If you have some heavy cream leftover that you need to preserve to avoid it going to waste then you’re in luck! You can freeze heavy cream and save it for later use.
As long as you follow the simple steps below, you can freeze your heavy whipping cream for up to two months.
While this method is simple, be sure to read on to make sure you safely and effectively prepare your heavy cream for freezing.
Yes, You can Freeze Heavy Cream
Most dairy products can be frozen, including heavy cream. But the process of freezing heavy cream will create tiny ice crystals that will effect how your heavy cream can be used once thawed.
Freezing your heavy cream will make it less suitable for whipping. Your heavy whipping cream will separate once thawed, and combined with those little ice crystals, you won’t be able to create those stiff, whipped peaks necessary for homemade whipped cream.
But you can still used it for any other application, so preserving your heavy cream by freezing is still an excellent option.
Related: How long can heavy cream be left out
If you know you will need your heavy cream for making whipped cream, you can whip your cream prior to freezing it. Either option is viable, so with a little forethought you can freeze your heavy cream in the form that best suits your needs.
How to freeze liquid heavy cream
If you’ve decided to freeze your cream without whipping it first, the process is quick and easy.
You will need an air tight, freezer safe container large enough to hold your heavy cream with extra room for expansion.
You heavy cream will expand a good amount when frozen, so your container should only be about two thirds full when holding your heavy cream.
Related: How to thicken heavy cream
Once your heavy cream is in your container, seal it tight and write today’s date one it. This will allow you to know exactly how long your heavy cream has been frozen.
Remember, heavy cream will stay good frozen for up to 2 months.
I recommend you keep your heavy cream in the back of your freezer to prevent extreme temperature fluctuations from opening and closing your freezer.
How to freeze whipped heavy cream
If you are planning to use your heavy cream for a whipped topping, you will want to whip it before freezing.
Simply whip your heavy cream as you normally would before moving on to this simple method.
You will need parchment paper, baking sheets, and freezer safe bags.
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper
- Add your whipped cream on top of your parchment paper
- Place baking sheets in the freezer for about 1 hour
- Once your whipped cream has firmed, remove from the freezer and transfer your cream to freezer safe bags
- Seal each bag and write today’s date one each bag and place them in the back of your freezer
You can safely keep your whipped heavy cream frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, put your bags of frozen whipped cream in the refrigerator until they thaw.
Related: Heavy cream substitutes
Can you freeze heavy cream in the carton
No, it is not recommended to freeze heavy cream in it’s original carton. Heavy cream cartons are not designed to be frozen, and your heavy cream will expand when frozen. This can lead to damage to the carton.
Related: Heavy cream vs condensed milk
Instead, transfer your heavy cream into a freezer safe container before freezing. Seal it tight, and place it in the back of your freezer for up to 2 months.
Can you freeze and defrost heavy cream
Yes, you can freeze and defrost your heavy cream. Heavy cream will separate when frozen, so it will not whip once thawed.
Heavy cream can safely be frozen for up two months, but you should not refreeze your heavy cream.
To defrost your heavy cream, keep it in it’s container and place it in the refrigerator until thawed. It should be thawed in a couple hours.
Then, simply use your heavy cream within 3 days.
What happens if you freeze whipped cream
When heavy cream is frozen, the fat separates. It will also form tiny ice crystals. This will effect how you can use your heavy cream once it has been thawed.
Heavy cream that has been frozen will no longer create the volume and peaks necessary for making whipped cream.
If you want to use your heavy cream for a whipped topping, you will need to whip it prior to freezing.
How long can you freeze heavy cream
Heavy cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. How fresh your heavy cream is will effect how long it stays good in the freezer.
If your heavy cream is close to it’s expiration day, it will effect how long you can keep it frozen. Whenever using frozen heavy cream, it is best to use it immediately upon thawing.
Bottom Line
Freezing heavy cream does not take a long time and it is quite easy when you follow this method. The keys are sealing it tight in an air tight, freezer safe container in the back of your freezer.
You will also want to think about how you will use your heavy cream when it thaws. If you need it for a whipped topping, you will need to whip your heavy cream before freezing.