If you are making a recipe that calls for double cream or heavy cream and you are wondering if you can substitute one for the other, or want to know the differences and similarities between these two popular dairy ingredients, this article is for you.
There are many culinary uses for heavy cream and double. You can find recipes for everything from savory soups and broths to delicious sweet desserts like crème brulee and cheesecake.
Because of their versatile nature, both of these dairy ingredients are used all across the world. Make sure you read on for all the differences, similarities and uses for double cream and heavy cream.
Heavy Cream and Double Cream Differences, Similarities, and Uses
I’ve received a number of questions from readers about using double cream and heavy cream. Many want to know the differences between the two while the majority just want to know if they can substitute one for the other.
We will cover all that and more, so you can read on for the full explanation, or skip ahead to the section that answers your specific question.
Related: Heavy Cream vs Condensed Milk
What is Double Cream
Double cream is a whipping cream popular in the UK. It offers a higher fat content than heavy cream, at 48%.
Double cream is noticeably thicker than heavy cream due to it’s higher fat content. It is produced by skimming the butterfat off the top of cow’s milk.
Note: Some varieties of double cream offer a higher fat content than 48%.
Related: Substitutes for Double Cream
Uses for Double Cream
Double cream is a popular ingredient in British recipes. It is used for making whipped cream, in cakes, cheesecake and other desserts as well as savory dinners and soups.
Double cream is provides a rich and creamy texture to any dish it is added to and is prized for it’s flavor.
Here are some things you can use double cream for, but it is by no means an exhaustive list.
- Whipped cream
- Sponge pudding
- Soufflé
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Tiramisu
- Yule log
- Cheesecake
- Fish pie
- Cream sauce
- Soup
- Tarts
- Hot chocolate
- Ice cream
What is Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is a popular dairy ingredient used in US recipes. It provides a fat content from 36% to 40%.
Heavy cream is produced by allowing the cream of cow’s milk to rise to the top, where it is then skimmed off.
Heavy cream is thick, but not as thick as double cream.
Related: How to thicken heavy cream
Heavy Cream Uses
Heavy cream is a popular ingredient in all types of recipes. It is used in savory dinners, soups, and cream sauces.
But it is more often used as a base for sweet desserts and for making whipped cream. Heavy cream creates a rich and creamy topping perfect for many types of desserts.
Related: Dairy Free Substitutes for Heavy Cream
Here is a list of uses for heavy cream, but there are many more than we can list here.
- Whipped cream
- Cheesecake
- Ice cream
- Cake
- Muffins
- Quiche
- French toast
- Pancakes
- Biscuits
- Scrambled eggs
- Grits
- Creamy soups
- Pasta sauce
Double Cream and Heavy Cream FAQ
What is the difference between heavy cream and double cream?
The primary difference between heavy cream and double cream is their fat content. Heavy cream has a fat content of 36-40 percent while double cream has a higher fat content of at least 46 percent.
Heavy cream is most commonly used in US recipes, while double cream is more likely to be used in UK recipes.
Can heavy cream be substituted for double cream?
Yes, heavy cream is an excellent substitute for double cream in any recipe. It provides a similar flavor and texture to all types of dishes. Heavy cream can be used at a 1:1 ratio in breakfast, dinner, and dessert recipes.
Can double cream be used instead of heavy cream?
Yes, double cream can be used in place of heavy cream in any recipe. Because these two dairy ingredients are similar in texture and flavor, they are excellent substitutes for each other. Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting heavy cream with double cream.
Is heavy cream and double cream the same?
No, while heavy cream and double cream are similar, they offer different butterfat content. Heavy cream is slightly lower in fat content than double cream. In spite of their differences, heavy cream and double cream are used in similar ways.