Heavy Cream Recipe - Oh So Foodie (2024)

FAQs

Is there a difference between heavy cream and heavy whipping cream? ›

Yes, heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are the exact same thing. The confusion lies in the fact that they're sold by different brands under two different names. According to the US Food and Drug Administration's labelling standards, heavy cream must contain at least 36 percent milk fat.

Greek yogurt and milk

A mixture of Greek yogurt and whole milk is another alternative to heavy cream that will help you thicken up your recipes. Greek yogurt is high in protein and can provide a healthy twist to your finished product by increasing the protein content.

If you have butter and milk (whole milk or even half-and-half work best), you can make your own heavy cream substitute. To make 1 cup of heavy cream, melt 1/4 cup of butter and slowly whisk in 3/4 cup milk. This works for most baking or cooking recipes that require heavy cream, but it will not whisk into stiff peaks.

You can make a stand-in for the heavy cream called for in a recipe where it will be mixed with other ingredients. Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a large glass bowl and gradually whisk in 3/4 cup whole milk or half and half. You'll end up with 1 cup of a cream substitute.

The main difference between the two is their fat content. Heavy cream has slightly more fat than whipping cream. Otherwise, they are nutritionally very similar. You can use them interchangeably in recipes without affecting the taste, although they may lead to different consistencies.

You can make a similar heavy cream alternative using regular milk and butter. Whole milk has a fat percentage of around 3.5% and is preferable to lower-fat varieties, but you'll still want to use more melted butter than you would with half-and-half. For best results, try mixing ⅔ cup of whole milk with ⅓ cup butter.

Heavy cream has a higher fat content than half-and-half and is, therefore, richer and adds more body for soups and sauces. In some cases, like mashed potatoes or tomato soup, you can use half-and-half in recipes that call for dairy products that have a higher fat content, like heavy cream. But it won't work every time.

Yes, you can freeze heavy whipping cream straight from the carton. Whether you intend to cook with it or whip it, it will still be good to go with a bit of stirring after it's thawed. As for heavy cream that's already been whipped, you can freeze that, too.

The verdict: Yes, you can use heavy whipping cream in coffee. In fact, heavy cream can be an excellent addition to your coffee if you enjoy a richer, creamier taste. Heavy cream is a dairy product that contains at least 36% fat, making it much thicker and creamier than milk or half-and-half.

Is it OK to have heavy cream everyday? ›

With studies showing mixed results on the benefits and risks of full-fat dairy, moderation is the key to making heavy whipping cream a part of your diet. You should aim for no more than 20 grams of saturated fat per day on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Heavy cream contains 36% fat on average, while the fat content of buttermilk is only 1%. Both are thicker than standard milk, but the substantial fat in heavy cream also gives it “a slightly sweet flavor.” The fermentation process makes buttermilk more acidic, giving it a somewhat tart flavor.

Evaporated Milk – With a similar consistency, you can use a 1-to-1 swap of evaporated milk for heavy cream in most sweet and savory dishes. Its flavor is richer with unique caramelized tones and is not a lower-fat option, but evaporated milk makes do in a pinch.

When you really need to thicken a dish, Greek yogurt gets the job done — in fact, it's much thicker than heavy cream. Combine equal parts Greek yogurt and milk for a substitute closer to heavy cream's thickness. Be sure to add it while your dish is off the heat to avoid curdling, and don't use it for whipping.

Here's how. Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter (that's 4 tablespoons or half a stick) and let it cool to room temperature. Then, whisk it together with 3/4 cup whole milk. This mixture is equivalent to 1 cup of heavy cream and can be used in almost any recipe that calls for heavy cream.

Blend 1 cup of cashews with ¾ cup of water in a high-speed blender until super smooth, and voilà: You're left with a versatile heavy cream substitute that complements countless dishes.

Unfortunately, you can't directly turn 2% milk into heavy whipping cream. Heavy cream has a much higher fat content (usually around 36-40%) compared to the approximately 2% fat content in 2% milk. You'd need to find heavy cream or a higher-fat content substitute for whipping purposes.