SaurabhPlant cream adds richness to pasta sauces, soups, baked goods, and desserts, but dairy isn’t the only way to achieve that silky texture. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just cutting back on dairy, the right substitute can deliver the same indulgent taste.
The good news? There are plenty of store-bought options and simple homemade swaps to choose from. In this guide, we’ll walk through the 15 best vegan cream substitutes and even share a quick DIY recipe.
15 Best Vegan Cream Substitutes
When a recipe calls for heavy cream, it’s usually to bring body, flavor, and that velvety finish. Going dairy-free doesn’t mean giving that up. With the right alternatives, you can enjoy the same richness in everything from savory dishes to sweet treats. Here are 15 of the best vegan cream substitutes you can use at home or grab from the store.
1. Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is one of the best vegan heavy cream substitutes because of its rich, velvety texture and natural sweetness. It works perfectly in curries, soups, and even desserts like pies and puddings.
Since it has a higher fat content than coconut milk, it provides a thickness similar to dairy heavy cream. For best results, refrigerate a can of coconut milk and scoop out the solid cream that rises to the top.
2. Soy Milk + Olive Oil
A mixture of soy milk and olive oil creates a surprisingly effective non-dairy heavy cream substitute. The soy milk provides protein and body, while the olive oil adds richness and fat, balancing the consistency.
This substitute is especially useful in savory dishes like pasta sauces and casseroles. It’s also budget-friendly and uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
3. Almond Cream
Almond cream is a light but flavorful option made by blending soaked almonds with water until smooth. It has a subtle nutty taste, making it a great addition to both savory and sweet recipes.
Many people enjoy it as a healthier vegan heavy cream substitute recipe since it’s lower in calories and saturated fat. Use it in baked goods, soups, or as a creamy topping for fruit-based desserts.
4. Cashew Cream
Cashew cream is one of the most popular non-dairy heavy cream substitutes because of its versatility and silky texture. By blending soaked cashews with water, you get a smooth cream that mimics heavy cream almost perfectly.
It can be used in everything from vegan Alfredo pasta to soups, sauces, and desserts. Store-bought versions are available, but homemade cashew cream is quick, affordable, and customizable.
5. Oat Cream
Oat cream has become a favorite among vegans for its mild flavor and creamy consistency. It’s made from blended oats and water, often enriched with oils or starch for thickness.
This option is excellent in coffee, sauces, and even baking since it doesn’t overpower the dish with strong flavors. Brands like Oatly make store-bought vegan heavy cream that’s convenient and ready to use.
6. Silken Tofu + Plant Milk
Silken tofu blended with plant-based milk creates a thick, smooth cream substitute that’s high in protein. This is a great vegan heavy cream substitute recipe for both savory and sweet dishes, especially sauces and creamy dressings.
It doesn’t have a strong flavor, so it easily takes on the taste of seasonings and spices. If you’re looking for a nutritious option, this one is packed with protein and calcium.
7. Vegan Yogurt
Vegan yogurt, especially unsweetened varieties made from almond, soy, or coconut, can be an easy substitute for heavy cream. It has a tangy flavor that works particularly well in soups, curries, and salad dressings.
The thickness is already similar to cream, making it convenient for quick swaps. If using it in desserts, choose plain or lightly sweetened versions to avoid altering the flavor too much.
8. Soy Cream
Soy cream is a ready-to-use product often found in health food stores or larger supermarkets. It’s specially designed to replace dairy cream, offering the same texture and richness without animal products.
This is one of the best vegan heavy cream substitutes for pasta sauces, coffee, and even whipped toppings. Trader Joe’s vegan heavy cream and other store brands make it widely accessible.
9. Rice Cream
Rice cream is made from rice milk thickened with starch or blended rice, resulting in a lighter cream alternative. While it’s not as rich as coconut or cashew cream, it works well in soups, porridges, and lighter desserts.
People who are allergic to nuts or soy often find this to be the best vegan heavy cream substitute for their needs. It’s gentle on digestion and usually available in allergen-friendly brands.
10. Hemp Cream
Hemp cream is made from blended hemp seeds, which give it a mild nutty flavor and creamy consistency. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids and plant-based protein, making it both nutritious and versatile.
Hemp cream works well in savory dishes like soups, pasta sauces, and dressings. For people seeking a healthier substitute for heavy cream, this option brings added nutritional benefits.
11. Sunflower Seed Cream
Similar to cashew or almond cream, sunflower seed cream is created by blending soaked sunflower seeds with water. It’s a great nut-free vegan heavy cream substitute recipe that’s also budget-friendly.
The flavor is mild, so it works well in both savory and sweet recipes. This option is also rich in vitamin E and healthy fats, making it a nutritious choice.
12. Avocado + Plant Milk
Blending ripe avocado with plant-based milk produces a thick, creamy substitute for heavy cream. It’s ideal for smoothies, chilled soups, and even some desserts.
