If you are vegan, you may have had to look for a vegan substitute for coconut cream when working on a recipe.
There are plenty of options available for you to choose from. Each one has a different benefit depending on what it is being used for in the recipe.
Substitute for Coconut Cream Vegan
When you need a substitute for coconut cream vegan, you will have your choice of the top ones available.
Each one provides all the same features that coconut cream offers in vegan recipes and you will be shown exactly how to make the substitution so it is a smooth transition.
What is the Difference Between a Vegan and a Vegetarian?
In order to find the right substitute for coconut cream, you should know what the differences are between a vegan and a vegetarian.
There are many beliefs and attitudes that define both lifestyles, but for this article, we are going to focus just on the food practices of each one.
Note: People who are vegan follow a diet that is stricter than those who are vegetarian.
They do not eat any foods that come from animals but also include eggs, dairy, and some food products that come from animals, including honey and gelatin.
Vegetarians, on the other hand, do not eat meat, game, poultry, shellfish, and fish.
They do eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and seeds. Some vegetarians do include eggs, honey, and dairy in their diet, depending on what type of vegetarians they are.
Now to find the answer to the next big question.
What is Coconut Cream?
You are probably already familiar with coconut milk, but what is coconut cream. And how is it different from coconut cream?
The comparison between the two is said to be like the difference between regular milk and heavy cream.
They both taste similar but coconut cream has a higher fat content than coconut milk making it thicker. Coconut milk contains more water.
Both are used in cooking but each one is used for different reasons. The taste will remain the same but when using them in a recipe you will reach for each one for textural reasons.
Note: If you are cooking for someone who is vegan, make sure you do not use dairy products when you use a substitute for coconut cream.
What is Coconut Cream Used for in Recipes?
Because coconut cream has a rich texture with the fresh and flavorful taste of coconut, it is a welcome addition to many different types of recipes.
Coconut cream is a perfect addition to baked desserts, like custards and cakes, as well as in sauces, curry recipes, and stir-fry dishes.
Because vegans do not consume dairy products, many use coconut cream to make dairy-free whipped cream.
If the recipe calls for the use of coconut cream and you do not have any on hand, there is a host of substitutions you can use in its place.
Note – You might want to make a list of all the favorite vegan recipes you love to make and the substitutions listed here to replace coconut cream in case you run out.
Substitute for Coconut Cream in Vegan Recipe
Vegan recipes have to be followed precisely to make sure that they follow the requirements set forth by vegan practitioners.
Listed below are the top 6 foods you can use as a substitute for coconut cream.
Each one listed also includes how to use it to replace coconut cream in a vegan recipe.
Vegan Substitute for Coconut Cream – Best Options
1. Cream of Coconut
Cream of coconut is a good choice as a substitute for coconut cream because the taste is already similar. Cream of coconut is sweeter and it has a thinner consistency than coconut cream.
You can use the same amount of cream coconut when replacing coconut cream but you will want to reduce the sugar in the recipe.
2. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk consists of coconut and water. The taste is the same as coconut cream but the coconut milk is not as thick and creamy.
You can substitute coconut milk for coconut cream using the same amount of coconut milk to replace the cream.
All you have to do is get a can of full-fat coconut milk.
If you are going to be using it in dessert recipes you may want to whip the coconut milk to give it a similar consistency as the cream.
3. Almond Milk
Almond milk is a great replacement in vegan dishes such as different types of curries, breakfast dishes like French toast, and homemade ice cream.
When buying almond milk for sweet dishes you should opt for an organic brand.
Check to make sure that it doesn’t have added sugars and any other extra ingredients.
You can use almond milk just the same way and same amounts as you would use coconut cream in your vegan recipes.
4. Cashew Cream
Cashew cream is a good substitute for coconut cream when replacing it in soup and curry recipes.
It is easy to make your own cashew cream by taking one cup of cashews that are raw and putting them into a blender with one-half cup of water and two tablespoons of sunflower oil.
Blend it until it is nice and creamy and smooth. You can make it ahead of time and keep it in the freezer so you have it whenever you need it.
5. Silken Tofu
Tofu takes on any flavor you want it to in cooking. Here it can become a good substitute for coconut cream for vegan recipes.
Just take one part of silken tofu and put it in a blender with one part of non-sweetened vanilla soy milk or coconut milk.
Blend it until smooth then strain it and add a little vanilla if using it for sweet recipes.
For savory meals use oat or almond milk as the liquid and do not add vanilla.
6. Oat Milk
You can use oat milk to replace coconut cream for your vegan recipes.
Both are sweet and rich and can make lattes where you will never know the difference.
You can buy oat milk at the store or grind up oats to make your own. Oat milk from the store is actually a little sweeter than coconut cream so adjust your recipe to taste.
Tip- If you want to make a vegan non-dairy whipped cream simply take canned coconut milk and whip it as if it is regular cream.
FAQ
Does Substituting Ingredients to Replace Coconut Cream make a Difference?
No, in most cases with the substitutions we have listed, no one will ever be able to tell that the coconut cream was replaced.
Can I Use the Oat Milk made for French toast or Can I just Buy Some at the Store?
Just check the labels when buying replacements instead of making them yourself.
See if there is added sugar and adjust your recipe accordingly.
Note – Are you always looking for a gift for a friend who is vegan? Why not put together a basket with a copy of your favorite vegan recipes and add a few of the substitutions listed here for coconut cream.
This will be a gift they will definitely use!
Conclusion
Knowing the vegan substitute for coconut cream that is available for your vegan recipes, you can keep them on hand so you can always make your favorite dishes.
Some items you can even keep in your freezer so they will last for months.
Almost all the substitutions can be used in the same amount to replace the coconut cream so you don’t have to worry about finding the replacement information.
There is no excuse – ready, set, cook!