Need heavy cream for a recipe but only have milk and butter? This simple combination creates an excellent substitute for cooking and baking.
While it won't whip like real heavy cream, this mixture works perfectly in soups, sauces, baked goods, and coffee.
Here are 5 proven methods to create heavy cream substitutes from common ingredients.
The 2 Best Substitutes
1. Milk + Melted Butter
Easy
(4/5)
Substitution Ratio
3/4 cup milk + 1/4 cup melted butter
Texture: Rich and creamy
Flavor: Similar to heavy cream
Best for: Soups, sauces, baking, coffee
Pros & Cons
Common ingredients
Good for cooking
Rich texture
Won't whip to peaks
May separate when cold
Higher fat content
Pro Tip
Whisk butter slowly into milk while warm. Won't whip.
2. Whole Milk + Flour
Medium
(3/5)
Substitution Ratio
1 cup milk + 2 tbsp flour
Texture: Thick but lighter
Flavor: Mild, creamy
Best for: Soups, sauces, lower-fat option
Pros & Cons
Lower fat option
No butter needed
Good thickener
Floury taste if not cooked
Not as rich
Different texture
Pro Tip
Whisk flour into cold milk, then heat while stirring.
Expert Tips
Professional Secrets
- Whisk melted butter slowly into milk to prevent separation
- This substitute works for cooking but won't whip into peaks