The 9 best substitutes for sour cream, from yogurt to cashew cream

Since non-dairy alternatives until dairy alternatives, find a sour cream substitute it’s much more easy than you initially thought.

Using ingredients like coconut milk, cashews, or yogurt and a little acid of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, you can surprise your guests and your palate.

What is sour cream?

Sour cream is the combination of high fat dairy cream and lactic acid bacteria which when mixed together form a thick, sour and creamy product.

As the mixed ferments, the bacterial culture produces lactic acid, which gives the sour cream its distinctive sour taste. Some quality sour creams commercial have added stabilizers, such as gelatin or guar gum, to enrich their texture and consistency.

When cooking, sour cream helps add fat and moisture to hitters or hitters, producing a richer end product. However, if you’re looking for a non-dairy alternative or just run out of this ingredient at home, here are nine best sour cream substitutes to help you get through the day!

Best sour cream substitutes

Coconut cream

Place a can of coconut cream whole in the refrigerator for at least six hours. When cool, scoop out the creamy, condensed layer of coconut fat, leaving the liquid oil behind. Gently mix the coconut cream with a teaspoon or two of lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and season with salt to taste. Stir until smooth and smooth. If necessary, add more acid to mimic the spicy taste of sour cream. If the mixture is too thick, add a little of your favorite non-dairy milk, such as coconut milk, to mix the cream.

Anacardos

Soak a cup of raw cashews in a bowl of room temperature water for at least three hours. When finished, drain and rinse the cashews under cold water. Combine the cashews, the juice of one lemon, two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, ⅓ cup of water (add more if necessary) and a teaspoon of salt in a blender. Puree on high speed until completely smooth and creamy. If the mixture is not spicy enough, add more apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to taste. Whip up this dairy-free sour cream alternative to garnish a serving of this Haile Thomas Fall Chili Bowl with Roasted Sweet Potato and Quinoa.

White beans

Combine the cooked white beans, apple cider vinegar, oil, a pinch of Dijon mustard and salt to create a creamy sour cream substitute. This protein-rich blend adds moisture to pasta and is the perfect vegan ingredient to use when baking. You can also use this sauce as a mayonnaise substitute to spread on sandwiches, breads, or even veggie burgers.

Mayonnaise

This rich, fatty substitute works to add hydration to baked goods and can be used in a one-to-one ratio in place of sour cream. However, keep in mind that this ingredient does not have the acidity and flavor of traditional sour cream. You may want to add a touch of apple cider vinegar to your paste to create a result similar to the original.

Yogurt

Yogurt is probably your best bet when looking for a quick fix to make up for the missing ingredient. Easily replaces sour cream in a recipe in a one-to-one ratio, making conversions easier. For added hydration and richness, opt for plain or full-fat Greek yogurt to mimic the tangy, creamy flavors of traditional sour cream for recipes like this Cardamom Pear Sour Cream Pie.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk, another great alternative, is spicy, tangy, and adds moisture when cooking. However, keep in mind that it is much looser and more runny than sour cream. To balance the proportions of the wet ingredients, use three-quarters of a cup of buttermilk for each cup of sour cream the recipe calls for.

Born

Although it is very similar to sour cream, it is higher in fat and calories, but does not have the characteristic tart taste to the extent of its counterpart. However, the two are incredibly similar in texture and consistency, making them interchangeable in a one-to-one ratio. Use this ingredient as a substitute for sour cream in a good baked batter or use it to top baked potatoes or any creamy soup you like.

Cream cheese

If you’ve cleaned out your fridge and couldn’t find any fresh yogurt or cream, pull out a block of cream to get the job done. Mix this denser ingredient with a little milk or buttermilk to soften the consistency. For every cup of sour cream you need, use six ounces of cream cheese with two tablespoons of milk or buttermilk.