Are heavy cream and heavy whipping cream the same thing

Heavy cream vs. heavy whipping cream vs. whipping cream vs. half & half are not unfamiliar ingredients in cooking, especially with baking enthusiasts. However, these creams are pretty similar, so they often confuse people.

When you store some of these fat creams in the fridge, you can accidentally mistake them and have to say, “what should I do now?” The best option, I believe, is to realize each type clearly to avoid this mistake never happening.

Are they actually the same or different? All of your wonders will be solved in my post below. Keep reading to see what you are missing! 

Engaging Facts Know About Whipping Cream

Whipping cream is an unrelated kind of cream in comparison to heavy cream or heavy whipping cream. That is why I want to share with you everything about this cream type.

What Is Whipping Cream?

As mentioned, whipping cream is a different cream type with lower milk fat, just around 30-35%. In contrast to heavy cream, whipping cream is considered the tastiest and widely used for many purposes, such as preparing decadent desserts with whipped cream.

The history of whipping cream is the same as that of heavy cream or heavy whipping cream. Whipping cream and heavy cream are the primary elements of whipped cream and are generally used to make beautiful decorations.

Whipping cream usually contains sugar. Otherwise, you can freely adjust the level of sweetness to suit your taste by adding more sugar to the product. There are two kinds of whipping cream products that you can see in any supermarket, which are:

  • Whipping cream (sold in liquid form): products are not already whipped before buying.
  • Whipped cream: (store in the form of spray bottles with a light, fully foam texture) These products are still made from a whipping cream base, but they are whipped in the production line.

Depending on your desire, you can choose the product you want. For me, I usually prefer whipped cream products due to their convenience.

Not only different from the fat content, but half & half cream is also dissimilar to heavy cream (heavy whipping cream) and whipping cream. Now, do not skip this part to get more information about half & half.

What Is Half & Half?

As the name “half & half” suggests, this type of cream is a combination of whole milk and cream that contains 10.5% – 18% fat. Half & half cream is supposed to be a “crossbreed”, so its texture is neither creamy nor liquid-like.

It was William A. Boutwell that invented this luscious mixture.  He was the founder of Boutwell Dairy in Florida. People have had recognition and consumption from 1927 until now.

The benefit of half & half does not contain much fat content like heavy cream. Although this greasy cream is a choice for heavy and whipping cream, half & half cream is not recommended to consume regularly because it is high in calories and saturated fat.

In some cases, the producers also add sugar and additives to help the finished products have a perfect texture as well as more extended usage.

Comparison Chart Of Nutrition Values Among The Four Creams

Nutrition values are the most vital factor for any product, not except these four creams. Therefore, I believe my comparison chart will be helpful when you want to see whether that cream applies to your demand or not.

As you can see, heavy cream and whipping cream have nearly the same nutritional value, while the opposite was true for half & half. Prefer cream products from the four depending on your desires and uses.

Tips For Preserving Heavy Cream, Whipping Cream, And Half & Half

After knowing about these versatile cream types, I want to add some tips to consume and store them effectively. Additionally, these tips also help you to avoid spoiled cream situations.

  • Frozen heavy cream (heavy whipping cream) and half & half still do their job satisfactorily within 3 months of storing.
  • Both heavy and whipping cream can be kept for 5-7 days in the fridge.
  • Before buying tiny half & half products, you should check the label to see whether they need to be kept in the fridge or not. In some cases, these products are not required to store in the refrigerator.
  • Do not leave half & half at room temperature too long. You should give it a toss after 2 hours.
  • All types of cream have a fresh smell with milky white color. So, for any sour smell or discoloration sign, you can not use them anymore.

Recipes With Heavy Cream, Whipping Cream, And Half & Half You Must Try

Heavy cream, whipping cream, as well as half & half are incredible ingredients that can be used to prepare various dishes. Don’t believe me? Check out the delicious recipes below!

1. Keto Alfredo Sauce

If you do not know what Keto dish to eat tonight, let’s make something different! Keto Alfredo is a sauce to serve with pasta and easy- preparing.

The hot, creamy sauce, when combined with pasta, will be a satisfying dinner for everyone on the table. Also, you can add shrimps or salmon as your preference.

2. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potato dish appeared in early 1747 in the cookery book of Hannah Glasse, an English chef. This potato dish does not have heavy cream in the typical recipe, so its creamy taste depends significantly on the potatoes.

