Heavy cream is the milk fat that rises to the surface of fresh milk. The cream is an excellent thickening and enricher for soups and sauces, especially because it does not curdle when heated. Heavy cream is also used to make ice, frost, and dessert toppings. However, since it is not Vegan, Vegans cannot use it. So they need a substitute for it & it needs to be similar to heavy cream. So what is good vegan substitute for heavy cream?
There can be multiple great substitutes for heavy cream, and it includes coconut cream, nut milk, and cashew cream. Creamed rice, soy milk, silk heavy whipped cream, and even more. Let’s get to know all the best vegan substitutes for heavy cream.
What Is a Good Vegan Substitute for Heavy Cream?
Heavy cream is not merely a liquid; according to the FDA, it contains at least 36% milk fat. Hence, implementing a vegan cream option can be challenging. In addition, it contributes to the rich mouthfeel associated with high-fat food. As a result, substituting the element is difficult but not impossible. So here are our 7 vegan alternatives to heavy cream.
Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is an excellent non-dairy alternative to heavy cream. It has the same rich, creamy texture as heavy dairy cream and can be utilized in many of the same ways. Coconut cream is available at the majority of health food stores and online. This dairy-free alternative is an excellent replacement for heavy cream and ordinary milk.
Unlike other dairy-free milk alternatives, this one is ideal for baked items that require whipping and soups and savory dishes with enough flavor to mask the coconut flavor.
In place of heavy cream, coconut cream may be substituted in any baking and culinary recipes. This ratio is 1:1.
Cashew Cream
Due to the natural oils inherent in cashews, cashew cream is an ideal vegan substitute for heavy cream, as it satisfies the necessary textural requirements and possesses a touch of richness. The cashew cream will not absorb air like whipping cream but will lend a beautiful body to soups, purees, sauces, and baked goods.
To make vegan cashew cream, 1 1/2 cups of raw cashews must be soaked in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. After draining and rinsing the cashews, blend them with three and a half cups of water. Mix until a smooth texture is achieved. To replace 1 cup of heavy cream, use 1 cup of vegan cashew cream. The proportion is exactly one-to-one.
Silken Whipped Cream
If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to full-fat cream, go no further than silk. Filtered water, fava bean protein, and coconut oil are the ingredients. It has the same versatility as regular heavy cream and can be used for the same purposes. You can get Silk Heavy Whipping Cream at most grocery stores or on the internet.
Silk heavy whipping cream can be used in place of conventional heavy cream in any recipe that calls for heavy cream. The proportion is exactly one-to-one.
Soy Milk & Silken Tofu Cream
Tofu is an indispensable ingredient in vegan cuisine and baking. And silken tofu combined with a small amount of plant milk is an excellent substitute for heavy cream. Because of its high protein content, tofu is a fantastic substitute for heavy cream. In addition, tofu thickens dairy-free milk to the consistency of cream.
When silken tofu is blended with soy milk, which has a similar protein level to dairy milk, it can imitate the texture of the genuine thing. Adjust the quantity of soy milk according to the desired consistency. For example, replace one cup of heavy cream with one cup of silken tofu and approximately one-fourth cup of soy milk. This is close to a 1:1 ratio.
Plant-Based Milk & Cornstarch Cream
When dissolved in nearly any liquid, this starchy powder develops an exceptionally thick but smooth consistency, making it a perfect choice for a vegan heavy cream substitute. This vegan alternative to heavy cream will not whisk up into soft peaks like heavy whipping cream, but it is perfect for cream sauces, chowders, and casseroles when some thickness is desired.
Cornstarch, once activated, retains its texture even after being cooled and reheated, so there is no clumping or separation of ingredients.
Creamed Rice
This option will provide a great richness to your recipes and is ideal for foods that require body (without the use of fats!) as well as a creamy texture.
This substitution can be made with any type of cooked rice and any liquid of your choosing, such as plant-based milk, vegetable stock, or simple water. For instance, if you are substituting creamed rice for heavy cream in a dessert or baking dish, you may want to use plain white rice and coconut milk.
White Bean Cream
White bean cream is a plant-based alternative to heavy cream made from white beans. White beans provide a vegan cream’s ideal delicate flavor and silky texture. To make white bean cream, mix 1 cup of cooked white beans with a small amount of water to thin. Then, to achieve the correct consistency, add water.
You can use canned or dry beans. If using dry, soak for at least three hours beforehand. Bathing overnight works best.
To replace one cup of heavy cream with white bean cream, use one cup of white bean cream. This ratio is 1:1.
Bottom Line
This was all about vegan substitutes for heavy cream. We have many options, including coconut cream, rice cream, soy milk and silken tofu cream, silk cream, and cashew cream. You can use any of them as per your vegan recipes called for. Surely you can’t replace the same texture of heavy cream; still, you can mimic it up to a level.
We hope you found this article helpful & informative. Please leave your valuable thoughts & suggestions in the comments.