Heavy cream vs. whipping cream is a question every cook will encounter while creating different dishes. They seem similar and behave similarly when used, so what’s the big deal?
There are a lot of similarities, but they have different purposes in cooking. You can use the different types of cream to give the best texture and not overpower the dish. They make decadent desserts and can be great to work with but have other uses.
Choosing the correct cream for the job and keeping it stable is difficult if you don’t know what to do.
Follow our handy dandy guide that will walk you through the details about their differences, how to store them, and whether or not they are keto-friendly.
What Is Heavy Whipping Cream?
Heavy whipping cream is whipping cream that has a higher fat content in it than other types of cream. According to FDA standards, heavy whipping should have 36% fat.
Heavy whipping cream has a high-fat content and is best for any recipes that require a thickening agent and need a creamy base.
This is best for desserts that rely on that level of richness.
Uses for Heavy Whipping Cream
There are so many things you can do with heavy whipping cream. It is a crucial ingredient in so many amazing recipes.
The most decadent ice creams and gelatos are made with heavy whipping cream. It can be a natural thickener, so you don’t need to add other thickening agents. It gives a fantastic texture as well.
If you make whipped cream with this type, it will hold peaks and be ideal for frosting cakes, creating whipped cream shapes, and other decorative needs. Since it becomes so thick, it can hold its shape.
What Is Whipping Cream?
Whipping cream is a lighter member of the whipping cream family. They have between 16 and 36% fat, but never more than 36%. If the fat content is higher than 36%, it is heavy whipping cream.
Whipping cream is thinner and pours smoother. It is best for whipped cream, certain types of homemade cheese, and anything else you want to have a silky texture.
Whipping cream will give you a creamy flavor without a thicker consistency.
There is also the light whipping cream style. This one has between 30 and 35% fat and is excellent for small baking purposes. It has the same richness as heavy whipping cream but a lower fat content.
Uses for Whipping Cream
This is the best cream for a smooth whipped cream, perfect for dolloping on a desert or giving a thinner texture for creamy sauces. They can also feel lighter in recipes than heavy cream and can be a great option to get that same creaminess without as much fat.
Whipping cream will give a smoother, lighter texture to other desserts. Moving from heavy whipping cream down to whipping cream is a great way to lower the fat content and make the dish feel lighter.
Heavy Cream vs. Heavy Whipping Cream, What Is the Difference?
When you’ve been in the grocery store, the chances are that you wondered, “Is heavy cream the same as heavy whipping cream?” They are stored right next to each other and look very similar.
Put, no, they are not the same. While they are both dairy products and have many similarities, they are explicitly different. We’ll dive into more of their differences later, but there is one significant difference.
It all comes down to the fat content of the cream. If the fat content is 36% or higher, it can be classified as heavy whipping cream. Whipping cream can be anywhere from 15% to 35% fat, but no more than 35%.
This fat difference is what mostly makes the two separate. It’s also the USFDA standard for how creams can be labeled for sale.
There are technically other creams, but whipping cream and heavy whipping cream are the most common types you’ll see in stores.
Are They Keto-Friendly?
Both whipping cream and heavy whipping cream are keto-friendly. They are low-carb, high in healthy fats, and have many uses in the kitchen.
This is a crucial way to improve your keto diet and have foods that may not have been initially on the menu.
Since the keto diet is so heavily based on a low-carb, high fats diet, there are a lot of kitchen items that can be outlawed. Luckily, whipping creams are approved for the keto diet in all forms.
You can easily use them in your coffee instead of other creamers and give yourself the relief you need for the day. This creates a rich and delicious flavor that you can use during your morning meal.
However, to make sure the cream stays keto-friendly, you should check the label to ensure there’s no added sugar. Some companies will add sugar to change the flavor of the cream, which violates the keto diet. You can’t have the extra sugar.
While whipping cream is a great way to supplement a keto diet, you should consume it in moderation. Several health issues could surface with regular high-fat cream consumption. Moderation is key!
Can I Use Heavy Whipping Cream Instead of Heavy Cream in Recipes?
Yes, you can use heavy whipping cream instead of whipping cream. They are identical products marketed under a different name and will give you the same results. Some companies choose to name them differently.
Some recipes need that level of richness, whereas others can get away with a lighter cream.
You should check for each recipe to see what the recommendations are. Some recipes might require a higher fat content, so you may need to supplement it.
Some popular recipes that need heavy whipping cream are:
There are countless others, but what they have in common is that they need heavy whipping cream to achieve their ideal texture. Not only that, but they often use the extra fats to thicken the dish.
The thickness of heavy cream, in particular, makes it perfect for specific recipes.
However, some recipes might need a lighter cream to keep it from becoming too thick. This is where whipping cream can be helpful.
What Is a Substitute for Heavy Cream?
Whipping cream is the best substitute for heavy whipping cream.
They are virtually identical in flavor, texture, and fat content. You could also combine milk and butter, and there are other adequate dairy-free substitutes.
An effective dairy-free substitute for heavy cream is coconut cream. It has a rich, thick texture but lacks the buttery richness of heavy cream. Canned coconut cream tends to have a higher fat content, so this is one of the best options.
Another great heavy cream substitute is soy milk with olive oil mixed in. This will give the soy milk the heavy cream substitute’s fat content. You should use a 2:1 ratio of soy milk to oil so it isn’t overpowering.
You should use Extra Virgin Olive Oil to get the best results when using this method. EVOO will not change the overall flavor of the soy milk, but it will give you the fat for your recipe.
Depending on the recipe you’re making, you could also use specific substitutes that are best for certain purposes. This includes silken tofu and soy milk to make a whipped cream substitute or coconut cream in baking to add a coconut flavor.
There are all kinds of dairy-free substitutes out there for anyone who needs or wants to avoid dairy. You can enjoy the world of decadent baking without indulging in something you shouldn’t.
How Long Does Heavy Whipping Cream Last and How Long Should It Be Stored?
Heavy whipping cream can last up to a month in the fridge.
However, the use by date and any visual signifiers of decays are essential to look for. You should store it in the refrigerator consistently.
Heavy whipping cream has a much longer shelf-life than other cream types out there. So, why does heavy whipping cream stay good longer than a gallon of plain milk? There are two main reasons for this.
Firstly, since heavy whipping cream has a higher fat content than many other dairy products, it can last longer in the fridge. Butter is another excellent example of how long high-fat dairy products can last. 5000-year-old bog butter was recovered in Ireland and was still intact!
Second, most forms of heavy whipping cream are Ultra-High Temperature processed (UHT for short). This effectively pasteurizes the cream and makes it last longer.
It is not recommended to store heavy whipping cream in the freezer. The process will make the cream lose its flavor and texture and cause other issues with the product. Instead, you need to
How Long Does Whipping Cream Last and How Should It Be Stored?
Whipping cream typically lasts no more than a week in the fridge before souring. You should store whipping cream in the refrigerator and dispose of it promptly if it sours.
Since whipping cream has lower fat content than heavy whipping cream, it won’t last as long as other dairy products. It will last longer than many, but nothing as long as heavy cream or butter.
You should store whipping cream in the refrigerator with other dairy products. You can also put whipping cream in the freezer, but that can lead to other quality issues if left for too long.
The rule of thumb is no more than two or three months. After that point, the texture will crumble, releasing a lot of water, which is not ideal.
Final Thoughts
Whipping cream and heavy whipping cream are two relatively different creams, but you can use them interchangeably.
Both will give your recipes a certain level of richness and adjust their texture to the ideal levels. They are also keto-friendly and can be a great way to supplement your meals.
