


This heavy cream substitute works best in a soup or quiche. Patel suggests reducing down 2/3 cup of whole milk with 1/4 cup of half and half on the stove until it's slightly thicker and ready to use. "Heavy cream would consist of upwards of a 40 percent ratio between the liquid and the cream part, and those ratios are a little less in half and half." "Half and half is basically just a lighter version of cream," Patel says. If you've ever wondered what half and half actually is, its name spells it out. Oftentimes in savory cooking, heavy cream serves to lighten up a dish and vary its flavor, so a dash of this milk in something like a soup is more than sufficient. "Barista style has similar consistencies as cream would," she says. Patel's go-to, especially in curries, is Oatly's barista blend. Oat milk is another dairy alternative that works as a heavy cream swap. If you're looking for a dollop of cream on top of a dessert, Patel says cashew cream does the trick. For a sweet dish, Patel recommends adding maple syrup or vanilla bean for a boost of flavor. It won't be fluffy per se, but it subs very nicely and has a natural creaminess."īecause they're on the bland side, cashew cream is easily used in an expanse of dishes be it chicken tikka masala or mashed potatoes. A staple of the dairy section, this product is often labeled heavy whipping cream. Heavy cream is the wonderfully fatty stuffup to 40 fat, to be precisethat rises to the top of fresh milk. "Take whole cashews, soak them overnight, and then blend depending on the consistency that you want. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make a heavy cream substitute when you're fresh out. Cashew cream can be purchased in stores, but it's also simple to make at home. Not only is cashew cream Patel's favorite heavy cream alternative, the natural thickener is also one of her favorite options for savory cooking. Depending on the dish, there may be a better substitute. "If it's just plain whipping, is not going to whip as luxuriously as a heavy cream." But if you're going with a more savory dish that values flavor over consistency, you're welcome to go with light cream. Light cream may seem like the most obvious swap and the short answer is, you can, but there's a caveat: What is it being used for? Asking that question will determine your best route, says Patel. For a vegan alternative, try cashew cream. This can be used as a substitute for one cup of whipped cream. Can I substitute light cream for heavy cream? All you have to do is to mix cup milk and cup of melted, unsalted butter.
