7 Best Dairy-Free Substitutes for Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is a common ingredient in many recipes, but it can be difficult to find a dairy-free or plant-based substitute that delivers the same results. This article discusses some of the best non-dairy substitutes for heavy cream including Silk heavy whipping cream, coconut cream, soy milk cream, vegan soy heavy cream, non-dairy milk with cornstarch, vegan cashew cream, and white bean cream.
Best Dairy-Free Substitutes
Whether you’re making whipped cream or a creamy soup, here are the best plant-based substitutes for heavy cream that are 100% dairy-free. Whether you’re on a vegan diet or are allergic/intolerant to dairy products, these are all great vegan heavy cream substitutes!
See my related article on the benefits of a dairy-free diet.
1. Silk Heavy Whipping Cream
Silk has one of the best plant-based substitutes for heavy cream. It is made with a blend of filtered water, faba bean protein, and coconut oil. It can be used in all the same ways as traditional heavy cream.
Silk Heavy Whipping Cream can be found in most health food stores or online. It’s one of the best vegan alternatives and can be used to re-create the luscious texture of cream, but without any animal products.
You may use an equal amount of Silk heavy whipping cream instead of regular heavy cream in any baking or other cooking recipe. This is a 1:1 ratio.
2. Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is a great dairy-free substitute for heavy cream. It has a rich, creamy texture and can be used in many of the same ways as dairy heavy cream. Coconut cream can be found in most health food stores or online.
This dairy-free alternative is a great substitute to use in place of heavy cream or regular milk, although it can impart a coconut flavor to your recipes. I like to reserve it for making foods like vegan ice cream or savory recipes like dal where the coconut flavor is nice.
See my related article on the Best Substitutes for Coconut Cream.
You may use an equal amount of coconut cream instead of heavy cream in any baking or other cooking recipe. This is a 1:1 ratio.
3. Soy Milk and Olive Oil Cream
For a dairy-free substitute closer to traditional heavy cream in taste and texture, a soy milk and olive oil cream mixture is a great option.
To make one cup of soy milk and olive oil cream, simply combine 2/3 cup of soy milk and 1/2 cup of olive oil together and mix thoroughly. This is a vegan alternative for savory dishes and savory recipes.
For every one cup of heavy cream you are replacing, you should use 2/3 cup of soy milk and 1/2 cup of olive oil. This is a 2:1 ratio.
4. Vegan Soy Heavy Cream
Vegan soy heavy cream is a dairy-free version of heavy cream that uses soy milk and silken tofu to create a delicious, creamy, plant-based substitute.
To make one cup of vegan soy heavy cream, you will need to combine 1 cup of silken tofu and soy milk (usually about 1/4 cup) to thin. Then, add additional milk as needed to thin and smooth the mixture.
This is a nice o option for creamy soups.
For every one cup of heavy cream you are replacing, you should use 1 cup of silken tofu and about 1/4 cup of soy milk. This is approximately a 1:1 ratio.
5. Non-Dairy Milk and Cornstarch
For a lighter, less-rich substitute for heavy cream, you can combine packaged non-dairy milk and cornstarch.
To make this non-dairy substitute, start with 1 cup of non-dairy milk and whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until it is fully dissolved.
This recipe makes a slightly thinner cream, so you may need to use a little bit more of it than the amount of heavy cream called for in your recipe. It’s a light cream option that is a healthy alternative.
Types of Non-Dairy Milk and Where to Purchase
- Silk Almond Milk – can be purchased at any grocery store or online
- So Delicious Coconut Milk – can be purchased at any grocery store or online
- Rice Dream Rice Milk – can be purchased at any grocery store or online
- Oatly Oat Milk – can be purchased at some grocery stores, health food stores, or online
- Silk Cashew Milk – can be purchased at some grocery stores or online
- Milkadamia Macadamia Nut Milk – can be purchased at some health food stores or online
- Elmhurst Milked Hazelnuts Hazelnut Milk – can be purchased at some health food stores or online at vendors like Thrive Market.
- Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Milk – can be purchased at most grocery stores or online
- Tache Pistachio Milk – can be purchased online from their website or from Thrive Market
For every one cup of heavy cream you are replacing, you should use 1 cup of non-dairy milk and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. This is a 1:1 ratio.
6. Vegan Cashew Cream
Vegan cashew cream is a rich, creamy dairy-free substitute for heavy cream that uses cashews as the base.
To make vegan cashew cream, you will need to soak 1 and 1/2 cups of raw cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the cashews, then combine them with 3 and 1/2 cups of water. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
See my recipe for Cashew Cream Sauce that I love using in savory soups or recipes that need some extra fat without any dairy.
For every one cup of heavy cream you are replacing, you should use 1 cup of your vegan cashew cream. This is a 1:1 ratio.
7. White Bean Cream
White bean cream is a plant-based substitute for heavy cream that uses white beans as the base. For a vegan cream, white beans have the perfect delicate flavor and smooth texture.
To make white bean cream, start by blending 1 cup of cooked white beans with a bit of water to thin. Add water to reach the desired consistency.
You can use canned beans or dry. If using dry, just make sure to pre-soak for at least 3 hours. Soaking overnight works best.
For every one cup of heavy cream you are replacing, you should use 1 cup of your white bean cream. This is a 1:1 ratio.
Pros and Cons Summary
Here’s a revised chart summarizing various substitutes for heavy cream, including their respective pros and cons:
| Substitute | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Silk Heavy Whipping Cream | Plant-based, creamy, works well in cooking/baking. | May not be available in all grocery stores. |
| Coconut Cream | Rich, creamy texture, dairy-free. | Strong coconut flavor may not be desirable for all dishes. |
| Soy Milk and Olive Oil Cream | Close to traditional heavy cream in taste and texture. | Requires mixing, flavor may vary with olive oil quality. |
| Vegan Soy Heavy Cream | Creamy, plant-based, versatile in uses. | Requires blending of tofu, may need thinning. |
| Non-Dairy Milk and Cornstarch | Lighter alternative, easy to make. | May be thinner, requiring adjustments in quantity. |
| Vegan Cashew Cream | Rich, creamy, versatile for sweet and savory dishes. | Requires preparation time for soaking cashews. |
| White Bean Cream | Smooth texture, neutral flavor, plant-based. | Requires blending, texture may vary. |
FAQs
No, vegans do not consume dairy-based heavy cream because it is made from milk that comes from animals. However, there are many delicious plant-based substitutes for heavy cream that can be used in recipes.
Yes, almond milk can be used as a plant-based substitute for heavy cream. You will just need to mix it with some cornstarch in order to reach a similar consistency.
Yes, oat milk can be used as a plant-based substitute for heavy cream.
Oat milk is one of the best kinds of milk to mix with oil or cornstarch to make heavy cream. This is because oat milk is one of the creamier plant-based milks.
More Plant-Based Substitutes You Might Like
Conclusions
There are many different plant-based substitutes for heavy cream that can be used in recipes. Some of the best substitutes include coconut cream, soy milk, olive oil cream, vegan soy heavy cream, non-dairy milk and cornstarch, and vegan cashew cream.
You can also use store-bought dairy-free creamers to replace heavy cream in recipes. You can easily find a plant-based substitute that works best for you and your recipe with so many options available.
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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with nearly 10 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.
Can arrowroot powder or tapioca starch be used in place of cornstarch? I can’t use cornstarch due to a corn allergy. Thanks
Yes that would work! 🙂
So helpful! Thank you for posting. New to this whole non-dairy thing thanks to a sensitivity. Only wish there was a printable text version.
Thank you so much for your helpful information. I was recently diagnosed as lactose intolerant so I have to look up different substitutions to make my favorite recipes. Your information has really helped. Thank you so very much. Sincerely, Laurie.
I’m so glad this article was helpful! 🙂