IngredientSubIngredientSub

Heavy Cream Substitutes

Exact conversion ratios for any recipe

Replacing heavy cream successfully depends on matching your substitute to your recipe's specific needs. Different recipes use heavy cream for different purposes—binding in cookies, leavening in cakes, moisture in muffins—so one substitute rarely works for everything. Coconut Cream comes closest to universal functionality at 1 cup per cup per heavy cream, delivering Very rich and creamy with coconut flavor texture similarity in most applications. Cashew Cream serves as a strong secondary option at 1 cup per cup with Smooth, neutral, creamy impact, particularly when dietary restrictions rule out Coconut Cream. Common applications include pasta, soup, sauce, where both substitutes perform reliably. The exception: avoid Coconut Cream in some recipes for best results. Below, explore 6 heavy cream substitutes with calculator-ready measurements, filter by dietary needs, and review texture guides before deciding.

Updated Feb 2026

Substitution Calculator

Automatically adjusts substitutes based on your recipe type.

Tip: Changing what you're making may change the recommended substitutes.

⚠️ When NOT to Use These Substitutes

Not every substitute works in every situation. Here are important warnings to keep in mind:

  • Recipes requiring whipped creamAffects: Milk + Butter, Half and Half, Blended Silken Tofu
  • Vegan recipesAffects: Milk + Butter, Greek Yogurt
  • When coconut flavor is unwantedAffects: Coconut Cream
  • Traditional Italian pasta dishesAffects: Coconut Cream
  • Nut allergiesAffects: Cashew Cream
  • When completely smooth texture is required without blendingAffects: Cashew Cream
  • When maximum richness is neededAffects: Half and Half
  • Soy allergiesAffects: Blended Silken Tofu

💡Pro Tips for Best Results

  • ✓Full-fat coconut cream whips similarly to dairy cream when chilled overnight.
  • ✓Cashew cream provides neutral flavor for savory applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions about these substitutes

What are the best substitutes for heavy cream?
The top heavy cream substitutes are Coconut Cream (1 cup per cup), Cashew Cream (1 cup per cup), and Milk + Butter. Coconut Cream works best in pasta and soup. Cashew Cream is ideal for pasta and soup. Each option has different texture impacts—use our calculator to compare exact ratios for your recipe.
What is the ratio for substituting heavy cream?
Standard heavy cream substitution ratios: Coconut Cream uses 1 cup per cup, while Cashew Cream uses 1 cup per cup. These ratios may vary by recipe type—our calculator adjusts amounts based on context (baking, cooking, sauces) and your specific quantity needs. Always check the texture impact rating when choosing between options.
Will my recipe taste different with a heavy cream substitute?
Taste and texture changes depend on your substitute choice. Coconut Cream produces medium taste impact with Very rich and creamy with coconut flavor texture changes. Cashew Cream has low taste impact. Substitutes rated "similar" or "neutral" taste closest to original. For best results, match the substitute to your recipe type—baked goods vs. cooking vs. sauces all have different recommendations.
When should I NOT use a heavy cream substitute?
Avoid using Coconut Cream in various recipes because it may affect texture negatively. When coconut flavor is unwanted Check each substitute's "avoid in" list before choosing—our calculator shows warnings for recipe types that don't work well with specific alternatives.
Can I use multiple heavy cream substitutes in one recipe?
Yes, combining substitutes can work, but requires careful ratio adjustments. For example, you might use half Coconut Cream (1 cup per cup ÷ 2) and half Cashew Cream (1 cup per cup ÷ 2) to balance texture and flavor. This works best when one substitute provides richness and another adds richness. Start with small batches to test results.
What is the best heavy cream substitute without banana?
If you want to avoid banana, try Cashew Cream at 1 cup per cup per heavy cream. This option has Smooth, neutral, creamy texture impact and low taste impact. It works well in pasta and soup and doesn't add any banana flavor to your recipe.
Will substituting heavy cream change the texture of my recipes?
Texture may change slightly depending on your substitute choice. Coconut Cream produces Very rich and creamy with coconut flavor texture impact—most people find this acceptable. Cashew Cream creates Smooth, neutral, creamy changes. For closest results to traditional recipes, choose substitutes rated "similar" in texture impact. The calculator below shows texture ratings for all options.
How much Coconut Cream do I need for 2 heavy creams?
For 2 heavy creams, use 2 cups of Coconut Cream. Double-check using our calculator above—enter "2" in the quantity field to see exact amounts for all substitute options, not just Coconut Cream. Larger quantities generally work proportionally, though you may need slightly less for 3+ heavy creams.
What is the best vegan heavy cream substitute for recipes?
The best vegan heavy cream substitute for recipes is Coconut Cream at 1 cup per cup. It produces Very rich and creamy with coconut flavor texture impact and works especially well in pasta and soup. Filter by "vegan" in the calculator to see all 3 plant-based options available.

Related Substitution Guides

Explore more substitution calculators

Same Ingredient

Dietary Alternatives

Related Ingredients