Non dairy alternatives for heavy cream are becoming more popular as more people remove dairy from their diets. That could be because you are going vegan, you (or someone in your family) is lactose intolerant, or any number of reasons.
I’m not lactose intolerant but I’ve found there are times when going dairy free just is easier on me so I’ve gone through the best options for heavy cream when ditching the dairy.
So what are the best dairy free heavy cream substitutes?
The best non dairy substitutes for heavy cream are coconut cream, Silken tofu and soy milk, and soy milk with olive oil.
Nondairy Heavy Cream Alternatives
The great thing is there are three great dairy free heavy cream replacements that not only taste great but are also vegan friendly if that is what you are looking for. You can use these alternatives in any recipe that calls for heavy cream or whipping cream.
Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is what is left over from making coconut milk. It’s somewhat similar to heavy cream in texture and consistency but it lacks the buttery flavor of heavy cream. I found that it substitutes for heavy cream well enough when used in baking recipes but if you are looking for something a little stronger tasting than coconut cream one of the next two alternatives are just what you’re looking for.
I love coconut cream in desserts because it has a subtle sweetness that blends so well almost any treat that calls for heavy cream. I use a 1:1 ratio in all recipes when replacing heavy cream with coconut cream.
If vegan is important make sure to check the label of the exact coconut cream you use. Not all varieties you find on the grocery shelf are vegan so simply read that label and make sure it is!
Either canned or carton coconut cream will work as a substitute but you should check the fat content as canned tends to have a higher fat content than boxed.
And if you are concerned about having a strong coconut flavor no need to fear. Coconut cream has a much subtler coconut flavor than coconut flakes. It really does work so well in most any recipe where you need a non dairy replacement for heavy cream.
Equivalent
1 cup of coconut cream equals 1 cup of heavy cream
Silken Tofu With Soy Milk
If you need heavy cream to make whipped cream then this is the best substitute that is dairy free. It whips up so well that it is almost as fluffy as the real thing.
With all the different recipes that call for whipped cream, this substitute should be in your kitchen list of staples.
It whips so well because it is made from whipped up soy milk that comes with a more solid texture.
I mix together my silken tofu and soy milk at a one to one ratio and whip it in the blender until it thickens up to the desired texture.
Then, when making a sweet dish, I add sweetened to taste. You can use sugar, honey, stevia or your favorite sweetened until the desired sweetness is reached.
This is a great option for those looking for vegan friendly heavy cream alternatives.
Equivalent
1/2 cup silken tofu and 1/2 cup soy milk equals 1 cup of heavy cream
Soy Milk With Olive Oil
Soy milk is the center of another great heavy cream replacement. Because soy is nondairy and plant based, it makes its way into many vegan and dairy free recipes.
By adding some olive oil we are able to get some fat into the mix which is crucial when replacing heavy cream in a recipe. Use a 2:1 ratio of soy milk to olive oil. Combine completely and use as a 1:1 heavy cream substitution.
I have found extra virgin olive oil to be the best to use in regards to flavor. It is more subtle and less likely to overwhelm the other flavors in your dish.
Equivalent
2/3 cup of soy milk with 1/3 cup olive oil equals 1 cup of heavy cream
What Is Heavy Cream?
Heavy cream refers to heavy whipping cream which has been in traditional American recipes for decades. It’s heavy cream that is whipped with butter and sugar.
It is good in most any dessert recipe that calls for heavy cream, but it is my personal favorite when baked goods are called for. Because of the importance of heavy cream in so many desserts it is important to get your substitutes right when you cannot have dairy.
By following the recommendations outlined above you can easily make any recipe nondairy. Just watch you ratios and follow the tips in this article and your recipe will turn out wonderfully!
Bottom Line
If you are looking to make some of your favorite desserts without dairy or have lactose intolerance, then my non dairy heavy cream substitutes are what you need. They work so well in most any recipe calling for heavy cream and they are all vegan friendly if that’s what you want.
The best thing is there is a single replacement for all your whipping needs and it works just as well as the real thing.