Heavy Cream Recipe - Oh So Foodie (2024)

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Last Updated on February 7, 2024 by Toya

Just how do you make your own homemade heavy cream recipe? This is something many people want to know. So, keep reading to see how to make heavy cream in a few minutes and with 2 simple kitchen staples!

Heavy Cream Recipe - Oh So Foodie (1)

Yes, that’s right! I’ll teach you how to make your own heavy cream right in your kitchen with staple ingredients. You can then use this recipe as an effective substitute for heavy cream in most dishes that require heavy cream!

In this article, we will guide you through a simple homemade heavy cream recipe that can be easily prepared with two common ingredients: butter and milk. With this recipe, you can create your own rich and creamy heavy cream at home, eliminating the need to rush to the store when you run out.

Yes, that’s right. You can make a simple homemade cream right in your own kitchen in a few minutes! This is a pretty neat trick that has saved me more times than I can remember.

How to make heavy cream at home

To make your own heavy cream, you will need:

  • ¾ cup of milk
  • ¼ cup of unsalted butter
    For equipment, you will need a saucepan, a whisk, and a refrigeration container to store the heavy cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Begin by melting the butter in the microwave—or in a saucepan if that is what you have. Be careful not to let it simmer or boil.
  2. Let the butter cool for about 2 minutes.
  3. Pour the milk into the melted butter, whisking continuously to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
  4. This may take a few minutes by hand.
  5. Continue whisking the mixture until it thickens and forms a smooth, creamy consistency.
  6. Once the heavy cream has thickened to your liking, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days.
  7. Our use immediately in your favorites recipes!
Heavy Cream Recipe - Oh So Foodie (2)

Tips and Variations

  • For a richer flavor and thicker texture, you can increase the amount of butter used.
  • If you prefer a lighter version of heavy cream, you can reduce the amount of butter and replace it with more milk.

How to use

Here are eight easy ways to use your homemade heavy cream:

  1. Whipped Cream: Use your homemade heavy cream to make luscious whipped cream. Simply whip it with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form, and use it as a topping for desserts, fruits, or hot beverages.
  2. Creamy Soups and Chowders: Add richness and thickness to your favorite soups and chowders by incorporating some of your homemade heavy cream. Whether in a classic clam chowder or a comforting tomato soup, a splash of heavy cream can enhance the texture and flavor.
  3. Pasta Sauces: Create creamy, rich pasta sauces by incorporating some of this homemade heavy cream to the mix. Whether you’re making Alfredo or carbonara, the addition of heavy cream adds a velvety texture and a luxurious touch to your pasta dishes.
  4. Quiches and Casseroles: Enhance the creaminess of quiches, casseroles, and savory pies by incorporating homemade heavy cream into the egg mixture.
  5. Baked Goods: Add richness and moisture content of your baked goods by adding some homemade heavy cream to the batter. This heavy cream recipe works well for scones, cakes, biscuits, and more.
  6. Coffee and Hot Chocolate: Upgrade your morning coffee or a cozy cup of hot chocolate by adding a splash of homemade heavy cream. It add a luxurious, silky texture and a subtle richness to your favorite hot beverages.
  7. Sauces for Meat and Poultry: Create the creamiest, most flavorful sauces for meat and poultry dishes using your own homemade heavy cream.

Ready to make it? Check out the full recipe below:

Heavy Cream Recipe - Oh So Foodie (3)

Heavy Cream Recipe

Yield: 1 cup

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Just how do you make your own homemade heavy cream recipe? This is something many people want to know. So, keep reading to see how to make heavy cream in a few minutes and with 2 simple kitchen staples!

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup of milk
  • ¼ cup of unsalted butter
  • For equipment, you will need a saucepan, a whisk, and a storage container to store the heavy cream.

