10 Vegan Heavy Cream Substitutes (Best Recipes & How To’s)

Last Updated: September 19, 2022

The dairy-free lifestyle is becoming more and more popular each year. This is likely due to the many health benefits that come with abstaining from dairy products. For those who don’t consume dairy for health reasons, there are still plenty of options when it comes to replacing dairy in recipes. One such product is heavy cream.

There are a number of vegan heavy cream substitutes on the market, but many of them contain unhealthy ingredients. In this article, we will explore 10 vegan heavy cream substitutes that are both healthy and delicious. We will also provide recipes and how-to’s for each one.

Let’s get started!

Brown Rice and Non-Dairy Milk

One of the best substitutes for heavy cream is a combination of brown rice and non-dairy milk. The rice provides thickness and creaminess while the non-dairy milk adds sweetness and flavor. This combo can be used in all sorts of recipes, from sauces to soups to desserts.

To make vegan heavy cream with brown rice and non-dairy milk, you will need:

1/2 cup brown rice

1 cup water

1 cup non-dairy milk (soy, almond, coconut, etc.)

1/4 teaspoon salt

To make the vegan heavy cream, start by combining the brown rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.

Once the rice is cooked through, add the non-dairy milk and salt to the pan. Stir well to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cream thickens. There you have it!

Non-Dairy Milk and Oil

One of the easier options to make vegan heavy cream is to simply combine non-dairy milk and oil together. This combination works best in recipes that call for a small amount of heavy cream, such as salad dressings or sauces.

To make this type of vegan heavy cream, you will need:

1 cup non-dairy milk (soy, almond, coconut, etc.)

1/4 cup oil (vegetable, olive, coconut, etc.)

1/4 teaspoon salt

Start by whisking the non-dairy milk and oil together in a small bowl. Add the salt and whisk until combined. Include it in your favorite recipes next time you cook!

Non-Dairy Milk and Cornstarch

For those that would like a lower-fat option for their vegan heavy cream substitute, non-dairy milk and cornstarch is a good route. This option works best in recipes that call for cooked cream, such as custards, pies, and puddings.

To make this type of vegan heavy cream, you will need:

1 cup non-dairy milk (soy, almond, coconut, etc.)

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

Start by whisking the cornstarch and non-dairy milk together in a small saucepan. Add the salt and whisk until combined. Place the pan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils. There you have it–a great versatile heavy cream that is lower in fat!

Coconut Cream

Depending on how specific your needs are when it comes to your heavy cream, coconut cream could be the right substitute for you. This mixture is great for baked goods as a vegan heavy cream substitute.

To make coconut cream, you will need:

1 can full-fat coconut milk (unrefrigerated)

Open the can of coconut milk and scoop out the solidified cream that has risen to the top. This is your coconut cream!

Coconut milk is the only ingredient you’ll need to make this option. Recipe ingredients can be substituted at a 1:1 ratio with those listed in the recipe. Use it in your favorite recipes as a vegan heavy cream substitute.

The taste of this dairy-free milk overpowers the coconut flavor in savory recipes and soups that call for whipping. There are other dairy-free milk options that can be used in baked goods that need whipping, but this one has enough flavor to make it a good substitute.

Nuts and Beans

This might be one of the more difficult ways to substitute heavy cream for a vegan substitute, but it is also certainly very much worth it.

This is a good method for those that are baking pies or other desserts that call for cooked cream. The main thing you want to focus on with this method is getting the right consistency.

To make this type of vegan heavy cream, you will need:

1 cup raw cashews or 1 cup cannellini beans (soaked overnight)

3/4 cup water

1/4 cup oil (vegetable, olive, coconut, etc.)

1/4 teaspoon salt

If you are using cashews, simply combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. If you are using beans, drain and rinse them before adding them to the blender. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Add to your favorite recipe!

Cashew Cream

If cashews are one of the only ingredients that you have available to you, then this is a great alternative to the nuts and beans method. This option is best used in savory dishes or soups.

To make this type of vegan heavy cream, you will need:

1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours)

3/4 cup water

1/4 teaspoon salt

Soak the cashews for at least 2 hours before draining and rinsing them. Add the cashews and water to a blender and blend until smooth. Add the salt and blend until combined. Utilize this heavy cream in a variety of situations while staying vegan.

