Heavy cream is a beloved ingredient in many recipes, prized for its rich, velvety texture and ability to elevate both sweet and savory dishes.
However, with its high calorie and fat content, it can be a concern for those watching their diet or seeking healthier alternatives.
The good news is that there are numerous low-calorie substitutes available that can provide a similar creamy consistency without the added calories.
In this blog post, we’ll explore over a dozen effective low-calorie substitutes for heavy cream, each offering a unique set of benefits.
Whether you’re cooking, baking, or simply looking to lighten up your meals, these alternatives can help you achieve the creamy texture you crave while keeping your calorie count in check.
12+ Delicious Low-Calorie Replacements for Heavy Cream in Your Favorite Dishes
Finding a low-calorie substitute for heavy cream doesn’t mean sacrificing the creamy texture and richness that make dishes delightful.
With a range of options available—from Greek yogurt and almond milk to coconut cream and ricotta cheese—you can easily adapt your favorite recipes to be lighter and healthier.
Each substitute has its own flavor profile and consistency, making it suitable for various culinary applications.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a popular low-calorie substitute for heavy cream, offering a creamy texture and tangy flavor with fewer calories and less fat.
It works well in recipes where a thick consistency is needed, such as in sauces, soups, or even some desserts.
Greek yogurt provides a good balance of creaminess and tang, making it ideal for savory dishes and lightening up rich recipes.
However, it can be slightly tangy compared to heavy cream, so it’s important to taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Greek yogurt may not be suitable for recipes where a rich, buttery flavor is essential, such as in traditional cream-based sauces or custards.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk, particularly the light version, is an excellent low-calorie alternative to heavy cream, especially in recipes where a subtle coconut flavor complements the dish.
It’s ideal for curries, soups, and baked goods where the creamy texture is needed but you want to reduce calorie content.
Light coconut milk provides a similar consistency to heavy cream while cutting down on fat.
Be cautious with its flavor, as it can impart a distinct coconut taste that may not be desirable in all recipes. It’s best to use it in dishes where a coconut flavor enhances the overall dish, such as tropical desserts or Asian-inspired recipes.
Also Read: 12+ Nutritious and Tasty Low-Calorie Alternatives to Heavy Cream!
Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is another low-calorie substitute for heavy cream, particularly useful in creamy sauces, soups, and dressings.
When blended, silken tofu achieves a smooth, creamy consistency that can mimic the texture of heavy cream without the calories.
It’s an excellent option for vegan or dairy-free recipes and provides a neutral flavor that can easily adapt to various seasonings.
However, it may not be suitable for recipes where the richness of heavy cream is crucial, such as in certain desserts or rich sauces.
Be sure to blend it well to achieve a smooth texture and adjust seasoning to match your dish.
Low-Fat Milk and Cornstarch
A combination of low-fat milk and cornstarch can serve as a low-calorie substitute for heavy cream, especially in recipes where thickness and creaminess are required.
Mix 1 cup of low-fat milk with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch to create a creamy consistency similar to heavy cream.
This mixture works well in sauces, soups, and custards where a lighter option is preferred.
The cornstarch thickens the milk to provide a similar texture to heavy cream, but it lacks the richness and flavor.
It’s important to cook the mixture thoroughly to avoid a starchy taste and to adjust seasoning as needed. This substitute is not ideal for recipes where the luxurious mouthfeel of heavy cream is necessary.
Almond Milk with a Thickener
Almond milk, when combined with a thickening agent like xanthan gum or guar gum, can serve as a low-calorie alternative to heavy cream. This combination provides a creamy texture while keeping calories low, making it suitable for recipes like sauces, soups, and smoothies.
Almond milk has a mild, nutty flavor that can complement both sweet and savory dishes, though it lacks the richness of heavy cream.
The addition of a thickener helps achieve a creamier consistency that mimics heavy cream more closely.
However, be cautious with the thickener amount, as using too much can alter the texture and create a gummy consistency. This substitute is not ideal for recipes where the deep richness of heavy cream is essential.
Also Read: 12+ Healthy Dry Ranch Dressing Substitutes You Can Make at Home!
