If you want a dairy free substitute for heavy cream, there are a couple things you can do.
Heavy cream, also known as heavy whipping cream, is the thick part of the milk that rises to the top after milking, due to its high fat content. It must contain at least 36% or more milk fat, and usually it’s between 36% and 40%.
This means in order to make a heavy cream substitute, butter is added back to milk. However, this is not an option when dairy free.
So, here are three dairy free substitutes for heavy cream.
Dairy Free Milk and Oil
If you’ve read any of my dairy free dessert or dairy free muffin recipes, you know I am a big fan of using oil in place of butter.
I like using Oatly or Carnation Dairy Free Almond Cooking Milk because they are both creamier than other types of dairy free milk.
To make 1 cup of dairy free heavy cream, add 1/4 cup of oil to 3/4 cup of dairy free milk.
If you are using coconut milk, only add one or two tablespoons of vegan butter.
Dairy Free Milk and Vegan Butter
Adding vegan butter or dairy free margarine to dairy free milk follows the more traditional substitutes.
I like using Oatly or Carnation Dairy Free Almond Cooking Milk because they are both creamier than other types of dairy free milk.
To make 1 cup of dairy free heavy cream, add 1/3 cup of vegan butter to 3/4 cup of dairy free milk.
If you are using coconut milk, only add two or three tablespoons of vegan butter.
Coconut Cream
Coconut cream can be a great dairy free substitute for heavy cream in most recipes.
I use coconut cream in my dairy free pumpkin pie and dairy free butternut squash pie instead of heavy cream.
The only thing to keep in mind is that, depending on the dish, it may add a slight coconut flavor. However, flavorful dishes and desserts hide the taste without any trouble.