Here's What You Can Substitute For Cool Whip

Nothing compliments a piece of pie or bowl of strawberry shortcake like a healthy dollop (or two) of Cool Whip. Whether out of its traditional blue tub or in an aerosol can, this popular dessert add-on has been around for decades. If you can't eat Cool Whip because you eat a dairy free diet, or you're put off by its many chemical ingredients, then finding a substitute is a must. 

The good news is that whipping up a Cool Whip substitute that's just as creamy and sweet as the original isn't as difficult as you might think. All you need is the willingness to do a little more prep work than simply popping off a plastic lid.  

If you're in need of a non-dairy Cool Whip substitute, Snack Girl offers up a creative way to get around this dessert hurdle — plus, it's vegan-friendly. Cashews might not seem like a go-to ingredient for creating a whipped cream but it turns out they actually do make an effective Cool Whip trade off. 

First, you'll want to soak 1 cup of cashews overnight to make them easier to blend. Then toss them in a food processor along with 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and for sweetness, 1 tablespoon of agave nectar or maple syrup (you can also use honey here if you're not hardcore vegan). This Cool Whip sub should keep for around four days in the fridge. 

Another good substitute, if you're looking avoid dairy (Cool Whip hasn't been dairy free since 2018 via The Daily Meal) is coconut cream. All you have to do is chill a 15-ounce can of coconut milk and then scoop out the coconut cream that has solidified on top (via The Kitchn). Put the cream in a mixing bowl along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Whip it up for five minutes or until it becomes fluffy and then add it to those waiting desserts. 

Presto! You have two healthier options that will have leave that old tub of Cool Whip collecting dust in the back the fridge.