milk might be a tasty alternative to consider. “Personally, I love using organic soy milk in place of heavy cream for coffee and lattes because soy milk is naturally thick and creamy,” says Dandrea. Compared to other plant-based milks, soy milk also contains a higher amount of protein and healthy fats, according to Dandrea. Plus, soy also contains several beneficial compounds, like isoflavones and is linked to other potential health perks, including lower cholesterol levels and improved brain function.

Half-and-Half With Butter

Half-and-half with a bit of melted butter can also be used in place of heavy cream if you’re in a pinch. This is because pairing butter with half and half helps mimic the fat content of heavy cream, according to Brigham. “Mix 7/8 cup of half-and-half with 1/8 cup melted butter,” she says. “This can be a direct substitute in most recipes, including those where heavy cream is whipped.”

Bananas

Although heavy cream is often required to make ice cream, bananas can be used to create a creamy, dairy-free base instead. “Bananas easily blend into a delicious creamy ice cream once they’re blended then frozen,” says Dandrea. They’re also rich in fiber and many vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C and magnesium. To whip up an extra creamy homemade “nice cream,” you can even pair bananas with coconut milk or coconut cream, according to Dandrea. For a more neutral flavor, she also recommends blending with cashews and a bit of plant-based milk. Then, simply freeze and enjoy.

Whether you’re interested in cutting out dairy, or adding more nutrients to certain recipes, replacing heavy cream is actually quite easy—and the best part? You most likely already have some of these substitutions on hand.