The Difference Between Whipping Cream and Heavy Cream | Imperial Sugar (2024)

Before you reach for that carton of cream to make your Christmas goodies, be sure you know the difference between whipping cream and heavy cream—and when to use each in your dessert recipes.The Difference Between Whipping Cream and Heavy Cream | Imperial Sugar (1)According to our very own “Prince of Pastry”Chef Eddy Van Damme, heavy cream has 36 to 40 percent milk fat and will whip up firmer with stiff peaks that hold their shape longer than whipping cream peaks do. Heavy cream is a good choicewhen decorating pies or cakes, or for thickening sauces andganache. Heavy cream is also great for makingice creamandsoup.The Difference Between Whipping Cream and Heavy Cream | Imperial Sugar (2)

Whipping cream is a bit lighter since it contains less fat than heavy cream, and has about 30 to 36 percent milk fat. “Consequently whipping cream will feel a little less heavy in the mouth and is perfect as a topping for cakes pies and other desserts like ourPeppermint Marshmallow Whipped Creamand ourCreme Chantilly” said Chef Eddy.

TIP: Chef Eddy says some manufacturers make a cream labeled as heavy whipping cream. Be sure to look at the fat content to determine what kind it is. If the product contains between 30-36 percent fat, it’s whipping cream. If it contains 36-40 percent fat, it is a heavy cream.The Difference Between Whipping Cream and Heavy Cream | Imperial Sugar (3)For fillings, they both work andcan be substituted interchangeably, as inChef Eddy’s Tiramisu,Pumpkin PieandCandy Corn Fudge.The Difference Between Whipping Cream and Heavy Cream | Imperial Sugar (4)For homemade sauces, Chef Eddy says both heavy and whipping cream can be used because you can reduce each of them to the desired consistency – like in ourBanana Lime Curd Pie with Caramel Sauce.The Difference Between Whipping Cream and Heavy Cream | Imperial Sugar (5)

A lot of home chefs ask Chef Eddy if milk or half and half can be substituted for heavy cream in recipes. “In some cases, like in the frosting for our17 Minute Chocolate Cake with Silhouette Frosting,where only small amounts are being used it is ok, but in general, do not substitute milk for heavy cream,” he said.

“Regarding half and half, It is possible to use it in place of heavy cream in a few recipes, but if you do, you may have to add a thickening agent to compensate for the extra water that half and half contains,” said Chef Eddy. “It really becomes very complex.Professionals who bake every day will seldom substitute it because it may lead to a total recipe disaster.”

Chef Eddy says you can also make your own whipped cream out of heavy cream with this simple recipe:

  1. Beat 1 cup heavy cream in a bowl until soft peaks form.
  2. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of Imperial granulated sugar to the cream and beat again until the soft peaks return.
  3. If possible, freeze the whisk and mixing bowl for about 15 minutes before making whipping cream in order to keep it cold.

Check out this step-by-step, how-to video about how to whip cream.

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The Difference Between Whipping Cream and Heavy Cream | Imperial Sugar (6)

The Difference Between Whipping Cream and Heavy Cream | Imperial Sugar (2024)

FAQs

The Difference Between Whipping Cream and Heavy Cream | Imperial Sugar? ›

If the product contains between 30-36 percent fat, it's whipping cream. If it contains 36-40 percent fat, it is a heavy cream.

What is the difference between whipping cream and heavy cream? ›

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.

Does heavy cream have sugar in it? ›

Heavy cream, like most dairy products, is relatively low in carbohydrates, though it does have some, thanks to the naturally occurring sugar, lactose.

Should whipped cream have sugar? ›

Ingredients for Fresh Whipped Cream

Technically, you only need one – heavy cream! But if you want something at least a little bit sweet (you do, trust me!), then you need three total ingredients: Heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream) Sugar (powdered sugar or granulated sugar)

Does heavy cream have more sugar than half-and-half? ›

Heavy cream is thick and has a rich flavor, but it's not very sweet, as it doesn't contain any added sugar. Half-and-half tastes similar to milk, but it's creamier and a bit more flavorful. Coffee creamer is often high in added sugar and generally much sweeter than both half-and-half and heavy cream.

Can I use whipping cream instead of heavy cream in a recipe? ›

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.

What is heavy cream used for? ›

It's an excellent thickener/enricher for soups and sauces, especially since cream (as opposed to half and half) will not curdle when boiled. Heavy cream is also used for ice cream, frostings and as a topper for desserts because when whipped, it can be piped and hold its shape.

Is there sugar in full cream? ›

It is a natural, low glycaemic index sugar, called lactose. Sugar is not added to plain skim milk. Below is a comparison of Dairy Farmers full cream milk and skim milk products per 100ml. As you can see, there is 4.8g of sugar in 100ml of full cream milk compared to 4.9g in 100ml of skim.

Should diabetics eat heavy cream? ›

What's more, your body absorbs fat-soluble vitamins better when you consume them with fat, such as the fat found in heavy whipping cream (19). Some studies have also found that full fat dairy products are associated with a decreased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease ( 11 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23).

How much sugar is in a can of whipped cream? ›

More Information
Nutrition Facts
Potassium: 0 mg0%
Total Carbohydrates: 1 g0%
Dietary Fiber: 0 g0%
Sugars: 1 g
14 more rows

When to stop whipping cream? ›

Don't over-whip it!

You should stop whipping your cream when it has reached the firm peaks stage (or slightly before, if you prefer).

Is heavy cream inflammatory? ›

Dairy products such as heavy cream, butter, whole milk and cheese should also be avoided as they contain high amounts of trans fat and cholesterol, which causes inflammation. Many dairy products aren't considered anti-inflammatory and should not be consumed if already suffering from any inflammation causing disease.

Is reddi whip real whipped cream? ›

Whether it's dairy cream, coconut cream, or coffee cream, we always keep it real. Always have, and always will. While other whipped toppings are made with hydrogenated oils, we make real cream a top priority. That's why a whoosh of creamy Reddi-wip is all it takes to transform the everyday into something extraordinary.

Does heavy cream spike insulin? ›

Heavy cream is low in protein, and therefore, it won't raise your insulin levels or spike blood sugar levels.

Is heavy cream bad for cholesterol? ›

Much of the fat found in cream comes from saturated fat. Numerous studies have linked too much saturated fat with an increased risk of high cholesterol. And if you regularly go overboard with cream, your waistline will pay the price.

Can I use coffee creamer instead of heavy cream? ›

To make soup creamy, simply swap heavy cream for unflavored coffee creamer by mixing it into the recipe or swirling it over top. If you happen to be out of milk when baking, use coffee creamer instead! Using a vanilla-flavored variety is a great way to add extra vanilla flavor to your favorite sweet treats.

Is half-and-half the same as heavy whipping cream? ›

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.

Is whipping cream the same as heavy cream on Reddit? ›

If both creams have same quality of milk solids than what is the difference? The difference is in the fat content. In the US: Half-n-half is usually around 15% milkfat. Sour cream is around 20%, crème fraîche 25%, whipping cream 30%, and heavy cream 35%.

Can I use whipping cream for pasta? ›

You can easily make a sauce for pasta with heavy cream or whipping cream. Heavy cream will give you better results because it has a higher fat content, but whipping cream will be fine.

Can I use heavy whipping cream to make butter? ›

Heavy cream, whipping cream, or heavy whipping cream are all suitable choices for making homemade butter. Heavy cream, with the highest percentage of butterfat, will yield the most butter; lower-fat whipping cream will yield less.

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