Best Sour Cream Substitute For Cheesecake | Boyd Hampers (2024)

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Norah Clark

Best Sour Cream Substitute For Cheesecake | Boyd Hampers (1)

The best sour cream substitute for cheesecake is typically Greek yogurt or plain yogurt, and many more. They offer a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture that complements the cheesecake filling.

Sour cream may not always be readily available or suitable for certain dietary restrictions, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your love for cheesecake.

In this article, I will discuss sour cream’s role in cheesecake, introduce different substitutes for sour cream, and provide tips for substituting sour cream in cheesecake recipes.

Best Sour Cream Substitutes

When sour cream is not available or not suitable for a particular dietary restriction, several substitutes can be used in its place.

Each substitute has its own unique taste and texture, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each one.

1. Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt is a thick and creamy yogurt with a tangy taste similar to sour cream. It can be used as a 1:1 substitute for sour cream in cheesecake. Greek yogurt is a great option for those looking for a healthier option, as it is lower in fat and calories than sour cream.

2. Crème fraîche

Crème fraîche is a cultured dairy product that has a similar taste and texture to sour cream. It can be used as a 1:1 substitute for sour cream in cheesecake. Crème fraîche is a great option for those looking for a richer and more buttery taste.

3. Cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is a soft and creamy cheese that has a mild and slightly tangy taste. It can be blended and used as a substitute for sour cream in cheesecake, but it will affect the texture of the final product. Cottage cheese is a great option for those looking for a low-fat alternative to sour cream.

4. Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a cultured dairy product that has a tangy and slightly sour taste. It can be used as a substitute for sour cream in cheesecake, but it will affect the texture of the final product. Buttermilk is a great option for those looking for a tangier cheesecake.

5. Coconut cream

Coconut cream is a thick and creamy dairy-free alternative to sour cream. It can be used as a 1:1 substitute for sour cream in cheesecake, but it will affect the taste of the final product. Coconut cream is a great option for those with dairy allergies or following a vegan diet.

Tips For Substituting Sour Cream

When substituting sour cream in a cheesecake recipe, it’s important to properly measure and adjust the recipe to compensate for the taste and texture differences of the substitute.

  • Measure the substitute correctly: When substituting sour cream with a different ingredient, measure the substitute correctly. Use the same amount of the substitute as the sour cream is called for in the recipe.
  • Adjust the recipe: Depending on your substitute, you may need to adjust the recipe to compensate for the taste and texture differences. For example, if you use Greek yogurt as a substitute, you may need to add more sugar to the recipe to balance the tanginess.
  • Taste and adjust: Before baking the cheesecake, taste the batter and adjust as needed. If the cheesecake batter is too tangy, add more sugar or sweetener. If the cheesecake batter is too thick or dense, add a small amount of milk or cream to thin it out.
  • Bake as directed: Once you have properly measured and adjusted the recipe, bake the cheesecake as directed in the recipe. Keep an eye on the cheesecake as it bakes, and make any necessary adjustments to the baking time or temperature to ensure that it comes out perfectly.

Why Is Sour Cream Used In Cheesecake?

Why sour cream in cheesecake? Sour cream is often added to the batter before baking to add tanginess and richness to the final product.

It also helps to create a smooth and creamy texture.

FAQs

What can I use in cheesecake instead of sour cream?

Some possible substitutes for sour cream in cheesecake include Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, cottage cheese, buttermilk, and coconut cream.

Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream for cheesecake?

Yes, yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in cheesecake. Greek yogurt is a popular choice as it is thick and creamy, and has a similar tanginess to sour cream.

Can I use cream cheese instead of sour cream on a cake?

Cream cheese can be used as a substitute for sour cream in cheesecake. However, it may affect the texture of the cheesecake and will also add a distinct cream cheese flavor.

Can I substitute for sour cream?

Yes, various substitutes can be used in place of sour cream in cheesecake, such as Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, cottage cheese, buttermilk, and coconut cream.

Summary

In summary, finding the best sour cream substitutes in cheesecakes is crucial for any home chef who wants to make delicious and creamy cheesecakes.

Many options are available whether you are dealing with dietary restrictions or simply looking for a different taste. By understanding the role of sour cream in cheesecake and the pros and cons of each substitute, you’ll be able to make informed decisions when finding the best sour cream substitute for your cheesecake recipe.

With the tips and information provided in this article, you’ll be able to experiment and enjoy cheesecake with various sour cream substitutes.

Best Sour Cream Substitute For Cheesecake | Boyd Hampers (2)

Norah Clark

Norah Clark, Editor of Boyd Hampers! Norah is a food writer with over a decade of experience in hospitality as a pastry chef, sous chef, and barista; former chef at the Savoy Hotel, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons and Plaza Hotel.

