There's nothing worse than baking and realizing you're out of an ingredient. This time, you find yourself short on heavy cream, but there's no need to panic! Plenty of substitutes can work just as well in your recipes.
Here, we’ll explore five of the best substitutes for heavy cream in baking that you can easily whip up with ingredients you may already have at home.
Key Takeaways
- Whole milk combined with unsalted butter creates a rich substitute for heavy cream.
- Half-and-half mixed with melted butter works well for most baking needs, adding creaminess without being overly rich.
- Olive oil and soy milk can be a great dairy-free option that still provides moisture.
- Cornstarch mixed with milk can thicken up your recipes and mimic the texture of heavy cream.
- Milk blended with Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess, perfect for sauces but not ideal for whipping.
1. Whole Milk and Unsalted Butter
This combo is a great substitute for heavy cream in most baking recipes.
Here's the deal:
- It's super easy to do.
- Most people already have these ingredients.
- It adds the necessary fat content.
Just remember, this isn't going to whip up like actual heavy cream. So, if you're planning on making whipped cream, you might want to consider other options. But for cakes, sauces, and other baked goods? It works like a charm. You can use whole milk in many recipes too.
For every cup of heavy cream your recipe calls for, mix ¾ cup of whole milk with ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter. Make sure the butter is fully incorporated into the milk. Whisk it like you mean it! This will give you a mixture with a similar fat content to heavy cream. It's not an exact match, but it's close enough to get the job done.
2. Half-and-Half and Unsalted Butter
Okay, so you're out of heavy cream, but you do have half-and-half? Awesome! This is a super easy fix. Half-and-half is basically a mix of whole milk and cream, but it doesn't have as much fat as heavy cream. That's where the butter comes in!
To make this work, you're gonna:
- Grab some half-and-half. We're aiming for about 3/4 cup.
- Melt some unsalted butter. You'll need 1/4 cup.
- Whisk them together really well. Make sure the butter is fully mixed in.
This combo works great in most recipes where you need heavy cream, especially for cooking. Think sauces and soups. Baking might need a little tweaking to get the texture just right, but it's totally doable. Just don't expect it to whip up like real heavy cream.
If you're not too worried about the extra richness, you can even skip the butter and just use half-and-half as a half and half milk substitute in a 1-to-1 ratio. It won't be quite as decadent, but it'll still get the job done!
3. Olive Oil and Soy Milk
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, this one's for you.
Olive oil and soy milk can actually work as a substitute for heavy cream. It's kind of like the milk and butter combo, but vegan. The olive oil adds the fat that soy milk lacks, which helps to get a texture and flavor that's closer to heavy cream.
To get the right consistency, mix 2/3 cup of soy milk with 1/3 cup of olive oil for every cup of heavy cream your recipe calls for. This is a great way to add some tenderness and flavor to your baking.
This mix is NOT going to whip up like real heavy cream. So, don't use it in recipes where you need that airy, whipped texture. Think cakes, not whipped toppings.
Here's a quick recap:
- Use 2/3 cup soy milk and 1/3 cup olive oil per 1 cup heavy cream.
- Great for adding moisture and flavor.
- Not suitable for recipes requiring whipping.
4. Cornstarch and Milk
If you're looking for a way to thicken things up without all the fat and calories, milk and cornstarch might just be your new best friends. This combo is especially great for cooking, like when you're trying to make a creamy sauce or a hearty stew. It's not the best for whipping, and it might change the texture of your baked goods a bit, but hey, you can't have it all, right?
To make this work, you'll need to create a slurry. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 cup of milk. Make sure you whisk it really well to get rid of any lumps. You can use whole milk or even skim milk, depending on how much you want to cut back on fat. The cornstarch needs heat to do its thing, so you'll want to simmer it for a minute or so to activate it.
This substitute is a good option if you're watching your calorie intake, but keep in mind that it's not going to give you the same richness as heavy cream. It's more about thickening than adding a ton of flavor.
Here's a quick rundown:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 cup of milk.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Simmer for at least 1 minute to thicken.
- Adjust the amount of cornstarch for desired consistency.
If you're using this in a recipe where it won't be heated, you'll need to cook the mixture separately first. Heat it in a saucepan until it simmers, whisking often, until it's as thick as heavy cream. Then, let it cool before you use it. This milk powder alternative is a great way to adjust your recipes without sacrificing too much flavor. Just remember, it's not going to whip up like heavy cream, so save it for sauces and stews. You can also explore other cornstarch substitutions if you're looking for different textures or flavors.
5. Milk and Greek Yogurt
Okay, so you want something creamy but also maybe a little bit healthier? This combo is surprisingly versatile, and it's a great way to sneak in some extra protein.
I've used it in a pinch, and honestly, it works wonders in certain recipes.
Here's the deal:
- It's best for adding creaminess, not for whipping. So, think sauces, soups, and maybe even some frostings where you're not looking for super stiff peaks.
- The ratio is usually 1:1. Equal parts milk and Greek yogurt. Easy peasy.
- It can add a slight tang. If you're not into that, maybe add a touch of sweetener or vanilla extract to balance it out. You can find more information about Greek yogurt online.
I've found that using full-fat Greek yogurt gives you the closest texture to heavy cream. But if you're trying to cut calories, non-fat works too, just be aware that it might be a bit thinner.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it! A bunch of solid substitutes for heavy cream that can save your baking day. Sure, they might not be a perfect match, but they can still make your cakes, sauces, and soups taste pretty darn good.
Remember to think about your choices and pick the best substitute. And if you ever find yourself in a pinch, don’t hesitate to try one of these options. Happy baking!
