Can heavy cream be substitured for sour in cheesecake recipes?

No, you cannot directly substitute heavy cream for sour cream in cheesecake recipes. They have very different properties and will result in a significantly different texture and flavor.

Here's why:

* Acidity: Sour cream provides acidity that helps balance the sweetness of the cheesecake and contributes to a tangy flavor. Heavy cream lacks this acidity.

* Texture: Sour cream adds a smooth, creamy texture to cheesecake, while heavy cream is much richer and will result in a dense, almost custard-like consistency.

* Stability: The fat in sour cream helps to stabilize the cheesecake mixture, preventing it from becoming too runny. Heavy cream is mostly fat and won't provide the same stability.

Here's what you can do if you don't have sour cream:

* Use Greek yogurt: This is a good substitute for sour cream in many cheesecake recipes, as it provides a similar tanginess and creaminess.

* Combine heavy cream and lemon juice: You can try adding a tablespoon or two of lemon juice to a cup of heavy cream for a similar tangy flavor. However, the texture will still be different from a cheesecake made with sour cream.

Important Note: If you decide to substitute, it's essential to adjust the amount of sweetener in your recipe to compensate for the missing acidity. You may also need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure the cheesecake is fully cooked.