Instructions

  1. Begin by melting the butter in the microwave—or in a saucepan if that is what you have. Be careful not to let it simmer or boil.
  2. Let the butter cool for about 2 minutes.
  3. Pour the milk into the melted butter, whisking continuously to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
  4. This may take a few minutes by hand.
  5. Continue whisking the mixture until it thickens and forms a smooth, creamy consistency.
  6. Once the heavy cream has thickened to your liking, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days.
  7. Our use immediately in your favorites recipes!
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 600Total Fat: 60gSaturated Fat: 38gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 170mgSodium: 100mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 0gSugar: 10gProtein: 7g

Heavy Cream Recipe - Oh So Foodie (2024)

FAQs

Is there a difference between heavy cream and heavy whipping cream? ›

Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are essentially the same thing—they both have over 36% milk fat, and the name just depends on the brand. Whipping cream, however, is slightly different—it contains 30% to 35% milk fat, so it's slightly lighter (it's sometimes labeled light whipping cream).

How much butter do you add to half-and-half to make heavy cream? ›

Half-and-half + butter

By adding melted butter, which is around 80% fat, to the liquid, you can increase that fat content. For this substitution, you'll want to combine ¾ cup of half-and-half with ¼ cup melted unsalted butter—this will replace 1 cup of heavy cream.

Is half-and-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 is the correct substitute of making heavy 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. Use in soups, sauces, puddings, etc.

What ingredients should be in heavy cream? ›

Heavy cream is made by skimming or separating the fattest layer of liquid off the top of whole milk in a processing plant. Commercial heavy cream also often contains added vitamins, stabilizers, and thickeners like carrageenan, polysorbate, and mono and diglycerides.

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.

Can you over whip heavy cream? ›

At this point, if you walk away from your mixer while it's still running, you run the risk of overbeating your cream. This is what whipped cream looks like if you let it mix for too long. It deflates and starts looking clumpy and curd-like in texture.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? ›

Similarly to half-and-half, milk makes a good heavy cream substitute when it's combined with melted butter. Combine 3/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup melted butter for every cup of heavy cream.

Is evaporated milk the same as heavy cream? ›

Evaporated milk can be used as a substitute in recipes in which heavy cream is used as a liquid ingredient, such as in baked goods, but it doesn't whip well. Substitute the heavy cream in your recipes with an equal amount of evaporated milk.

Can I use sour cream instead of heavy cream? ›

Sour cream is an easy replacement for heavy cream. It can be easily stirred into a dish and offers another flavor profile to soups, stews and sauces. Plus, using it as a heavy cream substitute is a great way to use up that lingering tub in the fridge.

Can I use condensed milk instead of heavy cream? ›

Condensed milk is evaporated milk that has been sweetened with sugar. Evaporated milk can be used in place of heavy cream in most recipes, whereas condensed milk is best reserved for desserts. Some health food stores may sell evaporated coconut milk, which is also a good substitute.

How to make heavy cream at home? ›

To make homemade heavy whipping cream, melt 1/3 cup of unsalted butter. Let it cool slightly, then blend it with 2/3 cup of whole milk on high for 1-2 minutes until well combined. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes before using.

Can you freeze heavy cream? ›

Yes, you can freeze heavy whipping cream straight from the carton. Whether you intend to cook with it or whip it, it will still be good to go with a bit of stirring after it's thawed. As for heavy cream that's already been whipped, you can freeze that, too.

How to thicken half-and-half for heavy cream? ›

You only need to add in more fat to pitch the scale more toward the "heavy cream" side. Just mix ⅞ cup of half-and-half with ⅛ cup of melted butter, and voilà, you've got something that mimics the richness of heavy cream.

What makes milk heavy cream? ›

Heavy cream, also known as heavy whipping cream, is the thick part of the milk that rises to the top due to its high fat content. With about 36-40% fat, it has one of the highest fat contents compared to other dairy products. Whipping cream comes in at a close but lighter second, with about 30% milk fat.

How to make heavy cream with milk and margarine? ›

Mix ¼ cup (or 59 mL) of melted margarine and ¾ cup (or 180 mL) of milk for a quick heavy cream replacement that'll save the day.

How to make heavy whipping cream without milk? ›

Blend 1 cup of cashews with ¾ cup of water in a high-speed blender until super smooth, and voilà: You're left with a versatile heavy cream substitute that complements countless dishes.

How do you thicken homemade heavy cream? ›

There are several ways to thicken without turning it into whipped cream or imparting other flavors:
  1. Boil until reduced to desired thickness (whisk constantly, do not burn which will cause the flavor to change)
  2. Add and incorporate gelatin.
  3. Add and incorporate corn starch or flour.
Jan 16, 2017

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