Cashew Cream
Cashew cream, made from blended soaked cashews and water, is a rich, creamy substitute for heavy cream with a lower calorie count.
It works well in both savory and sweet dishes, providing a smooth, creamy texture that can mimic heavy cream in sauces, soups, and desserts.
To make cashew cream, blend 1 cup of soaked cashews with 1/2 to 3/4 cup of water until smooth.
While it offers a rich texture, cashew cream has a mild, nutty flavor that can subtly influence the dish.
Be mindful that it may not provide the same thickness as heavy cream, so adjust the amount used based on your recipe’s needs. This substitute is particularly useful in vegan and dairy-free recipes.
Skim Milk and Plain Greek Yogurt
Combining skim milk with plain Greek yogurt creates a low-calorie substitute for heavy cream that mimics the creaminess while reducing fat content.
Mix 3/4 cup of skim milk with 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt to achieve a consistency similar to heavy cream. This blend works well in recipes such as sauces, soups, and baked goods where a lighter, creamy texture is needed.
The Greek yogurt adds thickness and a slight tang, while the skim milk helps adjust the consistency. This mixture may not fully replicate the richness of heavy cream, so it’s best used in recipes where a lighter option is acceptable. Adjust seasoning and flavorings accordingly to balance the tanginess of the Greek yogurt.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk can be a low-calorie substitute for heavy cream, particularly in recipes where a tangy flavor is desirable. It provides a light, slightly acidic alternative that works well in baked goods, dressings, and sauces.
Buttermilk adds a bit of creaminess without the high fat content of heavy cream.
However, it’s important to note that buttermilk lacks the thickness of heavy cream, so it might not be suitable for recipes that require a rich, creamy consistency, like custards or certain sauces.
To achieve a thicker consistency, you might need to combine it with a thickening agent like cornstarch. Its tangy flavor can enhance certain dishes but may not be ideal for all recipes.
Soy Milk with a Thickener
Soy milk, combined with a thickening agent like cornstarch or arrowroot powder, can be a low-calorie substitute for heavy cream.
To create this substitute, mix 1 cup of soy milk with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch and heat it gently until it thickens.
This blend provides a creamy texture that works well in sauces, soups, and custards.
Soy milk is a good alternative for those seeking a plant-based option with a neutral flavor. However, be cautious with the thickener amount, as too much can make the texture overly gelatinous.
This substitute may not fully replicate the richness of heavy cream, so it’s best for recipes where a lighter, dairy-free option is acceptable.
Also Read: 12+ Effective Low Potassium Salt Substitutes to Enhance Your Meals!
Coconut Cream (Light)
Light coconut cream is a lower-calorie alternative to heavy cream that provides a creamy texture with a subtle coconut flavor. It’s suitable for use in curries, soups, and desserts where a touch of coconut flavor enhances the dish.
To use light coconut cream, simply substitute it in equal amounts for heavy cream.
It’s important to note that light coconut cream has a lower fat content and might not be as thick as regular coconut cream or heavy cream, so adjust the quantity as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Be aware that its distinct coconut flavor may not be suitable for all recipes, particularly those where a neutral flavor is preferred.
Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk can serve as a lower-calorie substitute for heavy cream in recipes where a rich, creamy texture is needed. It is made by removing about 60% of the water from milk, resulting in a thick, creamy consistency with fewer calories than heavy cream.
Use evaporated milk in sauces, soups, and some baked goods to provide creaminess without the high fat content of heavy cream.
However, it does not have the same fat content, so it may not be as rich. For a closer match to heavy cream, you might need to use a slightly larger quantity or combine it with a thickening agent. Evaporated milk’s flavor is more neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of dishes.
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is a low-calorie substitute for heavy cream that provides a creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
It works well in dishes such as lasagnas, baked pasta, and creamy sauces. To use ricotta cheese as a substitute, blend it until smooth to achieve a creamier consistency.
Ricotta cheese adds a different texture compared to heavy cream, so it may not be ideal for all recipes, especially those that require a silky-smooth finish.
Adjust the quantity based on the dish’s needs, and consider seasoning adjustments to balance its mild flavor. This substitute is particularly useful in recipes where creaminess is needed but where the rich flavor of heavy cream is not the primary focus.
