This article provides an overview of heavy cream, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make heavy cream substitutes.
What is Heavy Cream?
Heavy cream is milk fat that collects on top of fresh milk, that has not been homogenized. This means the process of turning fat into small droplets that stay suspended in milk. Heavy cream is cream with no less than 36% and no more than 40% milk fat, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What does Heavy Cream taste like?
Heavy cream has a rich, creamy, and fatty flavor. It does not contain sugar, so it is often sweetened when added to pastries or desserts.
Is Heavy Cream readily available in Supermarkets?
Yes, heavy cream is readily available in supermarkets, often found in the refrigerated, dairy section. You may also find it at local grocery stores, again in the refrigerators, as it is a perishable product.
What are some alternative names for Heavy Cream?
Heavy cream may also be referred to as heavy or light whipping cream and they are the exact same thing; some brands just label their creams differently. The reason heavy cream is referred to as whipping cream is due to the ability to whip up the cream to a semi-solid texture.
What is a good substitute for Heavy Cream in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for heavy cream. These include:
- Heavy cream can be substituted for the combination of milk and butter (note – only if heavy cream is a small part of the dish – not the star)
- Creating a slurry using Milk and cornstarch also works well (note – only if heavy cream is a small part of the dish – not the star)
- Double Cream will work in a punch diluted with some water
- If you are looking for dairy-free substitutes, olive oil and plant-based milk such as soy milk, oat milk, almond milk or rice milk combined can create a similar consistency
- Coconut Cream works well at a 1:1 ratio as a vegan alternative