Double Cream Substitute: 12 Best Alternatives for Pasta, Baking, Curry & Cheesecake
The best double cream substitute depends on the recipe. For pasta, curry, and sauces, heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk with butter work well. For baking or cheesecake, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or mascarpone are excellent options. If you want a healthy or dairy-free double cream substitute, try coconut cream, cashew cream, or blended silken tofu.

Here you can also find Bread Flour Substitute and Salted butter substitutes.
What Is Double Cream?
Quick answer: Double cream is a rich dairy cream with about 48% milk fat, commonly used in the UK for desserts, sauces, and baking.
Double cream is thicker and richer than:
- Whipping cream
- Heavy cream
- Single cream
Because it’s not always available worldwide, many cooks search for a double cream substitute in the USA, Australia, or New Zealand.
What Is the Best Double Cream Substitute?
Quick answer: Heavy cream is the closest substitute for double cream because it has a similar fat content and texture.
Other great substitutes include:
- Heavy cream
- Mascarpone
- Cream cheese
- Half-and-half with butter
- Coconut cream
12 Best Double Cream-Substitutes

1. Can Heavy Cream Replace Double Cream?
Yes — heavy cream is the best double cream-substitute.
Heavy cream contains around 36–40% fat, making it the closest alternative.
Best for:
- Pasta sauces
- Baking
- Soups
- Desserts
This works well as a double cream-substitute in the USA.
2. Can Whipping Cream Replace Double Cream?
Yes — whipping cream can replace double cream in many recipes.
However, it has slightly less fat.
Best for:
- Desserts
- Cakes
- Sauces
This answers the question: Can double cream-substitute whipping cream?
3. Can Mascarpone Replace Double Cream?
Yes — mascarpone is thick and creamy, making it ideal for rich recipes.
Best for:
- Cheesecake
- Desserts
- Creamy pasta
It’s an excellent double cream substitute for cheesecake.
4. Can Cream Cheese Replace Double Cream?
Yes — cream cheese works well when mixed with a little milk.
Best for:
- Cheesecake
- Baking
- Creamy sauces
5. Can Milk and Butter Replace Double Cream?
Yes — milk mixed with butter can mimic the fat content of double cream.
Simple recipe:
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
Best for:
- Baking
- Sauces
- Pasta
6. Is Half-and-Half a Good Double Cream-Substitute?
Yes — half-and-half can replace double cream in lighter recipes.
Best for:
- Pasta
- Coffee
- Light sauces
This creates a low fat double cream substitute.
7. Can Greek Yogurt Replace Double Cream?
Yes — Greek yogurt is a healthy double cream substitute.
Best for:
- Curry
- Sauces
- Dressings
It provides a low calorie double cream substitute with extra protein.
8. Is Coconut Cream a Vegan Double Cream-Substitute?
Yes — coconut cream is the best vegan and dairy-free double cream-substitute.
Best for:
- Vegan desserts
- Curries
- Baking
This is a popular double cream-substitute for curry.
9. Can Cashew Cream Replace Double Cream?
Yes — blended cashews create a thick vegan cream.
Best for:
- Pasta
- Vegan sauces
- Soups
It’s a creamy plant-based alternative.
10. Can Crème Fraîche Replace Double Cream?
Yes — crème fraîche works in sauces and savory dishes.
Best for:
- Pasta
- Soups
- Savory baking
This answers the question: Can double cream-substitute crème fraîche?
11. Can Silken Tofu Replace Double Cream?
Yes — blended silken tofu is a healthy, dairy-free option.
Best for:
- Vegan sauces
- Creamy soups
- Desserts
12. Can Evaporated Milk Replace Double Cream?
Yes — evaporated milk works in cooking but is less rich.
Best for:
- Soups
- Sauces
- Curries

What Is the Best Double Cream-Substitute for Pasta?
Quick answer: Heavy cream, mascarpone, or cashew cream.
These provide the richness needed for creamy pasta sauces.
What Is the Best Double Cream-Substitute for Cheesecake?
Quick answer: Mascarpone or cream cheese.
They create the same thick and creamy texture.
What Is the Best Double Cream-Substitute for Curry?
Quick answer: Coconut cream or Greek yogurt.
Both add richness while balancing spices.
Double Cream Substitutes Around the World
Because double cream isn’t available everywhere, people often search for alternatives by region.
Double Cream Substitute in the USA
Heavy cream is the closest equivalent.
Double Cream Substitute in Australia
Thickened cream or heavy cream.
Double Cream Substitute in New Zealand
Fresh cream or whipping cream.
Double Cream Substitute in the UK
Mascarpone or whipping cream if double cream isn’t available.
FAQs About Double Cream Substitutes
What can I use instead of double cream?
Heavy cream, mascarpone, cream cheese, coconut cream, or milk with butter.
Can double cream substitute heavy cream?
Yes, double cream can replace heavy cream in most recipes.
What is a healthy double cream substitute?
Greek yogurt, silken tofu, or cashew cream.
What is the best vegan double cream substitute?
Coconut cream or cashew cream.
What is the best low calorie double cream substitute?
Greek yogurt or evaporated milk.
Key Takeaways
- Heavy cream is the closest double cream substitute.
- Mascarpone and cream cheese are best for desserts and cheesecake.
- Coconut cream and cashew cream are excellent vegan substitutes.
- Greek yogurt works as a healthy, low-calorie alternative.
- Milk and butter create a quick homemade substitute.

Hi, I’m Katty, and I love helping home cooks find easy, tested ingredient replacements that actually work. All substitutes on this site are based on real kitchen experience and food science — so you can cook confidently every time!
