Dairy
Vegan alternative to heavy cream
Short answer
Full-fat coconut cream is the best all-round replacement for heavy cream — curries, desserts, whipping. 1:1 by volume.
Why heavy cream isn't vegan
Skimmed off cow's milk.
Best vegan substitutes
| Substitute | Best for |
|---|---|
| Full-fat coconut cream | Curries, desserts, whipping |
| Cashew cream (1 cup cashews : 3/4 cup water) | Pasta sauces, soups |
| Oat single cream | Neutral cooking cream |
| Silken tofu blended smooth | High-protein, low-fat sauces |
Conversion ratio
1:1 by volume.
Pro tip
Cashew cream will not split when boiled, unlike some carton oat creams — use it for anything that needs a long simmer.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best vegan alternative to heavy cream?
- Full-fat coconut cream is the closest all-round swap — curries, desserts, whipping. 1:1 by volume.
- Why isn't heavy cream vegan?
- Skimmed off cow's milk.
- How much do I use instead of heavy cream?
- 1:1 by volume.
- Any tips for getting it right?
- Cashew cream will not split when boiled, unlike some carton oat creams — use it for anything that needs a long simmer.
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