Tofu and Soy Milk

Have you always had a soft spot for tofu? If you love including tofu in your dishes, then this alternative could be a great option for you. The key to making this a good vegan heavy cream substitute is to make sure that you press the tofu before using it. This will help to get rid of any excess water and give you a firmer final product.

To make this type of vegan heavy cream, you will need:

1/2 cup firm tofu (pressed and drained)

1/2 cup soy milk

2 tablespoons oil (vegetable, olive, coconut, etc.)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

Press and drain the tofu before adding it to a blender. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Then, enjoy your vegan heavy cream!

Non-Dairy Milk and Flour

This is a great method to use if you need a vegan heavy cream substitute for baking. The combination of the milk and flour will help to thicken the mixture and give you the desired consistency for your baked goods.

To make this type of vegan heavy cream, you will need:

1 cup non-dairy milk (soy, almond, coconut, etc.)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Combine the milk and flour in a bowl or a glass jar with a lid. Shake the mixture until the flour is fully combined. Simply substitute it at a 1:1 ratio with the heavy cream that your favorite recipe calls for!

Cream of Tartar and Soy Milk

This might be one of the more unusual combinations, but it is a great vegan heavy cream substitute for those that need it. The cream of tartar helps to stabilize the soy milk and gives it a thick consistency.

To make this type of vegan heavy cream, you will need:

1 cup soy milk

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Combine the soy milk and cream of tartar in a bowl or a glass jar with a lid. Shake the mixture until the cream of tartar is fully combined. Use the vegan heavy cream in all of your favorite recipes for a fun and unique taste.

White Bean Cream

Another option if you want to mash beans to get your vegan heavy cream is white bean cream. This one also take a bit more work, but is worth it for the nutritional value and the benefit of it being vegan.

To make this type of vegan heavy cream, you will need:

1 cup white beans (soaked overnight)

3/4 cup water

1/4 cup oil (vegetable, olive, coconut, etc.)

1/4 teaspoon salt

Drain and rinse them before adding them to the blender. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. If done properly, you will have a nutritious and wholesome heavy cream to use in all of your favorite dishes.

Our Top Choice: Non-Dairy Milk & Oil

There are a few reasons why combining non-dairy milk and oil for vegan heavy cream is the best vegan heavy cream recipe. For one, it’s easy to make. All you need is a blender or food processor and a few simple ingredients. Second, it’s affordable. You can make a batch of vegan heavy cream for just a few dollars. And third, it’s versatile. You can use vegan heavy cream in a variety of recipes, from savory dishes to sweet treats.

So why is this vegan heavy cream recipe so great? Let’s take a closer look.

One of the benefits of using non-dairy milk and oil is that it’s incredibly creamy. The combination of these two ingredients creates a thick, luxurious texture that rivals dairy-based heavy cream. This vegan heavy cream is also dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free, making it perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions.

Another benefit of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can use this vegan heavy cream recipe in everything from savory dishes like mashed potatoes and gravy to sweet treats like chocolate pudding and ice cream. It’s also great for baking, adding richness and depth of flavor to cakes, cookies, and other baked goods.

So if you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make vegan heavy cream that’s perfect for any occasion, give this recipe a try!

How to Make Non-Dairy Milk & Oil Vegan Heavy Cream

To make vegan heavy cream, combine 1 cup of non-dairy milk with 1/4 cup of oil. Use an immersion blender to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can use this vegan heavy cream in place of regular heavy cream in recipes.

What Recipes Are Best for Vegan Heavy Cream

As we mentioned, this vegan heavy cream is perfect for a variety of recipes. Here are some of our favorites:

Mashed potatoes

Gravy

Chocolate pudding

Ice cream

Baked goods (cakes, cookies, etc.)

How to Store This Vegan Heavy Cream

To store vegan heavy cream, transfer it to a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to use it, simply give it a good shake or stir to recombine.

There you have it! The best vegan heavy cream out there!

