Heavy Cream Substitute

Heavy cream is widely used in a variety of recipes, like, soups, sauces, curries, desserts, etc. It is a favorite topping in cakes and pastries, and is used in many popular drinks, like Irish coffee, eggnog, Mekong, Godiva cream, etc. Whipped heavy cream can often be seen as a garnish in coffee drinks. However, health conscious people search for heavy cream substitution, as it is very high in fat content. It has the highest butterfat content, which is between 36% to 40% in products available in the United States and around 48% to 50% in other places. While, for some people, high fat content is the reason for searching a heavy cream substitute, others need it as a replacement, in case, they run out of heavy cream. Whatever may be the reason, many of us need substitution for heavy cream, which can be used in food recipes as a replacement for this ingredient.

Substitute for Heavy Cream

Cream consists of the fatty components in milk, which is not homogenized. Usually, this yellowish milk fat accumulates at the surface. There are many types of cream, like, clotted cream, double cream, half-and-half cream, heavy cream, long-life cream, reduced fat cream, etc. Creams with high butterfat content have a rich texture and taste better than its counterparts, plus, such creams don't curdle easily and can be used in cooking. Also, creams with high butterfat content whips well and will be more stable. Heavy cream is usually whipped before use, but, there are recipes, which require heavy cream as such, i.e. without whipping. Whipping makes it more denser, as it doubles in volume, which makes it holds its shape, even after whipping. All these features, along with its superb taste, makes it a favorite ingredient in recipes. However, the high fat content is a cause of worry, as it is unhealthy to consume high fat foods. You may use heavy cream substitutes as a replacement for original heavy cream. For others, who do not want to use substitutes, these tips may prove helpful, when there is no heavy cream in the kitchen and you need a heavy cream substitute urgently:

• In case of recipes, which require heavy cream without whipping, you can replace it with a homemade heavy cream substitute. All you have to do is to mix ¾ cup milk and ⅓ cup of unsalted butter (you should not use margarine). This can be used as a substitute for one cup of whipped cream. Low fat milk is not desirable, but, if you are using low-fat milk, add a tablespoon of flour to make the mixture thicker.
• Another option is thickened skim milk, which has to be mixed with flour or cornstarch. You can also use unflavored gelatin to thicken the milk.
• If you are a vegetarian and want a low fat heavy cream substitute, then this option will be perfect for you. Blend silk tofu with plain soy milk, till you make sure that no lumps are left in the mixture. You may also use soy toppings, which are available in the market.
• Another heavy cream substitute can be made at home by mixing cottage cheese with milk powder or skim milk. Take 225 grams of low fat cottage cheese and blend it with three tablespoons of non-fat powdered milk, and blend well, so as to avoid lumps. You may also replace powdered milk with low fat skim milk.
• Some people use a heavy cream substitute made of evaporated milk and vanilla extract. For this purpose, you have to chill the evaporated milk, and then add vanilla, and mix well, before adding to recipes.

Now, you know more about heavy cream substitutes which can be easily prepared. Some of them are very low in fat content too. However, substitutes can slightly alter the flavor and texture of the end product, so ensure that the heavy cream substitute you choose for a particular recipe should be compatible with the flavor of the dish. You can select any of the heavy cream substitutes as per the consistency and flavor you need.