Creamy soups, luscious pastas, fluffy whipped toppings—if you thought these culinary delights were out of reach on a vegan diet, think again. One of the biggest challenges in plant-based cooking is recreating the rich, velvety texture that traditional dairy brings to recipes.
Enter vegan heavy whipping cream: a versatile, dairy-free alternative that’s perfect for cooking, baking, or even whipping up into a topping for desserts. This homemade recipe is quick, simple, and uses wholesome ingredients you can pronounce.
Whether you’re lactose-intolerant, vegan, or just curious about plant-based options, this vegan heavy whipping cream will become a staple in your kitchen. Say goodbye to store-bought substitutes and hello to fresh, customizable creaminess—no cows required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Versatile: This vegan heavy whipping cream can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, from soups to cakes.
- Easy to Make: It takes less than 10 minutes and requires only a handful of pantry staples.
- Customizable: Adjust the thickness and flavor to suit your recipe needs—add more liquid for a pouring cream, or less for a thicker, whip-ready consistency.
- No Weird Additives: Unlike many store-bought vegan creams, this recipe contains real, whole-food ingredients and nothing artificial.
- Budget-Friendly: Make it at home for a fraction of the cost of specialty vegan creams.
- Allergy-Friendly: With nut-free and soy-free options, you can adapt this recipe to suit almost any dietary need.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Raw cashews | 1 cup (140g) | Soaked, see tips for nut-free option |
Filtered water | 3/4 cup (180ml) | Add more for thinner cream |
Coconut cream | 1/2 cup (120ml) | Scooped from a can of full-fat coconut milk |
Neutral oil (e.g., avocado or sunflower) | 2 tbsp | Improves richness and whippability |
Maple syrup (optional) | 1 tsp | For sweet recipes, omit for savory |
Pinch of salt | to taste | Enhances flavor |
Vanilla extract (optional) | 1/2 tsp | For desserts and whipped cream |
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute sunflower seeds for cashews and use oat milk instead of coconut cream.
- Soy-Free: This base recipe is soy-free. For thicker texture, you can add 1-2 tbsp of tapioca starch.
Equipment
- High-speed blender (such as Vitamix or Blendtec) for smoothest results
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula for scraping down the blender
- Bowl for soaking cashews (if not using a high-speed blender)
- Glass jar or airtight container for storage
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (optional, for extra silky cream)
Instructions
-
Soak the cashews:
Place 1 cup of raw cashews in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for at least 1 hour, or for best results, overnight.
If you have a high-speed blender, a 1-hour soak is enough. For a quick version, soak cashews in boiling water for 15-20 minutes.
-
Drain and rinse:
Drain the cashews and rinse with fresh water to remove any bitterness and soften the nuts for blending.
-
Add ingredients to blender:
Combine cashews, coconut cream, filtered water, oil, pinch of salt, and optional maple syrup and vanilla in your blender. Scrape down the sides as needed.
-
Blend until very smooth:
Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. The cream should be thick, glossy, and free of any graininess.
Tip: If the cream is too thick for your needs, add extra water 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
-
Taste and adjust:
Taste your cream and adjust salt or sweetness as desired. For a richer flavor, add a splash more coconut cream or a bit more oil.
-
Optional—strain for extra silky texture:
If you want an ultra-smooth cream, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl, pressing or squeezing as needed.
-
Chill (for whipping):
If you plan to whip the cream, chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. The fats will firm up, making it easier to whip to soft peaks with a hand mixer.
-
Store:
Transfer cream to a clean glass jar or airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Stir before each use.
Tips & Variations
- Nut-Free: Swap raw cashews for hulled sunflower seeds. The taste will be slightly earthier but still creamy.
- Oil-Free: Omit oil and add extra coconut cream for richness. The cream will be less whippable but still works for sauces or soups.
- Extra Thick: Decrease the water to 1/2 cup for a cream that’s ideal for dolloping or piping.
- For Whipped Cream: Chill until very cold, then whip with a hand mixer and sweeten to taste. Add a stabilizer (like 1 tbsp powdered sugar or tapioca starch) for a firmer texture.
- Savory Uses: Omit vanilla and maple syrup, then fold in cracked black pepper, garlic powder, or fresh herbs for a savory sauce.
- Flavor Twists: For dessert, try adding a bit of almond extract, cinnamon, or lemon zest.
- Make it Pourable: Use more water to create a pourable cream for coffee or soups.
“Homemade vegan cream is all about flexibility—taste and tweak as you go, and it’ll always turn out delicious!”
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an approximate breakdown per 2-tablespoon serving:
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 80 |
Total Fat | 7g |
Saturated Fat | 2g |
Carbohydrates | 4g |
Protein | 2g |
Sugar | <1g |
Sodium | 10mg |
Note: Nutrition will vary based on specific ingredients and adjustments. For lower calorie options, use water or unsweetened almond milk in place of coconut cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Soups & Stews: Swirl into tomato soup or drizzle over hearty stews for a creamy finish.
- Pasta: Use as the base for a vegan Alfredo or creamy mushroom sauce. Try it in our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for extra richness.
- Desserts: Whip and dollop over pies, cakes, or fruit. It pairs beautifully with our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
- Coffee & Tea: Stir into hot drinks for a decadent, creamy treat.
- Side Dishes: Add to mashed potatoes or creamy vegetable casseroles.
- On Toast: Spread on toasted bread and top with berries for a luxurious breakfast.
- Dip Base: Use as a creamy base for savory dips, like a vegan ranch or tzatziki.
- Breakfast: Swirl over oatmeal or pancakes for a dairy-free treat.
- Baking: Substitute in recipes that call for heavy cream—biscuits, scones, and more!
- Try it in: Our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for extra tender crumb.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan heavy whipping cream at home isn’t just about mimicking dairy—it’s about unlocking a world of plant-based creativity in your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a blender, you’ll have a rich, creamy staple that enhances savory dishes and sweet treats alike.
Whether you’re folding it into sauces, whipping it for desserts, or simply stirring it into your morning coffee, this recipe delivers authentic creaminess with none of the compromise.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and textures, tailoring your cream to whatever recipe is on the menu. For more ways to bring plant-based joy to your table, explore our collection of vegan favorites—like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
With this vegan heavy whipping cream recipe, creamy comfort food is always within reach—no matter your dietary needs.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Heavy Whipping Cream
Description: A rich, dairy-free alternative perfect for whipping or adding creaminess to recipes. Made with simple ingredients and ready in minutes.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2-4 hours, then drained)
- 1/2 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like sunflower or grapeseed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add soaked cashews, coconut milk, water, oil, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt to a blender.
- Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy.
- Scrape down the sides and blend again if needed.
- Transfer to a container and chill for at least 1 hour for best texture.
- Whip as desired or use in recipes.
Nutrition: Calories: 110 per 2 tbsp | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 4g
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