Yes, heavy cream can be used instead of milk in recipes, but it should generally be diluted with water because of its higher fat content. A common substitution is to mix half heavy cream and half water to replace the amount of whole milk called for. For example, for 1 cup of whole milk, you can use ½ cup heavy cream combined with ½ cup water. This mixture helps achieve a similar consistency to milk while adding richness.
Using heavy cream straight without dilution will result in a much richer and thicker texture, which may work well in some dishes but might be too heavy for others. Heavy cream is particularly good for recipes that benefit from extra fat and creaminess, such as soups or baking items that need a velvety texture.
In summary, heavy cream can substitute milk if diluted properly to balance the fat content and consistency.
