Milk + Butter Substitute for Heavy Cream: Exact Ratio
Looking for a heavy cream substitute? Milk + Butter works as a direct replacement. Use 3/4 cup milk + 1/4 cup melted butter in any recipe that calls for heavy cream. This swap works best for sauces, soups, baking.
Best Substitute
Milk + Butter
3/4 cup milk + 1/4 cup melted butter
Whisk together for sauces and baking. Will not whip but matches fat content for cooking.
Flavor & Texture Change
Very similar richness to heavy cream. Slightly less thick. Works nearly identically in baked goods, pasta sauces, and soups.
When Not to Use
Cannot be whipped. This substitute only works for liquid applications (sauces, soups, baking). Not suitable for ganache or recipes where cream's ability to whip is needed.
Tips When Replacing Heavy Cream in Recipes
Heavy cream's high fat content is what allows it to whip and hold air. For whipping substitutes, only coconut cream works reliably. For sauces and soups, most substitutes perform well since you need the richness, not the structure.
What Is Heavy Cream and Why Substitute It?
A rich dairy product with 36-40% milk fat, used for whipping, enriching sauces, making ganache, and adding luxurious body to soups and desserts.
Milk + Butter is one of 6 alternatives you can use instead of heavy cream. For a complete list of heavy cream substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full heavy cream substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
Coconut Cream instead of Heavy Cream
View substitute ratio →
Evaporated Milk instead of Heavy Cream
View substitute ratio →
Greek Yogurt + Milk instead of Heavy Cream
View substitute ratio →
Silken Tofu (blended) instead of Heavy Cream
View substitute ratio →
Cashew Cream instead of Heavy Cream
View substitute ratio →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk + butter instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use milk + butter as a substitute for heavy cream. Use 3/4 cup milk + 1/4 cup melted butter. Whisk together for sauces and baking. Will not whip but matches fat content for cooking.
How much milk + butter equals heavy cream?
Use 3/4 cup milk + 1/4 cup melted butter to replace heavy cream with milk + butter. Works best for sauces, soups, baking.
What is the best substitute for heavy cream?
Milk + Butter is a popular substitute for heavy cream. Use 3/4 cup milk + 1/4 cup melted butter for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 6 alternatives on our heavy cream substitute page.
Does milk + butter change the taste when replacing heavy cream?
Cannot be whipped. This substitute only works for liquid applications (sauces, soups, baking). Not suitable for ganache or recipes where cream's ability to whip is needed.