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Does your recipe call for heavy cream and you don’t want to make a special trip to the store? There are a lot of reasons why someone might want to avoid heavy cream. Maybe they’re on a dairy-free diet, or maybe they’re trying to watch their calorie intake. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of substitutes for heavy cream that can be just as delicious! The options below offer some of the best substitutes for heavy cream. Whether you’re looking for a healthier option or you’re just looking for something new to try, we’ve got you covered!
Evaporated Milk
Heavy cream is often used in recipes to add richness and creaminess. However, it is also high in fat and calories. Evaporated milk, on the other hand, is a great substitute for heavy cream that can save you both calories and fat. Evaporated milk is made by heating milk until 60% of the water has evaporated, which concentrates the milk’s flavor and nutrients. It also makes the milk less susceptible to spoilage. When used in place of heavy cream, evaporated milk will add a similarly rich and creamy texture to your dish without all the extra calories and fat. Plus, evaporated milk is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins. So next time you’re looking for a healthier option, reach for evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
Milk & Butter
For many years, milk and butter have been used as substitutes for heavy cream in a variety of recipes. While heavy cream is higher in fat and calories, milk and butter offer a similar consistency and flavor, making them a viable option for those looking to lighten up their dishes. In addition, milk and butter are generally lower in cost than heavy cream, making them a more budget-friendly option as well. When substituting milk and butter for heavy cream, it is important to keep the proportions the same in order to maintain the desired consistency. For example, if a recipe calls for one cup of heavy cream, you would substitute 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of butter. With a little experimentation, you can lighten up your favorite recipes without sacrificing taste or texture.
Half-and-half
Half-and-half makes a great substitute for heavy cream. Half-and-half is made from equal parts milk and cream. Half-and-half contains 10.5 to 18% fat, and heavy cream contains no less than 36% fat. If you are looking for a lighter substitute, Half-and-half can be used as a direct substitute in soups and sauces. It will not thicken as much as heavy cream, but it will add richness to your dish. To use as a substitute in cooking, baking, or in recipes that require whipping use 7/8 cup of half-and-half plus 1/8 cup of butter to equal 1 cup of heavy cream.
Milk & Cornstarch
Looking for a lighter alternative to heavy cream? Try milk and cornstarch! This simple combination can be used as a replacement for heavy cream in many recipes. Just mix together 1 cup of milk with two tablespoons of cornstarch, and you’re good to go. The cornstarch helps to thicken the mixture, mimicking the consistency of heavy cream. Plus, it adds a touch of sweetness that compliments most recipes. Whether you’re making a decadent sauce or a creamy dessert, milk, and cornstarch is a great substitute for heavy cream. Give it a try next time you’re in the kitchen!
Greek Yogurt & Milk
For those looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt, and milk makes a great substitute. Greek yogurt is made by straining out the whey, which results in a thicker, creamier consistency. It also contains more protein than regular yogurt, making it a filling and satisfying option. Milk, on the other hand, is lower in fat than heavy cream and can be just as creamy when used in recipes. When substituting Greek yogurt and milk for heavy cream, be sure to use equal parts Greek yogurt and milk to get the same rich flavor and consistency as heavy cream. When a recipe calls for one cup of heavy cream substitute 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt blended with 1/2 cup of milk.
Soy milk and olive oil
For those looking to lighten up their cooking without sacrificing flavor, soy milk and olive oil are great substitutes. Soy milk is a plant-based alternative to dairy milk that is relatively low in calories and fat. It also has a neutral flavor that won’t overwhelm other ingredients. Olive oil is another good option for adding creaminess without calories. It is also a good source of healthy fats and antioxidants. When substituting soy milk and olive oil for heavy cream, combine 2/3 cup of soy milk with 1/3 cup of olive oil for every 1 cup of heavy cream called for. With a little experimentation, you’ll be able to lighten up your favorite recipes without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.
Coconut Cream
While coconut cream and heavy cream may look similar, they actually have quite different textures and flavor profiles. Heavy cream is richer and denser, while coconut cream is lighter and airier. In terms of flavor, heavy cream is fairly neutral, while coconut cream has a slight sweetness that can be amplified with the addition of sugar or other Sweeteners. When it comes to baking, these differences can be exploited to create unique results. For example, using coconut cream in place of heavy cream will result in a lighter, fluffier cake. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a richer flavor, you can use a mix of half heavy cream and half coconut cream. So whether you’re making a cake or a savory dish, don’t be afraid to experiment with coconut cream as a substitute for heavy cream.
Cream Cheese
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to heavy cream, cream cheese is a great option. Just like heavy cream, cream cheese is high in fat and calories. However, it has less saturated fat than heavy cream, and it’s also a good source of protein and calcium. In addition, cream cheese is much lower in cholesterol than heavy cream. When substituting cream cheese for heavy cream, you’ll need to use about half as much since it’s more concentrated. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of heavy cream, you would use 1/2 cup of cream cheese instead. When substituting cream cheese for heavy cream in a recipe, it’s important to keep in mind that it will slightly change the taste and texture of the dish. However, in most cases, the difference is so subtle that you probably won’t even notice it.
There are a variety of substitutes that can be used in place of heavy cream. Each of these substitutes has its own unique flavor and texture that can be exploited to create different results. So don’t be afraid to experiment! With a little trial and error, you’ll be able to find the perfect substitute for your favorite recipes. Who knows? You might even prefer the new version better than the original.
