What Is Heavy Cream? Plus, What You Need to Know About Cooking With It

Heavy cream is a key ingredient in many cuisines— from Italian-American fettuccine alfredo and all-American mashed potatoes to French crème brûlée and Indian chicken tikka masala, there's a reason why it's a beloved staple in kitchens across the globe. So, what is heavy cream and why does it taste so good?

Heavy cream is a rich and creamy dairy product that enhances the richness and creaminess of dishes. It is typically sold by the pint or quart in commercial grocery stores for less than $5. Read on to learn more about how heavy cream is made, its potential health benefits, and our favorite ways to cook with it.

What Is Heavy Cream?

Heavy cream contains 36 to 40 percent milkfat, which is what creates a silky consistency in recipes. It is the main ingredient in whipped cream and some ice creams, and can make both sweet and savory dishes more decadent. Heavy cream is fattier and thicker than light cream, whipping cream (yes, there is a difference), half-and-half, whole milk, and evaporated milk. Heavy cream's high fat content means that it won't curdle when heated and is the best choice for whipping into stiff peaks. While heavy whipping cream has about 5 percent less fat than heavy cream, they generally can be used interchangeably. 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.

How to Make Heavy Cream

Of course, the easiest thing to do is to buy heavy cream from the store. However, if you're in a pinch (or just want to try something new), you can make it. Heavy cream powder ($14; Amazon) exists for this very purpose and it is magical. To make heavy cream, mix ½ cup of heavy cream powder and 1 cup hot water. Transfer to an airtight container and let sit in the refrigerator overnight to thicken. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any clumps that didn't fully dissolve. While this substitute isn't ideal for making whipped cream or ice cream, it is a suitable creamer for soups, smoothies, and coffee.

How to Cook with Heavy Cream

Let's face it, heavy cream makes everything richer, creamier, and tastier. Heavy cream recipes like creamy cauliflower soup and Boston cream pie ice cream become more luxe with heavy cream. Even a splash or two of heavy cream in recipes like slow-cooker Bolognese sauce and tarragon cream sauce can add a satisfying decadence to basic weeknight meals.