Are you looking for a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream?
Look no further than oat milk!
This creamy and versatile plant-based milk can be used in a variety of recipes, from soups to sauces to baked goods.
But how exactly do you substitute oat milk for heavy cream? And what are the benefits of using oat milk instead of dairy?
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and more.
So grab a glass of oat milk and let’s get started!
Can I Use Oat Milk Instead Of Heavy Cream?
The short answer is yes, you can use oat milk instead of heavy cream. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when making the substitution.
Firstly, the flavor of the plant milk you choose will impact the overall taste of the dish. Oat milk is a great choice because it has a natural, creamy consistency and a mild flavor that is similar to dairy. It also contains antioxidants and minerals like manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and copper.
Secondly, oat milk is high in calories, so if you’re watching your calorie intake, you may want to use it sparingly. One cup of oat milk contains 160 calories, five grams of protein, and three grams of fiber.
To turn oat milk into a workable substitute for heavy cream, you can add cornstarch, vegan butter, tofu or olive oil. The amount and type of ingredient you add will depend on the recipe you’re making. For example, if you’re making a soup or sauce that requires heavy cream to lighten it up, a dash of oat milk may be sufficient. However, if you’re making a dessert that requires whipped cream, you may need to add more ingredients to achieve the desired texture.
What Is Oat Milk And How Is It Made?
Oat milk is a non-dairy milk made from oats and water. It has a creamy consistency and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that is similar to dairy milk. Oat milk is lactose-free, soy-free, and nut-free, making it a safe option for those with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.
To make oat milk, oats are blended with water until they form a smooth, creamy liquid. The mixture is then strained through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solid particles. Some commercial brands of oat milk may also contain additional ingredients like vitamins, minerals, and oils to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
One of the benefits of making your own oat milk is that you can control the thickness and consistency of the final product. If you prefer a thicker, creamier milk, you can use less water when blending the oats. Alternatively, if you prefer a thinner milk, you can add more water.
Benefits Of Using Oat Milk Instead Of Heavy Cream
There are several benefits to using oat milk instead of heavy cream. Firstly, oat milk is lactose, soy, and nut-free, making it a safe choice for those with allergies or sensitivities to dairy products or nuts. Additionally, oat milk contains beta-glucans that bind to the gut and reduce cholesterol absorption, potentially reducing cholesterol levels.
Oat milk is also an excellent source of many vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It contains significant amounts of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, and Vitamin B12. Commercial oat milk is often enriched with nutrients like calcium, potassium, iron, B vitamins, and vitamins A and D. As such, store-bought versions typically offer more nutrients than homemade ones.
In comparison to heavy cream, oat milk has significantly less cholesterol and fewer calories. One cup of heavy cream contains 820 calories and 88 grams of fat, while one cup of oat milk contains 160 calories and five grams of fat. This makes oat milk a healthier alternative for those watching their calorie intake.
Furthermore, the flavor of oat milk is not overpowering, which means it can be used in recipes that call for heavy cream without altering the overall taste of the dish significantly. Oat milk can be used in more savory recipes like soups or as a milk replacement in pancakes.
Lastly, the sustainable nature of oats versus almonds or cashews has contributed to oat milk’s popularity among eco-conscious millennials. Oat milk production requires less water than almond milk production and has a lower carbon footprint.
How To Substitute Oat Milk For Heavy Cream In Recipes
If you’re looking to substitute heavy cream with oat milk in a recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind. Oat milk is a great substitute because it has a similar consistency and flavor to heavy cream, but it’s important to know how to use it correctly.
Here are some tips on how to substitute oat milk for heavy cream in recipes:
1. Start by pouring 1 cup of oat milk into a mixing bowl.
2. If you want to thicken the oat milk, start by adding 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and mix with a whisk. Add more cornstarch as needed for thickness.
3. If you want a sweet taste, whisk in a small amount of sugar, agave, maple syrup, or vanilla extract.
4. If you’re making a recipe that requires whipped cream, you can add vegan butter or olive oil to the oat milk. Use 2/3 cup of oat milk and 1/3 cup of oil for each cup of heavy cream. Whip the mixture until it reaches the desired texture.
