Many recipes call for heavy whipping cream. This staple ingredient is used in many recipes from desserts to soups to sauces. Don’t worry if you don’t have any on hand and can’t run out to the store. With 2 simple ingredients, you can make your very own heavy whipping cream at home easily.
What Is Heavy Whipping Cream?
Heavy whipping cream, also called heavy cream, is a milk-based product that has over 35% fat. When fresh milk is left to stand, a heavy cream rises to the top and can be scraped off. This thick cream is much higher in fat than other milk products such as whipping cream or light cream.
How Do You Turn Regular Milk into Heavy Cream?
Milk is categorized based on its fat content. Whole milk contains only 4% fat while heavy whipping cream has over 35% fat. To turn regular milk into heavy whipping cream, you simply need to increase the fat content. This is usually done with butter or oil.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted Butter: Avoid using salted butter for this recipe because it will affect the taste of your whipping cream.
- Whole Milk: For a thick, creamy result, we recommend using whole milk. If you want a lighter version, you can use low fat or nondairy milk.
How to Make Homemade Heavy Cream
- Add butter and milk to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Heating until the butter is fully melted.
- Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature.
- Store it in the fridge and use in recipes called for heavy cream.
Tips for Making Heavy Whipping Cream
- Use unsalted butter: Double check to ensure you aren’t using salted butter. Salted butter will affect the taste of the whipping cream, so always opt for the unsalted option.
- Bring the butter and milk to room temperature before cooking to avoid curdling: A sudden and drastic temperature change can cause milk to curdle. To avoid this, don’t use cold milk or butter, but allow them to reach room temperature first.
- Use homemade heavy whipping cream in recipes that don’t require whipping, i.e. thickening sauces, soups, and casseroles. Do NOT use in recipes calling for whipped topping.
How Long Does Heavy Whipping Cream Last?
Heavy whipping cream has a similar shelf life to other dairy products. It will last about 2 weeks in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heavy Whipping Cream the Same as Heavy Cream?
Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are pretty much the same things. They have very similar fat content, which is the factor used to classify milk-based products.
Is Heavy Cream the Same as Whipping Cream?
No. They are different, as heavy cream has a higher fat content than whipping cream.
What Are Other Substitutes for Heavy Whipping Cream?
When a recipe calls for heavy whipping cream and you don’t have any on hand, there are a few options available to you. In addition to this method, you can also use evaporated milk or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk. For a vegan-friendly option, try coconut cream.
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Heavy Whipping Cream Substitute
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Place a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the butter and milk, whisk occasionally. Heat until the butter is fully melted.
- Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature.
- Store it in the refrigerate.
Notes
- This heavy whipping cream substitute does not whip; however, it is suitable for recipes that call for liquid heavy cream.
- Storage: This heavy whipping cream will last for up to one week in an airtight container in the fridge. Do not freeze.
Charlie says
Since heavy whipping ream is near to impossible to find in the store, this will be the substitute we use in the sausage tortolini soup making in the crockpot. Thanks!
Terry says
Thanks Izzy, learnt a lot. I’m making ice cream with Heavy whipping cream but I wanted a substitute because Heavy whipping cream is a little expensive.