Gourmet Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Coconut Cream

Ever been in the middle of whipping up your favorite creamy curry or dessert and realized you’re fresh out of coconut cream? Yeah, us too.

It’s a real buzzkill. Good news, though – there are some pretty amazing stand-ins you likely have in your kitchen right now.

No need to pause that cooking groove.

Heavy cream got your back for richness, and if dairy’s not your jam, almond milk mixed with a bit of oil does wonders.

Ever thought of Greek yogurt? It’s a champ for dips and sauces.

And for those of us keeping it light, silken tofu blends into perfection.

No sweat, we’ve got the hacks to keep your culinary game strong, sans coconut cream.

What is Coconut Cream?

Most people are familiar with coconut water, the refreshing and hydrating beverage that has become popular in recent years.

However, coconut cream is a less well-known product that can be used in various ways.

Coconut cream is made by simmering coconut meat in water and then straining off the liquid.

The result is a thick, creamy substance with a rich coconut flavor.

It can be used in place of dairy cream in soups and curries or as a base for homemade ice cream.

Coconut cream is also a popular ingredient in many tropical cocktails.

While it may not be as widely known as coconut water, coconut cream is a versatile ingredient that can add a touch of sweetness to any dish.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Coconut Cream

For those who are either allergic to coconuts or simply don’t enjoy the taste, there are plenty of substitutes for coconut cream that can be used in its place.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Substitute Ratio
Canned Coconut Milk	Thick and creamy liquid made from the flesh of coconuts	Use an equal amount of canned coconut milk as a substitute for coconut cream
Heavy Whipping Cream	High-fat cream with a rich and creamy texture	Use an equal amount of heavy whipping cream as a substitute for coconut cream
Evaporated Milk	Canned milk with a thick consistency due to the removal of water	Use an equal amount of evaporated milk as a substitute for coconut cream
Greek Yogurt	Thick and creamy yogurt with a tangy flavor	Use half the amount of greek yogurt as a substitute for coconut cream (as it has a thicker consistency)
Almond Milk	Plant-based milk made from almonds, often available in unsweetened and creamy varieties	Use an equal amount of almond milk as a substitute for coconut cream

If you’re looking to add richness to your dishes and need substitutes for coconut cream, consider these five alternatives:

1 – Canned Coconut Milk

Canned coconut milk is a delicious and versatile ingredient used in all kinds of recipes.

Whether you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk or simply want to experiment with new flavors, coconut milk is a great choice.

It’s also relatively low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for those watching their weight.

Plus, canned coconut milk is usually less expensive than its fresh counterpart, so it’s a great way to save money without sacrificing flavor.

It can be used as a 1:1 substitute for coconut cream. Replace the coconut cream in your recipe with an equal amount of canned coconut milk.

2 – Heavy Whipping Cream

Whipping cream is a type of dairy product that is often used in baking and cooking.

It is made from milk that has been thickened and enriched with cream.

Whipping cream has a high-fat content, making it ideal for creating rich, creamy textures.

When whipping cream is whipped, the air is incorporated into the mixture, making it light and fluffy.

Whipping cream can be used to make frostings, sauces, and fillings.

It can also be added to coffee or tea to create a rich, creamy beverage.

For best results, whipping cream should be chilled before use.

Heavy whipping cream typically has a higher fat content than regular whipping cream, making it even more ideal for creating rich, creamy textures.

Heavy whipping cream can be used the same way as regular whipping cream, but it will produce even better results.

When whipped, heavy whipping cream will hold its shape and form peaks more easily than regular whipping cream.

Heavy whipping cream is the perfect ingredient for creating decadent dishes and desserts.

It can be used as a substitute for coconut cream in equal amounts. Replace the coconut cream in your recipe with an equal amount of heavy whipping cream.

3 – Evaporated Milk

Have you ever wondered how evaporated milk is made? It’s quite a simple process.

First, milk is placed in an evaporator, heated until about 60% of the water content has evaporated.

This concentrates the milk and gives it a richer flavor.

The evaporated milk is then cooled and canned.

The result is a thick, creamy product that can be used in all recipes.

Evaporated milk is a versatile ingredient used in sweet or savory dishes.

It’s often used in baking, giving cakes and cookies a rich flavor and moist texture.

It can also be used in savory dishes such as soups and sauces, where it adds a depth of flavor.

It can be used as a substitute for coconut cream in equal amounts. Replace the coconut cream in your recipe with an equal amount of evaporated milk.

4 – Greek Yogurt

Thanks to its high protein content and creamy texture, Greek yogurt has become a popular food in recent years.

But what exactly is Greek yogurt, and how is it different from regular yogurt? Greek yogurt is made by straining the whey from the yogurt, which gives it a thicker consistency.

This also increases the protein content, making Greek yogurt popular for athletes and bodybuilders.

Greek yogurt also contains less lactose than traditional yogurt, making it easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance.

In addition, Greek yogurt typically has a higher fat content than regular yogurt, making it a richer and more satisfying snack.

As a substitute for coconut cream, use half the amount of greek yogurt. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of coconut cream, you would use 1/2 cup of greek yogurt instead.

5 – Almond Milk

Almond milk is a type of milk made from almonds.

Unlike other nut milk, almond milk contains no cholesterol or saturated fat.

In addition, it is a good source of calcium and vitamin E.

Because of its health benefits, almond milk has become a popular alternative to cow’s milk.

To make almond milk, almonds are soaked in water and ground into a paste.

The paste is mixed with water and strained to remove any bits of nut or skin.

The resulting liquid is then flavored with sweeteners or other ingredients and bottled for sale.

Almond milk can be found in most grocery stores and can be made at home with a blender and a cheesecloth.

It can be used as a 1:1 substitute for coconut cream. Replace the coconut cream in your recipe with an equal amount of almond milk.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a few viable substitutes for coconut cream can be used in many recipes.

These substitutes include heavy whipping cream, evaporated milk, canned coconut milk, and Greek yogurt.

If you need a non-dairy option, almond milk can also work as a substitute.

Be sure to choose a substitute that will complement the other flavors in your recipe.