5. If you’re making a soup or sauce that requires heavy cream to lighten it up, simply add a dash of oat milk until you reach the desired consistency.
6. If you’re making a dessert that requires heavy cream, consider adding tofu instead. Silken tofu can mimic the texture of heavy cream in certain applications, like cheesecake or French silk pie. Blend about 1 cup of silken tofu with dairy-free milk to thin it out until it reaches the desired consistency.
In general, oat milk is a versatile and healthy substitute for heavy cream in recipes. It’s lactose, soy, and nut-free, making it safe to use if you have allergies or sensitivities to dairy products or nuts. However, if you have a gluten allergy, oat milk may not be the best non-dairy substitute for you.
Experiment with different recipes and see how oat milk works for you as a substitute for heavy cream. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create delicious and healthy dishes without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Recipes That Use Oat Milk Instead Of Heavy Cream
Here are some delicious recipes that use oat milk instead of heavy cream:
1. Creamy Mushroom Pasta – This recipe uses oat milk to create a rich and creamy sauce for the pasta. Sauté mushrooms and garlic in a pan with vegan butter, then add oat milk, nutritional yeast, and cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Toss the sauce with cooked pasta and serve with fresh parsley.
2. Vegan Mac and Cheese – This recipe uses oat milk to create a cheesy and creamy sauce for the pasta. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then make a roux with vegan butter and flour. Whisk in oat milk, nutritional yeast, mustard, and garlic powder until smooth. Add the sauce to the cooked pasta and bake in the oven until bubbly.
3. Dairy-Free Potato Soup – This recipe uses oat milk to create a creamy and comforting soup. Sauté onions and garlic in a pot with vegan butter, then add diced potatoes, vegetable broth, and oat milk. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, then blend the soup until smooth. Serve with fresh chives and crusty bread.
4. Vegan Chocolate Mousse – This recipe uses silken tofu and oat milk to create a light and fluffy mousse. Blend silken tofu, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and oat milk in a blender until smooth. Chill the mixture in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Tips For Using Oat Milk In Cooking And Baking
If you’re considering using oat milk in your cooking and baking, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Start with a 1:1 ratio: When substituting oat milk for heavy cream, start with a 1:1 ratio. This means using the same amount of oat milk as you would heavy cream in a recipe. If the recipe calls for a specific type of heavy cream, like whipping cream, make sure to use an oat milk that has a similar consistency.
2. Manipulate texture and thickness: Oat milk can be manipulated to achieve different textures and thicknesses by adding water or neutral-tasting oils like grapeseed oil. You can also use cornstarch or vegan butter to thicken the milk if needed.
3. Use unsweetened and unflavored oat milk: Sweetened or flavored oat milk can affect the flavor of your dish, so it’s best to stick with unsweetened and unflavored varieties when cooking and baking.
4. Consider adding a fat source: Heavy cream is high in fat, so if you’re using oat milk as a substitute, consider adding a fat source like olive oil, coconut oil or vegan butter to achieve a similar texture and richness.
5. Keep in mind the impact on flavor: While oat milk has a mild flavor, it can still impact the overall taste of your dish. Consider how the flavor of oat milk will pair with the other ingredients in your recipe before making the substitution.
By following these tips, you can successfully use oat milk as a substitute for heavy cream in your cooking and baking. Experiment with different recipes and ingredients to find what works best for you and your taste preferences.
Conclusion: Is Oat Milk A Good Substitute For Heavy Cream?
In conclusion, oat milk is a great substitute for heavy cream in many recipes. Its creamy consistency and mild flavor make it an excellent choice for savory dishes like soups and sauces. Additionally, oat milk is high in nutrients like antioxidants and minerals, making it a healthy alternative to heavy cream.
However, when using oat milk as a substitute for heavy cream, it’s important to keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the dish may be slightly different. Adding additional ingredients like cornstarch, vegan butter, tofu or olive oil can help to achieve a similar consistency to heavy cream.
