Understanding Vegan Cream
Veganism is a lifestyle that excludes all animal products, including dairy. This means traditional dairy cream, derived from milk, is not an option. Fortunately, the market for plant-based alternatives has exploded, offering a wide array of creams made from various plants to suit different culinary applications. These alternatives are formulated to mimic the taste, texture, and function of dairy cream, with options available for everything from whipping and pouring to enriching sauces and soups. The right choice for you will depend on the recipe's fat requirement, flavor profile, and whether you prefer store-bought convenience or homemade freshness.
Popular Vegan Cream Alternatives
Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is one of the most popular and versatile vegan creams, particularly useful for desserts and rich, savory dishes like curries. It is derived from coconut milk, with the thicker, fatty cream separating from the watery liquid when a can is chilled.
- Flavor Profile: Distinctly tropical coconut flavor. This can be a pro for sweet dishes but a con for savory ones unless intended.
- Best Uses: Whipped cream, ice cream, desserts, and curries.
- Homemade Tip: For the best results for whipping, chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight and scoop out the hardened cream.
Cashew Cream
For those who dislike the taste of coconut or need a more neutral-flavored cream, cashew cream is an excellent, fat-rich alternative. It is made by blending soaked raw cashews with water until completely smooth.
- Flavor Profile: Neutral and subtly nutty. It blends into recipes without overpowering other ingredients.
- Best Uses: Thickening sauces, soups, and creating creamy dressings.
- Homemade Tip: Using a high-speed blender is crucial for achieving a silky-smooth texture.
Oat and Soy Creams
Commercial vegan creams are widely available, often using oat or soy as a base. These products are formulated for specific uses, with many barista-style versions perfect for coffee and others designed for cooking.
- Oat Cream: Known for its natural sweetness and full-bodied mouthfeel, similar to dairy.
- Soy Cream: Offers a neutral flavor and good stability for blending into both hot and cold beverages and recipes.
- Best Uses: Store-bought versions are great for convenience, especially in coffee, but their fat content and ability to whip can vary significantly.
Aquafaba
Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, is a surprising yet effective vegan cream alternative for whipping. It's fat-free but can be whipped into a fluffy, meringue-like topping.
- Flavor Profile: Neutral when properly whipped and sweetened.
- Best Uses: Whipped topping for desserts like pies and cakes.
- Homemade Tip: Add cream of tartar to stabilize it during whipping.
How to Choose the Right Vegan Cream for Your Recipe
Choosing the best vegan cream depends entirely on its intended use. While coconut cream excels in desserts, cashew cream offers a neutral base for savory dishes. For convenience, store-bought options provide consistency, but it is important to check the ingredients to understand their fat content and flavor profile.
| Feature | Coconut Cream | Cashew Cream | Oat/Soy Cream | Aquafaba |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Desserts, curries, whipped cream | Savory sauces, creamy soups, dips | Coffee, baking (pre-formulated) | Whipped topping, meringue |
| Fat Content | High | High (from cashews) | Varies (check label) | Very Low/None |
| Flavor | Distinct coconut | Neutral, slightly nutty | Mild, slightly sweet (oat) or neutral (soy) | Neutral |
| Whipping Ability | Excellent (full-fat canned) | Poor | Varies (check label) | Excellent (for meringue) |
| DIY Option | Yes (chill can) | Yes (blend cashews) | Yes (milk + fat/starch) | Yes (from chickpea can) |
Homemade Vegan Cream Recipes
Creating your own vegan cream allows for full control over flavor and texture. Here are two popular homemade methods:
1. Simple Cashew Cream
- Soak 1 cup of raw cashews in hot water for at least 15 minutes, or cold water for several hours.
- Drain and rinse the cashews.
- Blend the cashews with 1/2 to 1 cup of fresh water in a high-speed blender until completely smooth. Use less water for a thicker cream.
- Add a pinch of salt if using in a savory recipe. Add a sweetener or vanilla for a dessert cream.
2. Whipped Coconut Cream
- Refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk overnight.
- Carefully open the chilled can and scoop the solid cream layer into a cold mixing bowl. Leave the liquid behind.
- Beat the cream with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, adding powdered sugar and vanilla to taste.
Conclusion: The Creamy Vegan World Awaits
With an abundance of fantastic alternatives, vegans have access to a rich and varied world of cream. From the tropical richness of coconut to the neutral versatility of cashews, and the convenience of store-bought oat and soy varieties, there's a vegan cream solution for every culinary challenge. Experiment with both homemade and commercial options to find your favorite for cooking, baking, whipping, and enjoying in your daily coffee. By exploring these plant-based ingredients, you can continue to enjoy creamy textures and flavors without compromising your vegan lifestyle. A great resource for further recipe ideas is The Vegan ABCs Cookbook by Lisa Dawn Angerame.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can be used as a vegan substitute for heavy cream? Many options exist, including full-fat coconut cream, cashew cream, store-bought vegan heavy whipping cream (like Silk or Country Crock), or a homemade blend of plant-based milk and a high-fat ingredient like vegan butter or oil.
2. Is vegan cream typically lower in fat? It depends on the type. While some store-bought varieties are lower in fat, alternatives like full-fat canned coconut cream and homemade cashew cream can be quite rich and high in fat.
3. Can all vegan cream alternatives be whipped? No, not all can be whipped. For whipped cream, use full-fat canned coconut cream or a specific store-bought vegan whipping cream alternative, which are formulated with a high fat content for whipping.
4. Is there a vegan cream that doesn't have a coconut flavor? Yes. Cashew cream is known for its neutral flavor, making it perfect for savory dishes. Many oat and soy-based store-bought creams also have a neutral taste.
5. How can I make a simple vegan cream for savory sauces? Blend soaked raw cashews with fresh water until smooth. For a quick alternative, use a high-fat plant-based milk like extra-creamy oat milk, or blend silken tofu with a little plant milk.
6. What is aquafaba and how is it used as a cream? Aquafaba is the liquid from a can of chickpeas. It can be whipped, similar to egg whites, into a fluffy, meringue-like topping for desserts when combined with a stabilizer like cream of tartar.
7. Where can I find vegan cream in the grocery store? Store-bought vegan creams are typically found in the refrigerated section with other dairy alternatives, sometimes with plant-based milks. Shelf-stable versions, like canned coconut cream, are usually in the baking or international food aisles.
