Last Updated on October 2, 2025 by Toya
If you like making the foods you eat from scratch, then you’ll love these DIY dairy substitutes.
There’s something so satisfying about making some your own pantry staples at home. These are great if you’ve run out of something or if you just want to try them out at least once. Not only do you get fresher pantry staples by making these yourself, but you also control the ingredients that go into them. There are no unnecessary additives, no extra preservatives, and even you save a little money too!
Today, I’m sharing three simple DIY recipes that prove you don’t always need a trip to the store. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up homemade butter, cream cheese, and even a homemade heavy cream substitute. How cool is that?
Homemade Butter
Making butter at home might sound like the most intimidating thing, but it’s actually one of the easiest kitchen DIYs. All you need is heavy cream and a little salt if you’d like. And a food processor or stand mixer.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream (or whipping cream)
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
How to make homemade butter:
- Pour the heavy cream into a stand mixer or food processor.
- Whip until the cream thickens, then continues past the whipped cream stage until the fat separates from the liquid (known as the buttermilk).
- Drain off the buttermilk (you can save it for buttermilk pancakes or buttermilk biscuits!).
- Rinse the butter under cold water or in a bowl of ice water and press out any remaining liquid (buttermilk) with your hands.
- Finally, add salt if desired, and store in an airtight container. Use as you would store bought butter!
This is fresh, creamy, and ready in less than 10 minutes!
Homemade Cream Cheese
You can skip the store-bought blocks of creame cheese in favor of this homemade cream cheese that is creamy, tangy, and perfect for spreading or baking. Here’s how to make it!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
How to make it:
- In a large pot, heat the milk and cream until hot but not boiling.
- Stir in vinegar or lemon juice. The mixture will curdle and separate.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Strain through a cheesecloth-lined sieve, pressing out the liquid (whey).
- Transfer the curds to a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in salt and chill before using.
This is perfect for bagels, frostings, or even cheesecake!
Homemade Heavy Cream Substitute
Ever start baking only to realize you’re out of heavy cream? This easy substitute will save the day!
Ingredients:
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
How to make it:
- Melt the butter and let it cool slightly.
- Whisk the butter into the milk until well combined.
- Use in recipes that call for heavy cream in cooking and baking (note: it is not ideal for whipping).
This is a quick and reliable kitchen hack when you’re in a pinch. It works for creamy pasta dishes and more1
Why DIY?
- For Freshness: Nothing beats the taste of freshly made dairy products.
- For Cost-effectivness: Save money by making your own at home.
- For Ingredient control: No hidden additives, just real food.
- It’s Satisfying: There’s some joy in being able to say, “I made this myself.”
So next time you’re reaching for butter, cream cheese, or heavy cream at the store, or, when you’ve run out of one of them and don’t want to go to the store, these will surely come in handy!