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I’ve been making cheesecake for 35 years. I was looking to change it up. I came across honey Greek yogurt the taste was amazing If you’re looking to change things try honey Greek yogurt 😋

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Best Sour Cream Substitute For Cheesecake | Boyd Hampers (2024)

FAQs

Best Sour Cream Substitute For Cheesecake | Boyd Hampers? ›

The best sour cream substitute for cheesecake is typically Greek yogurt or plain yogurt, and many more. They offer a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture that complements the cheesecake filling.

What is a substitute for sour cream in cheesecake? ›

Yogurt is your best substitute for sour cream. Whether you're baking or making a dip or sauce, yogurt is a 1:1 sub. That means if your recipe calls for 1 cup of sour cream, you can replace it with 1 cup of yogurt. Full-fat Greek or natural yogurts work best, but low-fat or even nonfat can be used, too.

Can I use mayo instead of sour cream in cheesecake? ›

You can substitute mayo for sour cream in baked goods, as the eggs and oil will provide extra moisture. If you want to use it as a topping, just thin it a bit with a dash of apple cider vinegar.

Why do you need sour cream in cheesecake? ›

Cheesecake is clearly a different animal from bundts or cupcakes, but sour cream has a place here too! Combined with even more densely rich cream cheese, sour cream actually tempers the star ingredient a touch, softening its texture. It also adds another layer of tangy flavor and moisture to a cheesecake.

What is a healthy alternative to sour cream? ›

Greek yogurt is one of the best swaps for sour cream that you can find. (Just be sure to look for plain Greek yogurt, not the flavored variety.) It has a similar creamy texture and that characteristic tang; plus, it's a healthy ingredient that'll add protein to your dish.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of sour cream in cheesecake? ›

Luckily, there are other ingredients you can use to substitute for sour cream, from plain yogurt to evaporated milk to cottage cheese.

How to make sour cream at home in 5 minutes? ›

Instructions. Place 1 cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice or distilled white vinegar in a clean 1 pint glass jar and stir with a clean spoon until combined. Cover with a paper towel or cheesecloth and secure with a rubber band.

Can I skip sour cream in a recipe? ›

5 Ingredients to Use When You Are Out of Sour Cream
  1. Swap in Greek-style yogurt, labneh or skyr.
  2. Go less tangy with crème fraîche.
  3. Make a thinner sauce with buttermilk.
  4. Go rich and creamy with cottage cheese, mascarpone or ricotta.
  5. Whip up a plant-based sour cream.
  6. Make sour cream at home.
Jul 5, 2023

Is sour cream or Greek yogurt better for cheesecake? ›

Greek yogurt is a thick and creamy yogurt with a tangy taste similar to sour cream. It can be used as a 1:1 substitute for sour cream in cheesecake. Greek yogurt is a great option for those looking for a healthier option, as it is lower in fat and calories than sour cream.

Can I use heavy cream instead of sour cream? ›

If you find yourself with an empty or unusable container of sour cream, you can always make some from scratch using 1 cup of heavy cream combined with a teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. The process will mimic the creation of sour cream in texture, though many people feel like the taste is not quite the same.

What do vegans use instead of sour cream? ›

  • Vegan Sour Cream. Use it For: Baking, Cooking, Topping/Dip. ...
  • Vegan Yogurt. Use it For: Baking, Cooking, Topping/Dip. ...
  • Vegan Cream Cheese. Use it For: Cooking, Topping/Dip. ...
  • Vegan Mayonnaise. Use it For: Baking, Topping/Dip. ...
  • Coconut Cream/Coconut Milk. Use it For: Baking, Cooking. ...
  • Cashews. ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Avocado.
Aug 9, 2023

What is a low sodium substitute for sour cream? ›

The Verdict: Greek yogurt is a great alternative to replace sour cream in many meals.

Can I use milk instead of sour cream? ›

12. Regular Milk. Although not an ideal substitute due to the lack of flavor and thick texture, you can use regular milk as a substitute for sour cream when in a pinch. Regular milk, as a replacement, is best in baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and bread.

What can you substitute for sour cream that is non-dairy? ›

Best non-dairy substitutes
  • Cashews. Soak a cup of raw cashews in a bowl of room temperature water for at least three hours. ...
  • Coconut Cream. Place a can of full-fat coconut cream in the refrigerator for at least six hours. ...
  • Full-Fat Coconut Milk. ...
  • White Beans. ...
  • Mayonnaise. ...
  • Vegan Sour Cream. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Buttermilk.
Apr 1, 2022

Can I use vanilla yogurt instead of sour cream? ›

In most cases, plain yogurt or Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream—and vice versa. Sour cream will give you a similar texture and tanginess, and swapping sour cream for yogurt is a simple 1-to-1 ratio.

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