How to Make Low-Calorie Heavy Cream Substitute at Home
Creating a low-calorie heavy cream substitute at home is simple and convenient, allowing you to enjoy creamy dishes without the added calories and fat of traditional heavy cream.
This recipe combines skim milk with Greek yogurt to achieve a creamy consistency that works well in a variety of recipes.
The result is a lighter alternative that maintains a rich texture and can be used in soups, sauces, and baked goods.
This homemade substitute is perfect for those looking to cut calories while still enjoying the creamy elements in their favorite recipes.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup skim milk
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the skim milk and plain Greek yogurt. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. The Greek yogurt will add thickness and creaminess to the skim milk, creating a substitute that resembles the texture of heavy cream.
- Adjust Consistency: If the mixture is too thick for your recipe, you can add a small amount of additional skim milk to reach the desired consistency. Conversely, if you need a thicker texture, you can add a bit more Greek yogurt.
- Use or Store: Use this mixture immediately as a substitute for heavy cream in your recipes. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before using it again, give it a good stir to ensure the consistency is uniform.
This low-calorie heavy cream substitute is a fantastic option for anyone looking to reduce their calorie intake without sacrificing the creamy texture essential in many recipes.
By combining skim milk and Greek yogurt, you create a lighter alternative that works beautifully in sauces, soups, and baked goods.
The yogurt adds the necessary thickness, while the skim milk keeps the calorie count low.
This substitute is not only easy to make but also versatile, allowing you to enjoy your favorite creamy dishes in a healthier way.
Whether you’re watching your calories or simply looking for a lighter option, this homemade substitute is a practical solution that maintains the creamy, rich texture of heavy cream.
1. What can I use as a low-calorie substitute for heavy cream in cooking?
For a low-calorie substitute in cooking, you can use a combination of skim milk and Greek yogurt.
This mixture provides a creamy texture similar to heavy cream while reducing fat and calorie content. Other options include almond milk with a thickener, light coconut milk, or evaporated milk.
Each substitute offers a different flavor profile and consistency, so choose based on the specific needs of your recipe.
2. Can I use low-fat milk alone as a substitute for heavy cream?
Low-fat milk alone is not the best substitute for heavy cream as it lacks the richness and thickness required for many recipes.
To mimic heavy cream, you can mix low-fat milk with a thickening agent like cornstarch or use it in combination with Greek yogurt.
This combination helps achieve a creamy texture closer to that of heavy cream while keeping calories low.
3. How does Greek yogurt work as a low-calorie heavy cream substitute?
Greek yogurt works as a low-calorie heavy cream substitute by providing creaminess and thickness with significantly fewer calories and less fat.
When mixed with skim milk, it creates a substitute that mimics the texture of heavy cream.
Greek yogurt also adds a slight tanginess, which can enhance the flavor of certain dishes. It’s especially useful in sauces, soups, and dressings where a creamy texture is needed.
4. Is coconut milk a good low-calorie substitute for heavy cream?
Light coconut milk is a good low-calorie substitute for heavy cream, especially in recipes where a hint of coconut flavor is desirable.
It provides a creamy texture with fewer calories and fat compared to heavy cream. However, its distinct coconut flavor may not be suitable for all dishes.
For recipes where a coconut taste complements the overall flavor, light coconut milk is an excellent option.
5. Can I use ricotta cheese as a low-calorie substitute for heavy cream?
Ricotta cheese can be used as a low-calorie substitute for heavy cream, particularly in dishes where a creamy texture is needed.
Blending ricotta cheese until smooth can provide a rich, creamy consistency similar to heavy cream.
However, ricotta cheese has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that may not be ideal for all recipes, especially those requiring a neutral taste. It’s best used in dishes where the flavor of ricotta complements the other ingredients.
References
- https://www.reddit.com/r/1200isplenty/comments/t5wod0/low_cal_alternatives_for_heavy_whipping_cream/
- https://www.forbes.com/health/nutrition/heavy-cream-substitutes/
- https://greatist.com/eat/healthy-substitute-for-heavy-cream
- https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/heavy-cream-substitute
- https://www.food.com/recipe/low-fat-heavy-cream-substitute-113203
