Heavy cream substitutes

To replace 1 cup heavy cream, use ¾ cup whole milk plus ¼ cup melted butter. Works in sauces, soups and baking. It won't whip.

For 1 cup heavy cream, use:

1
¾ cup whole milk plus ¼ cup melted butter
Works in sauces, soups and baking. It won't whip.
2
1 cup half-and-half
Lighter and thinner. Fine in soups and coffee; sauces may need a little more simmering.
3
1 cup full-fat coconut cream, chilled
Whips like cream and works in curries and desserts, with a coconut flavor.

Good to know about swapping heavy cream

Only cream with at least 30% fat whips. None of the milk-based swaps will hold peaks.

To replace 1 cup heavy cream, use ¾ cup whole milk plus ¼ cup melted butter. Works in sauces, soups and baking. It won't whip.

Yes. For 1 cup heavy cream, use 1 cup half-and-half. Lighter and thinner. Fine in soups and coffee; sauces may need a little more simmering.

Yes. For 1 cup heavy cream, use 1 cup full-fat coconut cream, chilled. Whips like cream and works in curries and desserts, with a coconut flavor.

Last updated November 5, 2026