The avocado adds healthy fats while maintaining a smooth consistency. This is a great choice for those who want a wholesome, nutrient-dense vegan heavy cream substitute.
13. Coconut Milk + Starch
If you don’t have coconut cream, mixing full-fat coconut milk with cornstarch or arrowroot powder creates a thicker consistency. This mixture is especially useful in cooking, where heat activates the starch and thickens the sauce.
It’s a quick and easy non-dairy heavy cream substitute when you need something creamy in a pinch. The result is smooth, rich, and it works in both sweet and savory dishes.
14. Macadamia Cream
Macadamia nuts have a naturally buttery, slightly sweet flavor that makes them perfect for creating a luxurious dairy-free cream. When soaked and blended with a bit of water, they turn into a thick and velvety base that rivals cashew cream in richness.
This substitute works well in pasta sauces, creamy soups, and desserts where you’d normally use heavy cream. Thanks to their high fat content, macadamias create one of the closest textures to real cream, making this one of the best vegan heavy cream substitutes if you want indulgence without dairy.
15. Aquafaba
Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, is a unique substitute that whips up just like heavy cream. While it doesn’t have much flavor, it takes on sugar and vanilla beautifully, making it perfect for whipped cream and mousses.
It’s also a great vegan heavy whipping cream recipe base since it creates stiff peaks like egg whites. Use it when you need a fluffy, airy texture rather than richness.
Homemade Vegan Heavy Cream Recipe
Making your own vegan heavy cream substitute at home is simple, affordable, and versatile. This recipe uses raw cashews for a rich texture that mimics dairy cream, and it works beautifully in both sweet and savory dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for at least 20 minutes, then drained)
- ¾ cup water (adjust for thickness)
- 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as grapeseed or avocado, optional for extra richness)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, balances flavor)
Instructions:
- Soak the cashews: Place raw cashews in hot water for 20–30 minutes, or overnight in cold water for extra creaminess. Drain well.
- Blend: Add soaked cashews, fresh water, and optional oil to a high-speed blender. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes.
- Season: Stir in a pinch of salt. For a slightly tangy flavor (similar to cultured cream), add lemon juice.
- Adjust consistency: For a thicker “vegan heavy whipping cream recipe,” use less water; for a pourable non-dairy heavy cream substitute, add more water.
Tips for Use:
- Cooking: Works in creamy soups, pasta sauces, and casseroles.
- Baking: Replace dairy heavy cream in equal amounts in most recipes.
- Whipping: Chill and whip with a stabilizer (like powdered sugar or coconut cream) for desserts.
- Storage: Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Homemade Coconut Vegan Heavy Cream Recipe (Nut-Free)
If you prefer a nut-free option, coconut cream makes an excellent base for vegan heavy cream. It’s naturally rich, silky, and works especially well in desserts, curries, and creamy soups.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (13–14 oz) full-fat coconut milk (refrigerated overnight)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for desserts)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions:
- Chill the coconut milk: Place the can in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the coconut cream to separate from the liquid.
- Scoop: Open the can and scoop out the thick, solidified cream from the top, leaving the watery liquid behind.
- Whip or blend: Use a hand mixer, stand mixer, or whisk to whip the cream until smooth and fluffy. For savory dishes, keep it plain; for desserts, add vanilla and sweetener.
- Adjust: If too thick, mix in a splash of the reserved coconut water until you reach the desired consistency.
Tips for Use:
- Whipped cream: Perfect for topping pies, cakes, and fruit.
- Savory recipes: Skip the sweetener and use it in curries, soups, or pasta sauces.
- Storage: Store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 4–5 days. Re-whip before serving if needed.
What’s Your Pick?
Finding the best vegan heavy cream substitute doesn’t have to be complicated. From nut-based options like cashew cream to convenient choices like Trader Joe’s vegan heavy cream, there’s something for every recipe.
Whether you’re cooking pasta, baking a cake, or making a vegan heavy whipping cream recipe for desserts, these alternatives make it easy to enjoy creamy dishes without dairy.
FAQs on Vegan Heavy Cream Substitutes
What can I use in place of heavy cream?
In place of heavy cream, you can use coconut cream, cashew cream, or store-bought vegan heavy cream as versatile alternatives.
What is a vegan substitute for cream in pasta?
A vegan substitute for cream in pasta is cashew cream, soy cream, and oat cream. They are excellent in pasta dishes, giving you a rich and silky sauce.
How to make a non-dairy heavy cream?
You can make a non-dairy heavy cream if you blend soaked cashews or silken tofu with plant milk. You will get a quick, homemade non-dairy heavy cream.
Best Vegan Cream Substitutes: 15 Brilliant Swaps + Easy Homemade Recipe
Ingredients
- Coconut Cream
- Soy Milk + Olive Oil
- Almond Cream
- Cashew Cream
- Oat Cream
- Silken Tofu + Plant Milk
- Vegan Yogurt
- Soy Cream
- Rice Cream
- Hemp Cream
Instructions
- You can choose and pick which is best suited for your recipe.
