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? ›

The chief distinction is the fat. By law, heavy cream must be at least 36% fat, while whipping cream can be just 30% fat.

Are heavy cream and whipping cream the same? ›

The difference comes down to fat content. Heavy cream has slightly more fat (at least 36 percent) compared with whipping cream (at least 30 percent). Both whip well (and taste delicious), but heavy cream will hold its shape longer, while whipping cream produces a lighter, softer texture.

Is heavy whipping cream sugar? ›

However, both heavy and whipping cream may contain added sugars, depending on the brand, so be sure to check the nutrition label to avoid any confusion. Heavy and whipping cream are high fat products with a low carb content, which means they're keto-friendly.

Which cream is best for cake making? ›

Heavy cream is a good choice when decorating pies or cakes, or for thickening sauces and ganache. Heavy cream is also great for making ice cream and soup. Whipping cream is a bit lighter since it contains less fat than heavy cream, and has about 30 to 36 percent milk fat.

What does adding sugar to whipping cream do? ›

Confectioners Sugar.

I use confectioners sugar instead of granulated sugar because the cornstarch in confectioners helps to stabilize the homemade whipped cream, helping it to last longer and keep its shape better. It of course also adds sweetness.

Can I substitute heavy whipping cream? ›

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.

What is whipping cream used for? ›

Whipped cream is used as an ingredient in many desserts, for example as a filling for profiteroles and layer cakes. It is often piped onto a dish using a pastry bag to create decorative shapes. Mousse is usually based on whipped cream, often with added egg white foam.

Is half & half the same as heavy cream? ›

According to the FDA, half-and-half contains between 10.5 percent to 18 percent milk fat, while heavy cream contains between 36 percent and 40 percent milk fat. Because heavy cream contains more fat, it is thicker and has a richer taste and a creamier mouthfeel than half-and-half.

What happens if you whip heavy cream? ›

Heavy cream has a slightly higher fat content than whipping cream; they will both turn into delicious bowls of fresh whipped cream, but heavy cream will hold its shape for a longer period of time, while the whipping cream will give you a lighter, softer texture.

Does heavy cream have no sugar? ›

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.

Which ingredient makes cake soft and fluffy? ›

Baking powder is mixed with the flour. When water is added to this flour to make dough, baking powder undergoes a chemical reaction during which carbon dioxide gas is produced. This carbon dioxide gas gets trapped into the dough and bubbles out which causes the cake to rise making it soft and spongy.

What is the best cream to put on cakes? ›

Which type of cream is best for decorating cakes? Buttercream is a favorite choice for flavor and flexibility because it is softer and more spreadable than other icings. It may be used as a filling for cakes as well as a decorative covering. You can search for whipping cream online or go for whipping cream near me.

Which one is the best cream for cake? ›

Heavy cream whips up well and retains its form for an extended amount of time. So, when preparing ice creams, cakes, and even ganache, this is the one to choose. It's also used to give gravies like Tikka masalas a thick, creamy texture. Search for the heavy cream online and enjoy the delicious meals and desserts.

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.

What happens if you add sugar too early to whipped cream? ›

Add the sugar when the cream is thickened, but still spoonable—just before the soft peak stage. If you add it too soon, it won't whip as well.

Does whipping cream need sugar to thicken? ›

Use a thickening agent, like powdered sugar. This is most important when making pipeable whipped cream frosting. If you find powdered sugar too sweet, use cornstarch or a combination of the two instead. Some recipes will also use gelatin as a thickener.

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.

Where would you find heavy cream in the grocery store? ›

You can find heavy cream in the refrigerated dairy section of the supermarket or grocery store, near the other cream products.

Is it OK to use heavy cream in coffee? ›

Absolutely, heavy whipping cream is a delicious substitute for half-and-half or skimmed milk in coffee! Not only will it make your cup of joe even creamier because of its high-fat content, but you can also use it to whip up an indulgent topping that isn't possible with plain milk.

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