5 Dairy-Free Replacements for Heavy Cream (Equally Delicious and Whip-Worthy)

Whether you're avoiding dairy due to an allergy or simply prefer plant-based milks, there are numerous options that mimic the rich texture and flavor of heavy cream. But what about a dairy-free version of heavy cream? The good news is, many popular dairy-free milks can be easily converted into a perfect substitute for heavy cream, with the help of ingredients like oil, butter, cornstarch, or nuts. In just minutes (and a small investment), you can recreate the velvety smoothness of heavy cream without any dairy. This innovative dairy-free alternative opens up endless culinary possibilities—from comforting tomato soup to homemade vodka sauce, or even your favorite indulgent baked treats. Once you try these dairy-free heavy cream substitutes, you may never look back.

Top Dairy-Free Substitutes for Heavy Cream

When it comes to texture and flavor, these are the top dairy-free substitutes for heavy cream.

Coconut Milk

Even if you're not a fan of coconut flavor, don't rule out this fantastic heavy cream alternative. Coconut milk is a staple in various cuisines, particularly in South Asia and East Africa. This creamy liquid, derived from mature coconut pulp, offers a rich, smooth texture with a mild taste. Coconut milk is an excellent choice for replacing heavy cream in everything from coffee and smoothies to soups, curry, and sauces. Plus, it's a 1:1 replacement, so you can use the same quantity of coconut milk as you would heavy cream.

Nut Milk + Tofu

There are many types of nut milks available, including almond, cashew, macadamia, and pistachio. While these plant-based milks are perfect for coffee and smoothies, they're not thick enough to substitute heavy cream on their own. The solution is to blend them with another ingredient, such as soaked nuts, vegan butter, or soft, plain tofu, to create the desired thickness and texture. Once thickened, nut milk can be used in a 1:1 ratio for heavy cream.

Hemp Milk + Vegan Butter

Hemp milk stands out as an excellent plant-based choice, packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin D. Additionally, it's rich in protein. Like nut milks, hemp milk has a thinner texture, so it often needs to be combined with a richer ingredient, such as vegan butter or a mild oil. Thickened hemp milk can replace heavy cream in a 1:1 ratio, but its earthy and nutty flavor makes it best suited for savory recipes, like soups and sauces.

Oat Milk + Cornstarch

When oats are soaked and blended, the starch breaks down, creating a creamy, neutral-flavored milk. Although oat milk is thicker than many other plant-based options, it might still require the addition of cornstarch or vegan butter to reach the consistency of heavy cream. For desserts such as ganache or buttercream, aim to use 1.5 cups of thickened oat milk for every 1 cup of heavy cream. In savory dishes like soups or sauces, you can substitute it in a 1:1 ratio and adjust the quantity as needed.

Soy Milk + Canola Oil

Soy milk was one of the first non-dairy products to make its debut on the market, and it remains one of the top choices for coffee, cooking, and baking. To achieve the same creamy consistency as heavy cream, simply mix 2/3 cup of soy milk with 1/3 cup of a mild oil, such as canola or avocado oil. The resulting thickened soy milk can be used in equal measure to heavy cream.