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Home » How To (Cooking & Baking Resources) » Half and Half Substitute

Half and Half Substitute

Published: Apr 28, 2021 · Modified: Sep 21, 2021 by Allison · 4 Comments

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Have a recipe that calls for half and half but you’re all out? With two ingredients you can make half and half. Use it for cooking, baking, adding to coffee, and more. It couldn’t be easier!

Milk being poured into a jar

Half and half is one of my favorite ingredients. It makes homemade frosting extra luxurious, mashed potatoes super creamy, and it is delicious in coffee, icing, glazes, cocktails, and more.

Jump to:
  • What is half and half?
  • How to make half and half
  • Evaporated milk as a substitute
  • Can you substitute half and half for heavy cream?
  • More cooking and baking substitutes
  • Recipes using half and half
  • Recipe

What is half and half?

Half and half is a combination of half milk and half cream. It is thicker and creamier than milk yet not as thick and decadent as cream. It falls right in between milk and cream.

How to make half and half

In order to make half and half combine equal parts milk and cream. If you use light cream it will be closer to store bought half and half. If you use heavy cream it will have a bit more fat, but it will still work just fine.

You can make a small portion or a large portion, based on what you need. For example:

  • ½ cup cream + ½ cup milk = 1 cup half and half
  • ¼ cup cream + ¼ cup milk = ½ cup half and half
  • 2 tablespoons cream + 2 tablespoons milk = ¼ cup half and half
Heavy cream in a carton and milk in a glass measuring cup

Evaporated milk as a substitute

If you do not have milk and cream to make your own half and half you can use evaporated milk as a substitute. Evaporated milk is milk that has had water content removed making it more concentrated than regular milk. You should be able to use this as a 1:1 substitute for half and half. I personally prefer the combo of cream and milk, but in a pinch evaporated milk will work.

Can you substitute half and half for heavy cream?

This depends on what the heavy cream is being used for. If you have a recipe that requires whipping heavy cream until it thickens and peaks form you will not be able to use half and half as a substitute. It doesn’t have enough fat and it won’t get thick enough to turn into “whipped” cream.

If you have a recipe that uses cream for creaminess and richness, such as cocktails, frosting, mashed potatoes, or dressing, you should be able to use half and half as a substitute with no problems.

More cooking and baking substitutes

  • Buttermilk Substitute
  • Vanilla Extract Substitute
  • Brown Sugar Substitute
  • Sour Cream Substitute
Two glasses of iced coffee with cream being poured in.

Recipes using half and half

Half and half makes the custard for our French toast casserole extra rich, our sweet potatoes super creamy, and it adds a velvety texture to frostings, glazes, and drinks. You’ll find so many ways to use this easy substitute!

  • Baked French Toast
  • Sweet Potato Souffle
  • Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Sugar Cookie Frosting
  • Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
  • Grasshopper Drink
  • Homemade Coffee Creamer

Recipe

Milk being poured into a jar

Half and Half Substitute

With two ingredients you can make half and half. Use it for cooking, baking, adding to coffee, and more.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin SaveSaved!
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1 (makes one cup*)
Calories: 428kcal
Author: Allison – Celebrating Sweets

Ingredients

  • ½ cup cream (light or heavy)
  • ½ cup milk

Instructions

  • Combine cream and milk. Keep refrigerated and use as a 1:1 substitute for any recipe that calls for half and half.

Notes

*You can make any quantity of half and half, just remember to use equal parts cream and milk. For example:
½ cup half and half = ¼ cup cream + ¼ cup milk
¼ cup half and half = 2 tablespoons cream + 2 tablespoons milk

Nutrition

Calories: 428kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 208mg | Potassium: 89mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1749IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 227mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional Information is an estimate based on third-party calculations and may vary based on products used and serving sizes.

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!
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Comments

  1. Hanna

    April 28, 2021 at 9:15 am

    5 stars
    Why didn’t I know about this sooner, thank you so much! So helpful!

    Reply
  2. Sam

    April 28, 2021 at 10:25 am

    5 stars
    I needed half and half for a recipe and this post was the answer I was looking for. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  3. Marianne

    December 28, 2022 at 1:09 pm

    I have heavy cream but only 2% milk, not whole. Will this work? I need the half & half for a quiche. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Allison

      December 28, 2022 at 3:31 pm

      Yes. That will be fine.

      Reply

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aboutHi, I'm Allison! I'm a busy wife and mom with a passion for cooking and baking. This is where you'll find my favorite homemade recipes, designed to help you make every day delicious! Read more....

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