Ran on The Edge
Swap-Ins for Heavily Creamy Recipes: 11 Homemade Alternatives You Can Prepare Easily
Ready to ditch that artery-clogging heavy cream? Find 11 healthier alternatives that sync with your dietary preferences, from cashew cream to vegan yogurt. These swaps offer lower-fat and dairy-free choices for your recipes.
First things first, let's be honest: "heavy cream" and "healthy" usually don't share the same space. That luxurious layer on top of fresh milk? Delicious, but loaded with calories and fat — not ideal for everyone's taste buds.
It’s also an awkward fit for common diets like dairy-free and vegan ones. But no need to kiss beloved desserts goodbye. We've got you covered with a variety of tasty, healthier alternatives to heavy cream.
The Top 11 Health-Friendly Substitutes for Heavy Cream
Heavy cream, aka whipping cream, has a fat content of at least 36 percent. But since it's a key ingredient in many recipes, cutting it out isn't always possible. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives:
- Cashew Cream
- Milk (dairy or plant-based) and Vegan Butter
- Milk (dairy or plant-based) and Cornstarch
- Silken Tofu and Plant-Based Milk
- Greek Yogurt (dairy or plant-based) and Milk
- Cottage Cheese and Milk
- Vegan Yogurt and Plant-Based Milk
- Oat Milk and Olive Oil
- Cream Cheese
- Milk and Coconut Oil
- Dairy-Free Heavy Whipping Cream Alternatives
1. Cashew Cream
This velvety, plant-based heavy cream swap is a crowd favorite, thanks to its rich, healthy fats. Go ahead and get your vegan friend excited!
When to use it:- curries- cakes- ice cream
How to use it:Just buy a jar of cashew cream from the store. For a DIY version, soak raw cashews in water, blend them with water, and voila! Use it 1:1 for heavy cream.
When to skip it:For dishes where a mild cashew flavor wouldn't work, avoid using cashew cream.
2. Milk (dairy or plant-based) and Vegan Butter
Bye-bye heavy cream, hello olive oil! Adding a bit of richness and thickness, olive oil also includes healthy fats that heavy cream doesn't have.
When to use it:- pasta- soup- salad dressing
How to use it:Combine 2/3 cup any milk (regular, soy, oat, etc.) with 1/3 cup melted vegan butter. Use this mixture as a 1:1 sub for heavy cream.
When to skip it:Won't work for dishes requiring whipping, such as lemon meringue pie or frozen custard.
3. Milk (dairy or plant-based) and Cornstarch
forget the dairy, thicken it up with some cornstarch, and bam! You've got a healthy heavy cream substitute.
When to use it:- sauces- stews- skillets
How to use it:Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1 cup of milk, stirring until thick. Swap it 1:1 for heavy cream.
When to skip it:Not ideal for baked goods or desserts that require whipping.
4. Silken Tofu and Plant-Based Milk
Tofu, but silky. Made from condensed soy milk, it's got a soft, smooth texture.
When to use it:- desserts- whipped cream- sauces
How to use it:Blend equal parts silken tofu and plant-based milk of your choice to achieve a smooth, thick consistency. Use it 1:1 for heavy cream.
When to skip it:Use a different method if you don't have silken tofu on hand — chunks may appear.
5. Greek Yogurt (dairy or plant-based) and Milk
Mix up some Greek yogurt with whole, skim, or even plant-based milk for a creamy, low-fat swap. Plus, get some protein and probiotics too!
When to use it:- soups- sauces- muffins
How to use it:Combine equal parts Greek yogurt (dairy or plant-based) and milk to reach a heavy cream-like texture. Swap it 1:1 for heavy cream.
When to skip it:Won't work for dishes needing whipping, as Greek yogurt has less fat than heavy cream.
6. Cottage Cheese and Milk
Cottage cheese: It's not just for the '80s. This low-fat creamy treat is full of protein and other nutrients.
When to use it:- savory sauces- cheese- biscuits
How to use it:Puree cottage cheese in a blender and mix with a splash of milk. Use it 1:1 for heavy cream.
When to skip it:If you're salt-sensitive, choose a low-sodium variety or adjust the salt in your recipe — or just skip this option entirely.
7. Vegan Yogurt and Plant-Based Milk
Combine this creamy, luscious duo to create a healthy, dairy-free swap for heavy cream. It even whips up a bit!
When to use it:- pasta sauces- veggie soups- zesty treats (like lemon bars)
How to use it:Mix 3/4 cup vegan yogurt (plain, unsweetened) with 1/4 cup plant-based milk. Use it 1:1 for heavy cream.
When to skip it:The tanginess of the yogurt may not be suitable for all dishes.
8. Oat Milk and Olive Oil
Olive oil adds a richness and thickness to recipes without the heavy fat content found in dairy.
When to use it:- soups- salad dressings
How to use it:Mix 2/3 cup oat milk with 1/3 cup olive oil. Use this mixture as a 1:1 sub for heavy cream.
When to skip it:Not suitable for dishes requiring whipping.
9. Cream Cheese
For a creamy, rich texture in your dishes, cream cheese is a decent substitute for heavy cream.
When to use it:- icing- cakes- sauces
How to use it:Use cream cheese at a 1:1 ratio for heavy cream.
When to skip it:Not ideal if you’re trying to maintain a low-calorie diet as cream cheese still has fat.
10. Milk and Coconut Oil
Mixing milk and coconut oil produces a lower-fat, creamier alternative to heavy cream.
When to use it:- pancakes- smoothies- creamy pasta dishes
How to use it:Combine 1/4 cup melted coconut oil with 3/4 cup of milk. Mix thoroughly, and you've got a healthier heavy cream substitute.
When to skip it:Won't whip up like heavy cream, so it won't work for desserts requiring a fluffy texture.
11. Dairy-Free Heavy Whipping Cream Alternatives
These days, there are plenty of plant-based heavy cream alternatives available, like coconut cream, cashew cream, and soy cream. Just make sure to check the ingredients to ensure the product fits your dietary needs.
When to use it:- desserts- soups- sauces
How to use it:Use these vegan alternatives 1:1 for heavy cream.
When to skip it:These alternatives may have different tastes and textures than heavy cream, so opt for other substitutes if the flavor isn't suitable for your dish.
Final Thoughts
Finding an alternative to heavy cream doesn't mean sacrificing flavor in your dishes. For a lower-fat option, try swapping heavy cream for milk mixed with Greek yogurt, olive oil, or cornstarch. For healthier dairy-free and vegan options, opt for cashew cream, coconut cream, or soy cream.
Keep in mind that some of these swaps can affect the texture or flavor of certain dishes, so test a few out to find the perfect substitute for your taste buds.
- The calories in heavy cream can be significantly higher compared to the health-friendly alternatives like cashew cream, making it an unwise choice for those watching their calorie intake or trying to improve their health.
- Maybe some people might find it difficult to maintain a creditline due to unexpected expenses, but by opting for lower-cost alternatives like plant-based milk and cornstarch, they can save money while still making their recipes creamy and thick.
- Despite sharing the same name, dairy-free heavy whipping cream alternatives offer a healthier option compared to heavy cream since they are designed specifically to be lower in calories and fat, making them a suitable choice for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet.
