Double cream is used in many recipes from savory ones to desserts. But even if it is one of the most popular ingredients, that doesn’t mean that you can’t make your recipe without it.
There are many substitutes to double cream that you can use to obtain a delicious dessert, sour soup, stew or add as a topping on your favorite cooked dishes.
If you don’t have double cream at hand, but your recipe calls for it, you can also use Greek yogurt, milk & butter mix, soy milk & olive oil mix, milk & cornstarch mix, or some of the following substitutes.
Let’s learn more about each substitute and find the right one for your recipe!
Best Double Cream Substitutes
Not all of the following substitutes will suit your recipe so check each one carefully to make the best decision.
1. Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is maybe the best choice when you need to find a double cream substitute. You can find this yogurt with different levels of fat so you can choose the right one for your recipe.
The fatter your yogurt is, the thicker its texture will be so note that when you choose it as a double cream replacement.
You can use Greek yogurt in both savory dishes and desserts. However, it is important to note that it has a more sour flavor compared to regular double cream.
2. Milk and butter mix
Mixing milk and butter can offer you a thick cream that resemblances double cream very well. How thick this mixture will be will depend on the quantity of milk you choose to use.
Add the butter to your blender or food processor and keep adding the milk gradually as you mix it or blend it until you obtain the thickness you want. These are also the ingredients in making double cream at home too.
3. Soy milk and olive oil mix
A vegan option for those who need to substitute double cream in their recipe is mixing soy milk and olive oil. The general rule says to mix one cup of soy milk with half a cup of olive oil to obtain the level of thickness compared to double cream.
The taste will not be as similar since there is no dairy in this mix. But it can complement many sauces, stews, soups, and even desserts if you want a vegan alternative to double cream.
4. Milk and cornstarch mix
Cornstarch will thicken the texture and consistency of milk significantly. And all you have to do to obtain a double cream substitute is mix these two ingredients together.
For each cup of milk, you will have to add two tablespoons of cornstarch and mix or blend them together. The final result will have a similar taste and color to double cream. And you can use it in a variety of recipes.
5. Tofu and soy milk mix
If you pick this alternative as a substitute for double cream, make sure you go for silken tofu. Blend the tofu along with soy milk and you will obtain a creamy texture similar to double cream.
The taste will also be one that will not affect your final dish as it can be very neutral. Make sure to find unsalted tofu and unflavored soy milk.
In terms of quantities, add the tofu first and add the milk gradually until you obtain the consistency you want for your recipe.
6. Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese can also substitute double cream even if the texture is not as soft.
This cheese has a more defined texture with small grains of cheese in it which can change the texture and consistency of your dish as well.
However, you can blend it as well if you want to obtain a smoother texture that will resemblance double cream even more.
Use cotton cheese instead of double cream mostly in desserts and respect the same ratio. You can use it in salted dishes as well as long as you add the right seasonings.
7. Almond cream
Almond cream is a great vegan substitute for double cream. It is popular among vegans thanks to its rich flavor. However, in order to use almond cream of different consistencies, you will have to make sure you like the nutty flavor as it is fairly strong.
Almond cream can be runnier than double cream but if you blend it for a few minutes or use a mixer, you will be able to thicken its consistency.
You can use almond cream instead of double cream in desserts and smoothies but you might be surprised by how well it tastes in savory dishes too.
8. Cashew cream
Cashew cream is another vegan substitute that can replace double cream in any type of dish. This alternative has a nutty flavor but also a sweet taste that you will love particularly in your desserts.
Cashew cream tends to be pricier than regular cream though, so you might not go to it as your first substitute. But this type of cream will definitely give your dish an interesting flavor.
9. Soy cream
This cream is a type of sour cream made from soy milk which makes it vegan and a good replacement for double cream. Soy, in general, has a neutral taste which makes this alternative even better as it will not influence the taste of your food much.
But the smooth texture of soy cream will be ideal for all dishes that call for double cream. Use soy cream in desserts but also in stews and soups as you please.
10. Coconut milk
Coconut milk comes in a lighter version and a fatter version.
If you want to use it instead of double cream you will need the fat version of it as the light one can be too runny and lack the consistency you need.
The coconut flavor should not be a problem as it is mild and blends well with all types of dishes. This is a great substitute for double cream in sauces and toppings for different dishes.
Substitute For Double Cream In Cheesecake
If you are making cheesecake and you need a substitute for double cream, Greek yogurt is one of your best options.
Use your yogurt in the same way you would use double cream and respect the same ratio. You will get a cheesecake that is just as good if not even better as if you used regular double cream.
FAQs
What is double cream the same as?
Double cream is the British name for heavy cream which is the way this cream is called in the United States. Some people refer to whipping cream as double cream as well even if there is a difference between whipping cream and heavy cream.
Heavy cream is a bit thicker in consistency compared to whipping cream, even if the name double cream is at times used for both these products.
How do you make homemade double cream?
If you want to make double cream at home, you should give it a try as it is not difficult. To make 1 cup of cream you will need 1/3 cup of whole milk, and 1/3 cup of melted butter.
Blend the two ingredients until you obtain a thick consistency or use a food processor as well as a mixer, depending on what you have available.
It will not turn into the heavy cream you purchase from a store. However, it will be a good version of homemade cream that can become your favorite.
Summary
Double cream or heavy cream as it is also called can be an important ingredient in many recipes. You can use it for different creams and cakes as well as different toppings.
Double cream can make yummy sauces and salad dressings. You can also use it for many baked dishes in order to add consistency and taste that you will fall in love with.
However, if you don’t have double cream, you can use other substitutes from this guide to save your recipe. The vegan substitutes can give you the opportunity to enjoy different flavors even if your recipe calls for double cream so definitely give them a try!