Heavy cream is used to make gravies rich and creamy. (Image Credit: Istock)
Heavy cream is commonly used to make gravies rich and creamy. Some of our most beloved dishes, such as butter chicken, shahi paneer, malai kofta, korma, etc., all require the use of heavy cream. After all, it's what gives these dishes their impeccable taste. Without it, they'll just taste like ordinary curry. Since we use it so often, we can easily run out of it as well. Oftentimes, we realise this right in the middle of our cooking process. This can be quite annoying, right? Well, there's no need to panic, as there are some excellent alternatives that you can use in place of heavy cream. Some of these are healthier, while others are suitable for lactose-intolerant people too. Intrigued to know what these substitutes are? Read on.
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Here Are 5 Best Substitutes For Heavy Cream:
1. Use butter and milk
A combination of butter and milk makes a great alternative if you run out of heavy cream. Adding butter to milk helps increase its fat content, making it quite similar to heavy cream. This substitute works well for recipes that require heavy cream only for flavour and creaminess. It will not work well for whisking into stiff peaks. But the creaminess will just be on par with regular heavy cream.
2. Coconut cream
If you don't mind the flavour of coconut in your dishes, coconut cream will be your best option. It has a similar creaminess to heavy cream and is a much healthier alternative. Additionally, it is also suitable for people who are lactose intolerant or are following a vegan diet. Unlike butter and milk, coconut cream can be whipped too!
3. Sour cream
Another excellent alternative to heavy cream is sour cream. It has a fat percentage similar to that of heavy cream. However, its sour taste may overpower the overall taste of your dish. So, make sure not to use too much of it. You can even balance out the sourness by adding a bit of sugar to it, and it'll work just as well.
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4. Use cornstarch and milk
Cornstarch is a popular thickening agent. When combined with milk, it replicates the texture of heavy cream quite well. It has fewer calories than regular heavy cream and is ideal for those who are trying to lose weight. To make it healthier, you can even opt for skim milk or whole milk. However, you won't be able to whip this mixture.
5. Use olive oil and soy milk
If you do not have butter in your pantry, you can even add a bit of olive oil to the milk. The only difference is that we are using soy milk over here, making this a dairy-free alternative. Olive oil helps increase the fat content of soy milk and gives a similar creaminess to that of regular heavy cream. Again, this is only suitable for recipes that do not require whipping.
Use these substitutes in place of heavy cream in your recipes, and share your experience with us in the comments below.
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FAQs
If you have butter and milk (whole milk or even half-and-half work best), you can make your own heavy cream substitute. To make 1 cup of heavy cream, melt 1/4 cup of butter and slowly whisk in 3/4 cup milk. This works for most baking or cooking recipes that require heavy cream, but it will not whisk into stiff peaks.
How to make cooking cream without heavy cream? ›
If you have butter and milk (whole milk or even half-and-half work best), you can make your own heavy cream substitute. To make 1 cup of heavy cream, melt 1/4 cup of butter and slowly whisk in 3/4 cup milk. This works for most baking or cooking recipes that require heavy cream, but it will not whisk into stiff peaks.
Is coconut milk a good substitute for heavy cream? ›
The fat content of coconut milk should be roughly that of a dairy-based heavy cream. So, when a recipe calls for heavy cream, you just make a one-to-one substitution with coconut milk – so long as the fat content matches up. In our table above, we have coconut milk listed as sweet rather than sweet/savory.
What can you substitute for heavy cream in mashed potatoes? ›
Can I substitute the heavy cream in mashed potatoes? Short answer: Yes. Recommended substitutes: Whole milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, onion cream. Caveats: Dairy is a free-for-all in mashed potato recipes.
What is the same as heavy cream? ›
Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are essentially the same thing—they both have over 36% milk fat, and the name just depends on the brand. Whipping cream, however, is slightly different—it contains 30% to 35% milk fat, so it's slightly lighter (it's sometimes labeled light whipping cream).
Can sour cream replace 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 you whip milk into cream? ›
You're going to need a very specific tool to make this magic happen: a food processor with an emulsifying disk. All you have to do is dump the thin liquid inside and blend for about 30 seconds. The result is a lighter, foamier version of the whipped cream you'd normally get from heavy cream.
What is a substitute for light cream? ›
Light cream is different from other types of cream and half and half. If your recipe calls for light cream and you don't have any on hand or can't find it at the store, simply substitute it with a mixture of 1 part heavy cream and 1 part milk.
Does coconut milk taste like coconuts? ›
If you've ever had a bite of coconut, or some coconut flakes sprinkled on your dessert, you have a pretty good idea of what coconut milk tastes like: the floral coconut-y notes are the most prevalent. It is not naturally sweet, but some companies do sweeten their coconut milks.
How to make non-dairy heavy cream? ›
Use a ratio of 2 parts nondairy milk to 1 part oil by volume. For a more richly flavored cream alternative, swap the neutral oil for olive oil and use in any recipe where that grassy, peppery taste would be welcome. Fat adds structure to heavy cream, creating its signature rich texture. But protein adds structure too.
Coconut milk can be consumed 7 days after opening if it has been properly stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. However, it's always important to check for any signs of spoilage such as an off odor, curdling, or mold before consuming. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the coconut milk.
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 I use if I run out of heavy cream? ›
Incorporating extra fat into regular milk can make a great substitute for heavy cream. Simply melt unsalted butter, let it cool slightly, and then whisk it into milk, using a ratio of 1 part melted butter to 3 parts milk by volume.
What if I forgot to buy heavy cream? ›
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.
How do you make a milk substitute with heavy cream? ›
Depending on what you are making, the heavy cream may make whatever it is a little too, um, heavy or thick. To substitute heavy cream for whole or skim milk, I'll add water in 1 to 1 ratio (1cup whole milk = 1/2 cup heavy cream mixed with 1/2 cup water).
