Whipping Cream vs Sour cream
A side-by-side guide to substituting Sour cream for Whipping Cream (or vice versa).
Sour cream works as a 1:1 swap for Whipping Cream in most recipes.
Side-by-side
Sour cream
Conversion: 1:1 substitution (use the same amount)
Tags: common
Notes: Sour cream is tangier and thicker; use 1:1 in sauces and baking, but avoid whipping sour cream for topping. Thin with milk if a lighter consistency is needed.
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Open calculator →When to use Sour cream instead of Whipping Cream
Sour cream is tangier and thicker; use 1:1 in sauces and baking, but avoid whipping sour cream for topping. Thin with milk if a lighter consistency is needed. The conversion is 1:1 substitution (use the same amount).
Common questions
Yes — Sour cream is tangier and thicker; use 1:1 in sauces and baking, but avoid whipping sour cream for topping. Thin with milk if a lighter consistency is needed. Ratio: 1:1 substitution (use the same amount).
1:1 substitution (use the same amount). For other quantities, use the SubSwap calculator.
They are similar in most uses, but Sour cream is tangier and thicker; use 1:1 in sauces and baking, but avoid whipping sour cream for topping..
Sour cream is one of the options SubSwap lists for Whipping Cream. The 'best' choice depends on your recipe — see the full list of Whipping Cream substitutes.
Looking for more Whipping Cream substitutes beyond Sour cream?
See all Whipping Cream swaps →