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Best Substitutes for Light Cream — What to Use Instead

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Half-and-Half + Heavy Cream: 3/4 cup half-and-half + 1/4 cup heavy cream per 1 cup light cream — Blends to approximately 20% fat, matching light cream. Best dairy substitute.

Whole Milk + Heavy Cream: 2/3 cup whole milk + 1/3 cup heavy cream — Creates the right fat content. Works in sauces, soups, and coffee.

Overview

Top substitute for light cream: Half-and-Half + Heavy Cream (3/4 cup half-and-half + 1/4 cup heavy cream per 1 cup light cream). Blends to approximately 20% fat, matching light cream. Best dairy substitute. Plus 3 more alternatives.

Key Details

  • Half-and-Half + Heavy Cream: 3/4 cup half-and-half + 1/4 cup heavy cream per 1 cup light cream — Blends to approximately 20% fat, matching light cream. Best dairy substitute.
  • Whole Milk + Heavy Cream: 2/3 cup whole milk + 1/3 cup heavy cream — Creates the right fat content. Works in sauces, soups, and coffee.
  • Evaporated Milk: 1:1 — Similar richness and consistency. Slight caramel undertone from processing.
  • Oat Milk (barista style): 1:1 — Vegan option. Barista blends are designed to be creamy and froth well.

Why This Matters

  • Light Cream may need substituting due to dietary restrictions
  • Running out of an ingredient mid-recipe is common
  • Allergies or preferences may require alternatives

How To

  1. 1Best overall substitute: Half-and-Half + Heavy Cream at 3/4 cup half-and-half + 1/4 cup heavy cream per 1 cup light cream
  2. 2Consider what role the ingredient plays in the recipe
  3. 3Test substitutes in small batches first
  4. 4Adjust other ingredients as noted for best results

Tags

substitutesdairy-sublight-creamingredient-swapcooking-tips

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Frequently Asked Questions

The best substitute is Half-and-Half + Heavy Cream at 3/4 cup half-and-half + 1/4 cup heavy cream per 1 cup light cream. Blends to approximately 20% fat, matching light cream. Best dairy substitute.