The Difference Between Dairy and Vegan Whipping Cream
What is traditional whipping cream?
Traditional whipping cream, often labeled as heavy cream or whipping cream, is a dairy product made from the high-fat portion of milk. Its ability to whip into a light and airy consistency comes from its significant milk fat content (30-36%). Because it is an animal-derived product, it is fundamentally incompatible with a vegan lifestyle, which strictly avoids all animal by-products.
What makes whipping cream non-vegan?
For a product to be considered vegan, it must contain no ingredients derived from animals. Standard whipping cream is made entirely from dairy milk fat. Even some non-dairy labeled products might contain casein or other milk proteins, so reading the label is crucial for strict vegans. Traditional cream is produced by separating the fat from cow's milk, a process incompatible with a plant-based diet.
Top Plant-Based Whipping Cream Alternatives
Fortunately, the market and culinary world offer several excellent vegan alternatives to satisfy your creamy dessert needs. Here are some of the most popular and effective options:
Coconut Cream
This is one of the most widely used and successful substitutes for dairy whipping cream. To make it, you chill a can of full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream overnight, which causes the cream to separate from the liquid. You then scoop the hardened, solid cream from the top and whip it with a mixer. Coconut cream can produce thick, stable peaks, perfect for cakes and pies, but it will have a mild coconut flavor.
Aquafaba
Aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, is a surprising yet effective vegan substitute. It can be whipped just like egg whites to create a light, airy, and meringue-like topping. While it doesn't replicate the richness of dairy cream, it's an excellent low-fat option for toppings and mousse-style desserts. To stabilize it, you often need to add a pinch of cream of tartar.
Cashew Cream
For a neutral-flavored, rich, and creamy alternative, cashew cream is a top choice. By soaking raw cashews and then blending them with water in a high-speed blender, you can achieve a thick, smooth cream. The consistency can be adjusted by altering the water-to-cashew ratio. Cashew cream is versatile, working well in both sweet and savory dishes, but it does require more prep time than other methods.
Soy-Based Whipping Cream
Some commercial brands and homemade recipes use a soy base to create a whipped topping. Unsweetened soy milk combined with refined coconut oil and thickeners like xanthan gum or cornstarch can be whipped into a serviceable cream. The key is to use unsweetened, unflavored soy milk to avoid an overpowering bean taste. Refined coconut oil is also recommended to ensure a neutral flavor.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Vegan Whipping Cream
| Feature | Homemade Vegan Whipping Cream | Store-Bought Vegan Whipping Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Whole foods-based; typically coconut cream, cashews, aquafaba, soy milk, etc. | Plant-based oils (like palm or coconut), stabilizers, emulsifiers, water, sweeteners |
| Convenience | Requires preparation, including chilling and whipping. More labor-intensive. | Ready-to-use in a can or carton. Minimal effort required. |
| Flavor | Can have a subtle taste from the base ingredient (e.g., coconut). More natural flavor profile. | Flavors can be neutral or have a slightly processed taste due to additives. |
| Health Profile | Generally healthier, with fewer additives, though nutritional content varies by base. | Often contains added sugars and stabilizers. Nutritional values vary widely. |
| Stability | Can be less stable than dairy cream, depending on the ingredients and process. | Engineered for maximum stability, holding peaks for longer. |
| Cost | Typically more affordable, as you use whole ingredients. | Often more expensive than the dairy equivalent and sometimes more than homemade versions. |
Tips for Successful Vegan Whipping
- Chill everything: For best results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters (or stand mixer whisk) in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before you begin. This helps the fats firm up and whip faster.
- Use full-fat products: If using coconut milk, always choose the full-fat canned version. Light coconut milk lacks the fat content needed for a stable whip.
- Don't overmix: Just like dairy cream, vegan alternatives can be over-whipped. Keep a close eye on the consistency to avoid a grainy texture or a separation of fat and water.
- Add a stabilizer: For extra stability, especially with homemade versions, consider adding a small amount of a stabilizer like xanthan gum, guar gum, or cream of tartar. This is particularly helpful for aquafaba.
Delicious Ways to Use Vegan Whipped Cream
- Topping desserts: A dollop of vegan whipped cream is the perfect finish for brownies, pies, and fruit salads.
- Filling cakes: Use a stable, thicker whipped cream, like a coconut-based one, to fill and frost cakes and cupcakes.
- Making mousse: Mix vegan whipped cream into melted chocolate or other flavorings to create a light and fluffy vegan mousse.
- Adding to drinks: Top hot cocoa, lattes, or milkshakes with a swirl of vegan whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Finishing breakfast dishes: Garnish waffles, pancakes, or smoothie bowls with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for a decadent start to your day.
Conclusion
While traditional whipping cream is off-limits for a vegan diet, there is no need to miss out on the rich, fluffy treat. From readily available store-bought options to simple homemade recipes using coconut, cashews, or aquafaba, vegans can find a perfect substitute for nearly any culinary application. By understanding the ingredients and techniques, you can easily create delicious, dairy-free whipped toppings for all your sweet and savory needs. The availability of high-quality vegan alternatives means you never have to sacrifice flavor or texture when enjoying a plant-based lifestyle. For more information on vegan alternatives, explore comprehensive guides like those from MasterClass on how to make vegan whipped cream.
