Buzz
Ever found yourself in that dreaded situation where you eagerly pour your morning coffee, only to discover an empty half-and-half carton? Or perhaps the craving for homemade ice cream hits, but you're missing a crucial ingredient—half-and-half. Fear not! With just milk, cream, butter, or even flour, you can whip up your own half-and-half right at home.
Steps
Combine equal parts whole milk and light cream.
Measure 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of whole milk with 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of light cream. This will yield 1 cup (240 ml) of half-and-half that's nearly indistinguishable from store-bought varieties. You might not even notice any difference! With a fat content of around 10-12%, it's perfect for enhancing your coffee or incorporating into recipes calling for half-and-half.
Prepare a mixture of whole milk and heavy cream in a 3-to-1 ratio.
Combine 3⁄4 cup (180 ml) of whole milk with 1⁄4 cup (59 ml) of heavy cream. This blend results in a slightly richer and creamier version of half-and-half. While it's a great substitute in a pinch, consider using a bit less than usual in your coffee.
- This mixture works particularly well in baked goods or ice cream recipes, where the added richness enhances the flavor.
Combine 2 parts skim milk with 1 part heavy cream.
Mix 2⁄3 cup (160 ml) of skim, 1%, or 2% milk with 1⁄3 cup (79 ml) of heavy cream. Stir thoroughly to achieve a blend that closely mimics store-bought half-and-half. It's perfect for coffee or any recipe calling for half-and-half.
- A small splash of this mixture is delightful in your morning brew, and it's a seamless substitute in any recipe requiring half-and-half.
Substitute butter and milk for half-and-half in baked goods.
Start by melting 2 tablespoons (28 g) of butter, then add it to a 1-cup (240 ml) measuring cup. Fill the rest of the measuring cup with milk and whisk briskly to blend the butter. Use this mixture in your recipe as needed.
- If the butter forms clumps, microwave the mixture for about 15 seconds, then stir again to smooth it out.
- While not ideal for coffee or ice cream due to taste differences, this blend provides the necessary fat content for recipes like cakes.
Blend cornstarch or flour into milk for a quick alternative.
Take 1 cup (240 ml) of milk and whisk in approximately 1 tablespoon (8 g) of flour or cornstarch. This thickens the milk slightly, resembling half-and-half consistency. Note that the flavor may vary.
- This mixture has lower fat content than half-and-half, so it's not ideal for baked goods. However, it's suitable if you dislike the thin texture of coffee with plain milk.
Create a dairy-free option using coconut cream.
Combine equal parts coconut cream and plant-based milk for a vegan version of half-and-half. If coconut cream is unavailable, chill a can of full-fat coconut milk, then carefully skim the thick cream from the top. Mix this with an equal amount of almond milk, soy milk, or your preferred dairy-free alternative.
- You can also use coconut milk in coffee, but expect a pronounced coconut flavor.
- Remember, coconut cream differs from cream of coconut, which contains added sugar.
Pro Tips
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For cream-based half-and-half substitutes, use them within 7-10 days. If they become clumpy or develop a sour smell, discard them sooner. Milk-based alternatives should be used by the expiration date on the milk carton.
