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    Home » Cooking Basics

    04/05/2022

    17 Best Sour Cream Substitutes (for Baking and Other Occasions)

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    Whether you’ve run out of sour cream just when you need it, or are looking for a dairy-free alternative, we’ve collected 17 of the best sour cream substitutes. You’ll also find a recipe for homemade sour cream at the end of this article.

    Whether you’ve run out of sour cream just when you need it, or are looking for a dairy-free alternative, we’ve collected 17 of the best sour cream substitutes. You’ll also find a recipe for homemade sour cream at the end of this article.

    Sour cream is a versatile and economical ingredient that can be used in many dishes. From baked goods, to sauces, to desserts and as a topping, it’s a staple in many households. 

    Table of Contents Show
    Best Sour Cream Substitutes
    Plain Greek Yogurt (Our Top Pick)
    Cream
    Regular Plain Yogurt
    Cream Cheese
    Crème Fraiche
    Mascarpone Cheese
    Mayonnaise
    Cottage Cheese
    The Best Substitute for Sour Cream in Baking
    Buttermilk
    Milk
    Heavy Whipping Cream
    Plain Kefir
    The Best Dairy Free Substitutes
    Vegan Sour Cream
    Coconut Cream
    Cashew Cream
    Vegan Yogurt
    Tofu
    Homemade Sour Cream Substitute Recipe

    Best Sour Cream Substitutes

    Plain Greek Yogurt (Our Top Pick)

    Plain Greek Yogurt

    Easy to find and economical, Greek yogurt is thick, tangy, and an excellent substitute for sour cream. Use it at a ratio of 1:1. 

    Cream

    Whipped Cream

    To use regular heavy whipping cream in place of sour cream, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to every cup of whipping cream. 

    Regular Plain Yogurt

    Regular Plain Yogurt

    Plain yogurt isn’t as thick as sour cream, but can be used as a substitute for baking or cooking. If you’re making a thick dip, Greek yogurt is a better choice. Use plain yogurt at a ratio of 1:1.

    Cream Cheese

    Cream Cheese

    Cream cheese is much thicker than sour cream and doesn’t have the same tangy flavor but it can be used in place of sour cream in some recipes. Use an equal amount of cream cheese in place of sour cream.

    Crème Fraiche

    Crème Fraiche

    Often used in Europe, crème fraiche translates to fresh cream. It has a tangy flavor that’s similar to sour cream and can be used to replace sour cream in baked goods and in dips. Use it at a ratio of 1:1. 

    Mascarpone Cheese

    Mascarpone Cheese

    This soft Italian cheese is used in sweet desserts like tiramisu. It doesn’t have a tangy flavor and is best used to replace sour cream for baking. Use it at a ratio of 1:1. 

    Mayonnaise

    Mayonnaise

    Mayonnaise is creamy and tangy and would work in sauces, dips, and baked goods. If using mayonnaise as a substitute in a dip or dressing, try adding a bit of plain yogurt or buttermilk to mellow out the flavor. Use mayonnaise at a ratio of 1:1. 

    Cottage Cheese

    Cottage Cheese

    To use cottage cheese in place of sour cream, blend 1 cup of cottage cheese with a ¼ cup of yogurt until smooth, and add 1 tsp of lemon juice. This will give the cottage cheese a pleasant tangy flavor.  Use it at a ratio of 1:1. 

    The Best Substitute for Sour Cream in Baking

    The options below are ideal for replacing sour cream in baked goods. 

    Buttermilk

    Buttermilk

    Buttermilk is much thinner than sour cream but does have a tangy flavor. To use it as a substitute in baking, add ⅓ cup of butter. If you don’t have buttermilk in your fridge, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to a cup of regular milk. Use buttermilk at a ratio of 1:1. 

    Milk

    Milk

    Because milk doesn’t offer the tangy flavor of sour cream, it’s best to use buttermilk instead. Make your own buttermilk out of regular milk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to a cup of regular milk. Note that nonfat or skim milk is much thinner than regular milk and can affect the texture of your baked goods. Use milk or homemade buttermilk at a ratio of 1:1. 

    Heavy Whipping Cream

    Heavy Whipping Cream

    Heavy whipping cream has a higher fat content and is thicker than regular milk, making it a better substitution for sour cream.  To use heavy whipping cream in place of sour cream, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to every cup of whipping cream to give it a tangier flavor. Use it at a ratio of 1:1. 

    Plain Kefir

    Plain Kefir

    Kefir is fermented yogurt that can be enjoyed as a beverage. It has a tangy flavor and is a great option for baking. Be sure to select plain, unflavored kefir. Use it at a ratio of 1:1. 

    The Best Dairy Free Substitutes 

    Vegan Sour Cream

    Vegan Sour Cream

    Vegan sour cream is an excellent option to regular dairy sour cream. Use it at a ratio of 1:1. 

    Coconut Cream

    Coconut Cream

    Coconut cream can be used in place of sour cream in baked goods but it will add a coconut flavor to the product. Before using coconut cream, empty the contents of the can into a blender and blend until smooth. For a tangy flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon juice. Use coconut cream at a ratio of 1:1. 

    Cashew Cream

    Cashew Cream

    Cashew cream is another option if you’re looking for a vegan substitution. It can be found in many health food stores. 

    Vegan Yogurt

    Vegan Yogurt

    Vegan yogurt is often made with coconut or almond milk. Note that the flavor of your baked goods may take on these flavors, so choose a plain option whenever possible. Use vegan yogurt at a ratio of 1:1. 

    Tofu

    Tofu

    To use tofu in place of sour cream, you’ll need the following ingredients: 

    • 1–12 oz. box of firm or extra firm silken tofu
    • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
    • Salt to taste

    Place all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Check the taste and add more lemon juice if required. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge.  

    Sour Cream

    Homemade Sour Cream Substitute Recipe

    If you’ve run out of sour cream and don’t have time to go to the grocery store, you can make your own at home with a few ingredients.
    Print Pin Rate
    Servings: 1 cup
    Author: Izzy

    Ingredients 

    • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • ¼ cup milk

    Instructions 

    • Mix the whipping cream and lemon juice together, and then stir in the milk.
    • Pour the mixture into a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake well.
    • Remove the lid and cover the jar with a clean piece of paper towel or cheesecloth and secure it to the top of the jar with a rubber band.
    • Let the mixture sit overnight at room temperature or for up to 24 hours.
    • After 24 hours the mixture should be thick and somewhat firm. Stir well and cover with the lid. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
    Author: Izzy
    Tried this recipe?Follow or tag us on Pinterest @izzycooking

    Filed Under: Cooking Basics Tagged With: Sour Cream Substitute

    About Izzy

    I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.

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    Hi, this is Izzy! On my blog, you will find easy and delicious recipes for the everyday home cook, with easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step photos.

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