When I do need to make a sauce or a soup or a dessert that calls for heavy cream and I am without it, I’ve come to rely on a few quick and easy substitutes. These substitutes save me a trip to the grocery store and tend to work just as well for most uses.
Heavy Cream vs. Heavy Whipping Cream vs. Regular Whipping Cream
Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are identical. Both must contain at least 36% or more milk fat. Regular whipping cream contains slightly less milk fat, anywhere from 30% to 35%. All three products can be used interchangeably. However, the higher fat content in heavy cream and heavy whipping cream does make it easier to whip cream into stable peaks that hold their shape longer. The higher fat content also acts as a slightly better thickening agent for soups and sauces.
5 Heavy Cream Substitutes
Important note: If you’re planning to make whipped cream, most of these substitutes won’t work (with the exception of light cream and full-fat coconut milk, see below), so we recommend using the real deal in that case. Otherwise, depending on what you’re cooking or baking and what you have in your refrigerator, here are the best heavy cream and heavy whipping cream substitutes:
A Vegan Heavy Cream Substitute
And a bonus #6: if you’re looking a good vegan substitute for heavy cream, full-fat coconut milk is your best choice. It has a similar thickness and works well in just about any recipe that calls for heavy cream. Just remember it will lend a coconut flavor to whatever you’re making. One added perk of full-fat coconut milk is that it’s one of the few substitutes where you can actually achieve a whip! Chill an unshaken can in the refrigerator overnight, then scoop the thick, solidified layer of coconut cream off the top and whip it like whipped cream.
