The Best Substitutes for Whipping Cream (2024)

Whipped cream is a delightful topping on hot chocolate, ice cream sundaes, and your favorite slice of pie. The light and creamy treat comes from the high-fat part of milk.

When fresh milk is left to stand, a fat layer forms at the top, which is collected to make whipping cream, heavy cream, half-n-half, and light cream. Whipping cream is usually 30% to 35% fat allowing for a light and fluffy whipped topping.

However, because whipping cream has a lower fat percentage than heavy cream (36% fat) it is not as stable and can lose its shape more quickly. This fact means it does not make for a stable whipped cream. It also is not ideal for toppings that need to be piped and maintain their shape, like cake frosting and ganache.

Why Use a Whipping Cream Substitute?

You may want to use a whipping cream substitute if you have a dairy allergy or prefer a plant-based lifestyle. You may need an alternative if you choose low-fat foods, or if your recipe calls for whipping cream and you do not have any available to you.

Dairy allergies are a common reason to seek a whipping cream substitute. Because whipping cream is made using milk, it contains the same proteins in milk and other dairy products that people with a dairy allergy may react to.

Interestingly, heavy cream, whipping cream, and whipped cream contain small amounts of lactose and would be safe for those with lactose intolerance. Because of this, you do not need to seek a whipping cream substitute if lactose intolerant unless desired.

Following a plant-based, vegetarian, or vegan lifestyle is a common reason to seek an alternative to whipping cream. Fortunately, there are several dairy-free options to choose. And, if your recipe calls for whipping cream but you just do not have access to any, there are alternatives.

Whipping Cream Nutrition

The nutrition information for 1 tablespoon (15g) of light whipping cream is provided by the USDA.

Because whipping cream is mostly consumed as whipped cream, the nutritional information for 1 cup (120g) of whipped cream is also provided by the USDA.

Whipping cream and whipped cream are both high in calories due to their high-fat content. Dairy fat has long been controversial for heart health. However, recent research suggests that dairy fat intake was associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk.

Whipping Cream Substitutes

Whether you need whipping cream for your recipe or want to use it as a whipped, fluffy topping, there is a whipping cream substitute.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is a vegan and dairy-free alternative to whipping cream and contains just the right amount of fat content to whip up nicely. The key to making perfect peaks with canned coconut milk is to chill the can overnight and beat it with a hand or stand mixer until soft and fluffy. Sifted powdered sugar and stevia make the best sweeteners because they will not weigh them down.

Coconut milk compares to whipping cream nutritionally but will add a coconut flavor to your dish. According to the USDA, 1 tablespoon (15g) of coconut milk has 30 calories, 0.3 grams of protein, 3.2 grams of fat, and 0.4 grams of carbs. When compared with whipping cream, the nutrition values for coconut milk are quite similar.

Silken Tofu Pureed with Soy Milk

Another vegan and dairy-free whipping cream substitute is vegan whipped cream made with a combination of silken tofu, soy milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Because tofu is high in protein and low in fat, this whipped cream alternative is lower in fat than dairy whipping cream, yet higher in carbs.

To make this version of whipped cream, combine 1 pound of silken tofu, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup sugar in a blender or food processor until smooth. While the machine is running, gradually add the soy milk until light and fluffy. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Butter and Milk

Though this option is not any lower in calories or fat than whipping cream, it does work if you are in a pinch and need whipping cream for baking or cooking. Mix 1/3 cup softened butter with 3/4 cup milk using an electric mixer until the desired consistency is reached.

Dry Milk, Lemon Juice, and Vanilla Extract

You also can use dry (powdered) milk to make whipped cream. It is an excellent non-fat whipping cream substitute and easy to make.

Combine 1/2 cup cold water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a large bowl. Sprinkle 1/2 cup non-fat dry milk over the water and beat with an electric mixer or beater for 4 minutes, or until stiff. Then beat in 1/4 cup granulated sugar until it dissolves and the mixture is smooth.

Chill the whipped topping for at least 30 minutes before using. Remember, powdered milk is dairy, so it is not ideal for plant-based diets or for someone with a dairy allergy.

Chilled Evaporated Milk and Lemon Juice

You also can use evaporated milk combined with lemon juice as a substitute for whipping cream. Combine a can of chilled evaporated milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Beat it with an electric mixer for a suitable whipping cream substitute.

Banana, Egg Whites, and Sugar

For a simple, low-fat, dairy-free, vegetarian option, try whipping two large, ripe bananas with two egg whites and 3 teaspoons sugar until fluffy. Be careful not to overbeat, and stop when the desired consistency is reached.

Milk, Cornstarch, and Flour

Make a low-fat, low-carb version of whipping cream using 1 cup of almond milk, rice milk, or low-fat or nonfat dairy milk and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Combine with a whisk.

Continue whisking and add 1 tablespoon flour until combined and the mixture is smooth. This preparation is a solid whipping cream substitute for a thickener in recipes.

A Word from Verywell

Whether you are looking for a whipping cream alternative because you do not have any or you are looking for a dairy-free swap there are plenty of options to choose from. You may have to experiment to find what works for your recipe and taste buds, but the options are promising.

Because whipping cream is low in lactose, people with lactose intolerance can use whipping cream at their discretion. The best whipping cream substitutes are those with high fat content to recreate the same fluffy volume provided by full-fat dairy.