Have you ever gone to the store and realized you were out of single cream?
It’s a common ingredient in many recipes, but there are times when you need an alternative.
Luckily, finding substitutes for single cream is easy and can be done quickly with a few simple ingredients.
Many of them offer the same results as single cream does, making them reliable substitutes.
Let’s take a look at how to use single cream, and the five best substitutes for it.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Single Cream
While single cream adds richness and flavor to many recipes and dishes, you may be unable to find it in some parts of the world.
If you can’t get your hands on single cream, there are several suitable substitutes that work just as well in both savory and sweet dishes.
Below are five of the best substitutes for single cream:
1 – Heavy Cream
Heavy cream, also known as heavy whipping cream, is one of the most popular substitutes for single cream in baking and cooking.
It comes from cow’s milk, just like single cream, but contains more butterfat (around 36 percent).
It’s a thick and creamy liquid that whips up easily into soft peaks.
When making whipped cream with heavy cream, you don’t need to add any sugar because it already has a slight sweetness.
If you’re looking for a ready-made version, you can purchase cartons of ready-made whipped cream in the dairy section of most supermarkets.
Heavy Cream can be used in all sorts of recipes including toppings for desserts and sauces for savory dishes.
Be aware that it contains more fat than single cream so it shouldn’t be used where you want to keep calories down.
2 – Whipping Cream
Whipping cream, or heavy cream, is another great substitute for single cream.
It has the same creamy texture and flavor but with a much higher fat content: it can be up to 35-40% milk fat when fresh.
This makes it ideal for creating thick, luscious sauces and velvety soups.
It can also be used in place of milk or single cream in baking recipes, as it will produce a richer result.
Just be aware that you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in your recipe accordingly as whipping cream is slightly sweeter, due to its higher fat content.
Whipping cream can also be easily whipped into stiff peaks, making it great for topping desserts or making fresh whipped cream.
3 – Half-half
Half-half, also known as half-and-half, is a combination of equal parts whole milk and light cream.
It can be used as a substitute for single cream in baking or to make creamy sauces.
Because it contains some fat but not as much as heavy whipping cream or single cream, it can be useful to use in reducing the fat content of baked goods without sacrificing on the creaminess or richness of your final product.
Before using half-and-half in place of single cream in baking recipes, you should consider making adjustments to any other liquid ingredients in the recipe accordingly.
4 – Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt can make an excellent single cream substitute, depending on your particular needs.
Greek yogurt is higher in fat content than regular yogurt, which makes it a nice alternative for those following a low carb or low fat diet.
It has some tanginess to it, so use less of it to establish the creamy texture you are looking for.
You can adjust the amount used to get the perfect creaminess without any strong flavors in the background.
Greek yogurt is also high in protein so this can be a great alternative to add nutrition and health benefits as well.
Just make sure when using Greek yogurt as a substitute for single cream that you buy whole milk variants and always check labels to make sure of the exact nutritional content and fat content depending on what size container you’re buying.
5 – Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is made from the meat of mature coconuts, blended with just enough water to create a thick, creamy liquid.
It’s a great vegan substitute for single cream and can be used in many dishes – sweet or savory.
Plus, it’s generally easier to find than other substitutes.
As a bonus, coconut cream adds a hint of sweetness to any dish, along with its own unique flavor.
Try adding this creamy consistency to your favorite soups and sauces or using it in baking recipes like cakes and muffins for that subtle coconut flavor.
When substituting coconut cream for single cream, you may need to make adjustments to the recipe according to your desired consistency as it tends to thicken more quickly than regular single cream.
Finally, always be sure to check the nutrition label when buying coconut cream since some brands add artificial sweeteners or other additives that can alter the taste and texture of your dish even further.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Single Cream
Ingredients
- Heavy Cream
- Whipping Cream
- Half-half
- Greek Yogurt
- Coconut Cream
Instructions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.