heavy cream recipe
Heavy cream adds a rich, velvety texture to countless dishes, making everything from sauces to desserts feel luxurious and comforting. This recipe will help you unlock the full potential of this ingredient and elevate your cooking with minimal effort.
Equipment
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- For a basic creamy sauce:Heat 1 cup of heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn't burn.Once it starts to simmer (but not boil), reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 tablespoon of butter (if desired) for extra richness.Add 1 teaspoon of salt to taste for savory dishes, or 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for sweet variations like whipped cream.Stir until fully combined and slightly thickened (around 5-7 minutes).Serve over pasta, vegetables, or any dish that could use a touch of cream.
- For whipped cream:Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into a mixing bowl.Add 1 tablespoon of sugar (or more, depending on your sweetness preference).Whisk until soft peaks form, or use an electric mixer for faster results.Serve on top of desserts like cakes, pies, or hot chocolate.
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Notes
- Chill the Cream: For whipped cream, make sure your heavy cream is very cold—this will help it whip up more easily and achieve a stable texture.
- Don’t Overheat: When using heavy cream in sauces, avoid bringing it to a full boil as it can separate and lose its creamy consistency. Let it simmer gently.
- Use Full-Fat Cream: For the richest flavor and texture, always choose full-fat heavy cream. Low-fat alternatives can lack the same depth.
- Add Seasonings Gradually: When using heavy cream in savory dishes, add salt or other seasonings gradually, tasting as you go to avoid over-seasoning.
- Serve Immediately: Whipped cream is best served immediately. If you need to store it, refrigerate it in an airtight container and give it a quick whisk before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
heavy cream recipe
Serving Size
100 g
Amount per Serving
Calories
340
% Daily Value*
Fat
36.5
g
56
%
Saturated Fat
23.4
g
146
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
8
g
Cholesterol
125
mg
42
%
Sodium
30
mg
1
%
Potassium
50
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
2.9
g
1
%
Sugar
2.9
g
3
%
Protein
2.1
g
4
%
Vitamin A
900
IU
18
%
Calcium
60
mg
6
%
Iron
0.1
mg
1
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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