Can light cream be whipped? Yes it can! If you need to make some homemade whipped cream but all you have is light cream on hand, read on to learn the best methods for whipping light cream.
There are four different types of cream, including light cream, and how you intend to use them dictates how you will make your whipped cream.
We are going to cover exactly how to whip light cream so that you can finish your recipe without having to make another run to the grocery store.
Keep in mind that light cream has a lower fat content than heavy cream, and it’s the fat content that makes it possible to whip your cream.
Light cream has a fat content between 18% and 30% while heavy cream contains around 35% fat.
Because our light cream has a lower fat content than we want, we will be upping that fat content so that we can make a thicker, creamier whipped topping.
Before moving on to our methods for whipping light cream take a look at the fat content of your light cream.
You can also find answers to common questions about whipping light cream and other creams at the bottom of this article. But first, let’s dive into how to turn your light cream into rich and creamy whipped cream.
Best Way to Whip Light Cream
There are many wonderful uses for whipped cream made out of light cream. It can be added to beverages like coffee, cocoa, tea and smoothies. You can top pie, cake, ice cream, parfait and anything you would use traditional whipped cream for.
It will take a little more time to make whipped cream out of light cream so make sure to allow for the added time before starting your recipe.
The first method is my preferred method, but if you don’t have butter the second option will work in a pinch. Let’s get to it!
Add Butter
Like I mentioned above, this is the best way to whip light cream. It produced a rich and delicious whipping cream that is ideal for any application.
Add it to your dessert or use it to add a creamy touch to a cozy beverage. No matter what you need whipped cream for, this is the most ideal method.
For this method you will need room temperature butter. I prefer unsalted but salted will work in a pinch. Just plan to reduce the amount of salt in your final recipe.
For light cream with 18%-25% fat content, use equal parts butter and light cream. For light cream above a 25% fat content use 1 part butter to 2 parts light cream.
Now put your butter and light cream in a blender and process until combined. You can mix by hand if you do not have a blender or food processor.
Next put your mixture in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours. Once it is done chilling, remove from the fridge and whip by hand with a whisk until stiff peaks form.
Now you have a rich and creamy whipped cream perfect for any recipe.
Milk and Gelatin
If you don’t have butter you can use gelatin to increase the thickness of your light cream and make an adequate whipped topping suitable for most recipes.
This method is based on using 1 cup of light cream, so you can adjust the amounts used of each ingredient based on your recipes needs.
Add a quarter cup of whole milk (don’t use low fat milk for this method) and 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin to a double boiler while stirring over the boiling water.
Once the mixture is completely blended add your light cream and stir. Once mixed, chill your cream mixture in the freezer for at least 2 hours.
Once your mixture is done chilling, remove it from the freezer and whisk it by hand until stiff peaks form.
How long does it take to make whipped cream out of light cream?
It will take about 2 hours and 10 minutes to whip light cream. Because of the added time you will need to start making your recipe earlier than if whipping heavy cream.
How long does light cream last?
Light cream will stay good in the fridge for about 1 week. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Also check for spoilage before making whipped cream from your light cream.
How do you make light cream into heavy cream?
You can make light cream similar to heavy cream by increasing the fat content. The best way to do this is by adding butter to your light cream.
Equal parts butter and light cream and be mixed and chilled. Once butter has been added to your light cream it will have a similar fat content to that of heavy cream.
Why won’t light cream whip?
Most light creams do not contain enough fat to whip. Because light cream contains as little as 18% fat content, more fat will need to be added in order to whip it. Adding butter is the best way to increase the fat content of light cream.
How do you thicken light cream?
The two best methods for thickening light cream is by adding butter or milk and gelatin. This will allow you to whip your light cream.
You can find the details on how to thicken your light cream above.
Can light cream be used instead of heavy whipping cream?
Yes, you can use light cream in place of heavy cream. But you will need to increase the fat content if you intend to whip your cream.
You can make whipped cream without heavy cream by adding butter or milk and gelatin to your light cream before whipping it.
How do you whisk or beat light cream?
Always chill your light cream mixture before whipping it. Chilled cream will form stiffer peaks and be easier to whip than warm or room temperature cream.
Beat your cream by hand with a metal whisk until stiff peaks have formed. Immediately use or chill your cream.
Can light cream be frozen?
Yes, light cream can be frozen. Seal it in an airtight container that is freezer safe and write the date on the container.
Place your light cream in the back of the freezer. It will stay good for up to 3 months.
Bottom Line
With a little time and preparation you can make a rich and creamy whipped cream out of light cream.
Always use butter to increase the fat content of your light cream when available, but you can use milk and gelatin in a pinch.