Half-and-half substitute

Dairy, cream and fats · Checked against 3 sources · Updated November 4, 2026

Quick answer

Mix three-quarters cup of whole milk with one-quarter cup of heavy cream. That lands near half-and-half's 10 to 12 percent fat. Undiluted evaporated milk works 1 for 1 in cooking. Milk with a little butter also works in sauces and baking. None of them add the same richness to coffee.

How much do you need?

I need (half-and-half)Unit

Fractions work: 1 1/2, ¾, 0.5. The amounts below update as you type.

Show only options that are

Gluten-freeNut-freeEgg-freeNo alcohol

What to use

Whole milk and heavy cream
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Egg-free
- ¾ cup 185 g whole milk
- ¼ cup 60 g heavy cream
How
Stir together.
Best for
Everything: coffee, soups, sauces, custards, baking.
What changes
Closest match. Computed from fat percentages: 3.5 percent in milk, 36 percent in cream.
Evaporated milk, undiluted
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Egg-free
- 1 cup 235 ml evaporated milk
Best for
Soups, sauces, casseroles, baking.
What changes
Slightly caramelized flavor and thinner than half-and-half.
Skip it when
Coffee, if you dislike a cooked-milk taste.
Whole milk and butter
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Egg-free
- ⅞ cup 215 g whole milk
- 1 ½ tbsp 21 g butter, melted
How
Whisk the melted butter into the milk.
Best for
Cooking and baking, not drinks.
What changes
Gets the fat right but can separate in a cup of coffee.
Skip it when
Coffee and tea.

Diet labels describe the ingredients as normally made. Check packages for gluten and allergens. Some refined sugar is filtered with bone char, which matters if you eat vegan.

Which swap for which job

Use	Pick	Why
Coffee	Whole milk and heavy cream	Blends smoothly.
Soups and sauces	Evaporated milk	Cheap, shelf-stable and heat-stable.
Baking	Milk and butter	The extension charts use it for baking and cooking.

Do not substitute here

Hot coffee. Milk with melted butter. The butter can float as an oil slick.

Questions

What is half-and-half made of?

Milk and cream. It has about 10 to 12 percent fat, between milk and heavy cream.

Can I use milk instead?

Yes in many recipes. Expect a thinner, less rich result. Add a little butter in cooking.

Sources

Ratios come from these sources, in our words. Where they disagree, we say so or pick the amount that matches tested results. Ratios are a starting point. Taste and adjust.