If you like baking and cooking, you know how important cream can be. But, did you know that heavy cream and heavy whipping cream aren’t the same and are used in different dishes?
Read on to know exactly what the key differences are and how they affect flavor and texture.
Heavy Cream and Heavy Whipping Cream vs. Regular Whipping Cream
Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream look and taste pretty much the same. They both contain at least 35% of fat, however, whipping cream is lighter than heavy cream. On the other hand, the heavy whipping kind is usually higher in fat and can yield similar results to heavy cream.
When it comes to baking and cooking, heavy cream and heavy whipping cream work perfectly well and can be used interchangeably. In cooking, you can also use both, as the fat content and sugar are the same.
Whatever you choose, make sure it is either heavy cream or heavy whipping cream, but not light cream or regular whipping cream, as this can alter the dish.
What Can I Replace Heavy Cream and Heavy Whipping Cream With?
Either way, if you can’t find any of the two, these are the best substitutes for heavy cream and heavy whipping cream:
Best For Baking, Cheesecake, Ganache, Ice Cream, and Frosting
#1. Whole Milk
While whole milk contains more of the fat than the other counterparts, it still not the same as heavy cream or heavy whipping cream. This choice, though, can work if mixed with butter, which adds more fat and texture. You can use whole milk in baking desserts, making ganache, and frosting.
Finding whole milk shouldn’t be a problem. You can try to look in any grocery or convenience store. Make sure you use the same amount if only using whole milk.
If you are adding butter, mix about ½ cup of whole milk plus ½ butter, or add less butter if you’re not making something too thick.
This is a high-calorie choice, but it is thick and creamy. You can use condensed milk when baking, and in making ice cream, ganache, or frosting.
This type of milk is simply evaporated milk with more sugar, so it should be reserved for sweet desserts and it is not to be used for whipping.
You can find condensed milk in any grocery store, but make sure you use it only if your recipe is sweet and dense. You can replace heavy cream or heavy whipping cream for the same amount of condensed milk.
#3. Cream Cheese
This cheese is made from fresh cream and milk, and it is soft and tangy. While it is not a liquid, it can be a great substitute for making ice cream, cheesecake, frosting, ganache, and baking things like scones and banana bread.
You can find cheese cream everywhere, but we recommend you choose the full-fat option for better texture and flavor.
You can use half of the amount of cream cheese as you would with heavy cream or heavy whipping cream, but make sure you add more liquid if you need to. The texture and the flavor may change, but it isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just make sure you like the taste before adding it.
Not to be confused with coconut milk, this product is vegan and it is thick and creamy. Coconut cream is made from coconut milk that has been condensed. It is higher in fat and can be used as a binding agent.
You can use coconut cream to make vegan ice cream, ganache, frosting, and cheesecake.
Finding coconut cream shouldn’t be too hard, especially at your local grocery store. You can also make it at home by chilling a can of coconut milk for 12 hours, then separating the condensed “cream” from the liquid portion.
Use it in the same amount you would use heavy cream or heavy whipping cream, but take into account that commercial brands contain sugar.
This choice is great for savory dishes, as it isn’t too sweet or thick. Yet, if you want to make it denser, you can add butter to it as well. Half and half is simply cream and whole milk.
Adding butter will make the option resemble the flavor and texture of heavy cream or heavy whipping cream in things like soup, pasta sauces, and making creamy dishes.
You can buy half and half anywhere, but you probably already have some in your fridge. Use ¾ of a cup of half and half, and ¼ butter to get better results, otherwise, use the same amount as you would use heavy cream or heavy whipping cream.
#6. Greek Yogurt
This is a very healthy option in place of heavy cream or heavy whipping cream in dishes like soup, pasta, and dips.
While Greek yogurt is creamy, it is very tangy, so you can add a bit of milk or half and half, to dilute the flavor and make the texture lighter. You may already have Greek yogurt, but make sure it’s the plain one.
To replace heavy cream or heavy whipping cream use half a cup of Greek yogurt and half a cup of whole milk. If you’re only using Greek yogurt, then use ¾ of a cup for every cup of cream.
#7. Milk and Cornstarch
For dishes that require thickening and creaminess, you can use a mix of whole milk and cornstarch. Some dishes in which this option works, include lasagna, carbonara sauce, soup, or even pasta vodka. You can find cornstarch and whole milk everywhere, but you may already have some at home.
To use it in place of heavy cream or heavy whipping cream, you can add one cup of whole milk for every cup of cream plus1 to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Be careful not to overdo the cornstarch, as you will make the mix too thick and flavorless.
Some healthy alternatives are in this list, like cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or coconut cream. You can also use sour cream or nut milk for certain dishes.
Is whipping cream and heavy cream the same?
Yes, they are essentially the same thing, as they both contain roughly the same amount of fat and have a heavy texture and flavor. Don’t confuse regular whipping cream with heavy cream though, as this one is lighter and the flavor is more subtle.
Can I use heavy whipping cream instead of heavy cream for Alfredo sauce?
Yes, especially because you’re using the same ingredient. Don’t confuse light cream or whipping cream with the heavy kind, as the flavors and texture are lighter and will not render the same creamy results.
Conclusion
When baking or cooking with heavy cream or heavy whipping cream, it is good to know that other ingredients work well too. You can try any of these seven substitutes, but remember that they are all meant to be used for various purposes. Don’t worry, though, as they are all easy to use and give out amazing results.
Juliana has a BA in Journalism and Creative Writing as well as a M.S. in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Sensory Sciences. She loves traveling, trying new foods, and cooking. When she isn’t busy working, you can find her running with her dog Milo or reading a book in the sun.
