What Is the UK Equivalent of Heavy Whipping Cream?

Baking is a popular pastime with the internet offering up a myriad of interesting and delicious recipes that involve the use of heavy whipping cream.

Sometimes though, the recipes aren’t based around UK food products and at this point it becomes important that we understand the UK equivalents of items used, such as heavy whipping cream.

Is Double Cream the Same as Heavy Whipping Cream?

Cream is categorised by the percentage of fat within it. The higher the fat percentage the thicker the cream will be and the thicker its texture when whipped will be.

UK double cream has a 48% butterfat content whereas the US heavy whipping cream has approximately 36-38% butterfat.

Double cream can be whipped as you would usually whip cream. Due to the high fat content of double cream, it is easy to overwhip it and make it extra thick.

 When whipping, it is important to check the consistency frequently. That said, double cream is the closest in fat content to heavy whipping cream and can be used as such in recipes.

 

Is Whipping Cream the Same as Heavy Whipping Cream?

Whipping cream has a fat content of about 30% which is a little less than heavy whipping cream or double cream.

Whipping cream produces a lighter whip and softer texture. Whipping cream is useful for toppings and works well in this capacity as a substitute for heavy whipping cream.

If you only have whipping cream available but need a thicker whipping cream for a recipe then you can add some icing sugar to the whipping cream, this will increase its density and make it heavier.

This works well in most recipes, but it is worth being aware that this does also make the cream sweeter and so may affect the overall taste.

 

What Can Heavy Whipping Cream Be Used For?

Heavy whipping cream, or its double cream UK counterpart can have a variety of uses, and not all of them require the cream to be whipped.

Due to the higher fat content the cream in its unwhipped state still has a thick consistency.

What can it be used for:

• Coffee creamer – Its luxurious texture makes it a delicious way to add smoothness to your coffee. You can even whisk in flavours such as vanilla, cinnamon or nutmeg to create a flavoured coffee creamer.
• Luxurious scrambled eggs – Adding milk to scrambled eggs gives a lovely creamy richness, this can be elevated with the use of heavy whipping cream or double cream instead of milk.
• Butter and buttermilk – If you whip and whip and whip heavy whipping cream or double cream it will start to separate. The fat molecules bind together, and you are left with butter and a buttermilk liquid that can be used in baking.
• Toppings – These creams can whipped to fluffy peaks and, with the addition of a little icing sugar, are wonderful served in a dollop with fresh fruit, your favourite warm dessert or even a slice of cake.