Benefits of Vegan-Friendly Heavy Cream

Some people may look at the necessity to make vegan-friendly heavy cream as a chore or think that they are sacrificing taste, but that simply isn’t the case. In fact, even if you aren’t vegan, it might be worth trying some of these heavy creams. They are full of taste and flavor, plus, you’ll be able to try some new things!

Lower in Fat

Heavy cream is a dairy product that is made by adding cream to milk. It is high in fat and calories, making it unsuitable for people who are trying to lose weight or follow a vegan diet.

However, there is a vegan alternative to heavy cream that is lower in fat and calories. Soy milk thickened with cornstarch can be used to replace heavy cream in recipes. Soy milk thickened with cornstarch has only 2 grams of fat per serving, compared to 8 grams of fat in heavy cream.

It also has fewer calories, with only 60 calories per serving compared to 100 calories in heavy cream. So if you are looking for a vegan alternative to heavy cream, soy milk thickened with cornstarch is the way to go.

Suitable for Everyone

When it comes to vegan heavy cream, there are so many reasons why it is suitable for everyone, not just those who are vegan. For starters, vegan heavy cream is made entirely from plant-based ingredients, which makes it a great choice for those who are looking for a dairy-free option. It’s also a great choice for those who are looking for a healthier option, as it contains no cholesterol and is lower in fat than traditional heavy cream.

But the best part of all? Vegan heavy cream tastes just as delicious as traditional heavy cream! Whether you’re using it in your morning coffee, in a creamy soup or sauce, or in any other recipe that calls for heavy cream, you’ll love the rich and creamy taste of vegan heavy cream. So if you’re looking for a dairy-free and healthier alternative to traditional heavy cream, be sure to give vegan heavy cream a try!

Fast & Easy to Prepare

Vegan heavy cream is a fantastic dairy-free alternative to regular heavy cream. It is easy to prepare and fast to cook up, making it a great choice for a quick and easy meal. Simply blend unsweetened soy milk with a small amount of oil until thick and creamy. Soy milk is high in protein and makes a great base for vegan cream sauces. The oil adds richness and mouthfeel, similar to that of dairy cream. This vegan heavy cream can be used in place of regular heavy cream in recipes, such as soups, stews, and pasta dishes. It is also great for making decadent desserts, such as vegan ice cream or whipped cream.

Lower Cost

There are two types of heavy cream- regular and vegan. Vegan heavy cream is made from plant-based ingredients, and is lower in cost than regular heavy cream.

One reason that vegan heavy cream is lower cost is that it is made with less expensive ingredients. In addition, there is no need for animal products like milk or cream, which can be expensive. Vegan heavy cream also lasts longer than regular heavy cream, so you don’t have to worry about it going bad as quickly.

If you are looking for a lower-cost alternative to regular heavy cream, vegan heavy cream is a great option. It tastes great and is easy to find online or in stores.

Ethical

This type of heavy cream is more ethical than consuming regular heavy cream, which is made by thickening cow’s milk with a small amount of cream.

The dairy industry is one of the most cruel and unethical industries in the world. cows are routinely subjected to abuse and neglect, and most cows are killed when they are no longer able to produce milk. By choosing vegan heavy cream, you can help reduce the demand for dairy products, which will ultimately help reduce the amount of cruelty that takes place in the dairy industry.

In addition to being more ethical, vegan heavy cream is also healthier than regular heavy cream. It is lower in calories and fat, and it contains no cholesterol or saturated fat. Vegan heavy cream also contains more nutrients than regular heavy cream, including B vitamins, iron, calcium, and magnesium.

If you’re looking for a delicious and ethical way to enjoy your favorite recipes, vegan heavy cream is the perfect choice!

Let’s Recap

If you’re looking for a dairy-free and healthier alternative to traditional heavy cream, vegan heavy cream is a great choice. It’s easy to prepare and lower in cost than regular heavy cream. Plus, it’s more ethical and contains more nutrients. So if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to enjoy your favorite recipes, be sure to give vegan heavy cream a try!

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About the author

Jason Hughes

"Hey there, I'm Jason, and you've just landed on the most exhilarating spot on the web - my VL universe! Here's the deal: I'm wildly obsessed (in the best way possible!) with all things diet, strength training, fitness, health, and wellness. It's not just a passion; it's a lifestyle!

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