Are heavy cream and whipping cream the same? Is there a difference?
Yes, there is. The main difference between heavy cream and whipping cream is the fat content. Whipping cream or light whipping cream contains 30% to 35% milk fat.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, heavy cream and heavy whipping cream must contain at least 36% milk fat. They can contain more. So, basically they are almost the same thing.
Confused yet? Your recipe will probably be specific in what it calls for. Be sure to check before going to the store.
If you’re making whipped cream for a dessert, you could use either one. Keep in mind, you will get a slightly different result. Heavy cream whips better. More importantly, it holds its shape longer than just whipping cream or light cream. You can make it earlier in the day for that night’s dessert and not have to worry about it separating or not looking good.
You’ll want to use heavy cream for pastry fillings. Likewise, it’s better for thickening sauces.
Whipping cream will still give you a nice, fluffy whipped cream. But, it will become soft and back to liquid quicker. That is okay if you are using it immediately. Bottom line, the more fat content, the more stable it will be for whipping.
How about half and half? It is neither heavy cream nor whipping cream. It contains between 10.5% and 18% milk fat. It does not whip as easily, if at all. Use it in your coffee. If you’re making a recipe and it calls for half and half and you don’t have any, here’s a substitute.
Let’s say the recipe calls for one cup of half and half. Substitute 7/8 cup of milk plus ½ tablespoon of melted butter.
Another thought about half and half…don’t boil it. It will probably separate.
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