Recently, many people who are inspired by mashed potatoes have experimented with heavy cream. It brings an amazingly creamy flavor and excellent aroma result.

3. Whipping Cream Pound Cake

Pound cake is a dessert dish that I often eat along with fruits in my fridge. With whipping cream, it will enhance the luscious taste of pound cake.

 Moreover, you can add your favorite ingredients, such as yogurt, peanut butter, and so on. Kids are always waiting for dinner with whipping cream pound cake.

4. Frozen Hot Chocolate

There is nothing special than enjoying a cup of chocolate after a hard-working day. I am a loyal fan of chocolate and whipping cream, so it makes complete sense to them simultaneously?

You can buy any frozen hot chocolate in coffee shops, but I think making it at home will bring you many exciting feelings!

5. Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Soup

Do you like to eat soup? What will you do with leftover chicken? This chicken Alfredo Tortellini soup is a choice for you. The secret factor of this soup is a soft, not too greasy taste from this half & half ingredient.

Again, find everything in your kitchen and make it for your kids or parents.

6. New Version Of Quiche

Whether you love French food or not, I highly suggest you eat this new version of quiche one time in your life. What makes quiche special? Half & half cream!

Instead of adding cheese for a smooth flavor, try with half-half cream. In case one of you has added half & half to your quiche, please share your experience with me; I am very excited.

FAQs

Do you have any other queries about heavy cream vs. heavy whipping cream vs. whipping cream vs. half & half? Do not worry; I am willing to answer all of them now.

How can I freeze heavy cream?

You should freeze heavy cream or heavy whipping cream after whipping it. Please put it in a box with a lid or sealed container.

If you do not whip heavy cream, it can not whip cream next time. However, some people still freeze unwhipped heavy cream for cooking purposes.

Can I use half & half instead of heavy cream on Keto?

Yes, you can. But, you have to ensure your half & half cream does not have additives by making it at home. Plus, avoid overusing half & half steadily because it has a lot of calories.

What is the ideal temperature to store and freeze all types of cream?

The optimal temperature to preserve heavy cream, whipping, and half & half are 40 °F (storing) and 0°F (freezing).

My heavy cream is lumpy after whipping; is it still usable?

Lumpy or chunky is the sign of overwhipping your heavy cream. Then, you will see your cream start to divide into grains of butter and buttermilk. It means there is no way to use it.

Is there any solution for whipping cream that becomes watery?

When you mix whipping cream with too much or too little force, it will be watery. You can save your whipping cream from watery by using tartar and unflavored gelatin. Put a teaspoon of tartar cream or cooled unflavored gelatin into your wet whipping cream.

Other Facts About Four Creams That Can Surprise You!

Are you amazed about the differences between heavy cream vs. heavy whipping cream vs. whipping cream vs. half & half? I hope my post will help you be more confident to answer when someone asks you about heavy, whipping, or also half & half.

Moreover, with other exciting knowledge I have mentioned, I believe you can gain more cooking ideas and more benefits from these 4 sweet creams, especially those who are going to eat the Keto diet.

As a baker, I always have heavy cream and whipping cream in my house, and I found many incredible emotions when cooking with them. How about you? What do you know about these cream types? Comment on this post to discuss with me your ideas!

References

  1. 91 Classic Country KCJB. 2021. Jan 5 – Geezer’s Blog – National Whipped Cream Day | 91 Classic Country KCJB. [online] Available at: <https://kcjb910.iheart.com/content/2018-01-05-jan-5-geezers-blog-national-whipped-cream-day/>
  2.  Time. 2021. Should You Drink Fat-Free Half and Half?. [online] Available at: <https://time.com/3814015/fat-free-half-and-half/>.

Table of Contents

  • Heavy Cream, Heavy Whipping Cream, Whipping Cream, Half & Half – Multifunctional Ingredients
  • The Similarities Of These Must-Have Creams
  • Heavy Cream (Heavy Whipping Cream) 101 – The Richest Fat Cream
  • Engaging Facts Know About Whipping Cream
  • Hidden Secrets About Half & Half
  • Comparison Chart Of Nutrition Values Among The Four Creams
  • Tips For Preserving Heavy Cream, Whipping Cream, And Half & Half
  • Recipes With Heavy Cream, Whipping Cream, And Half & Half You Must Try
  • FAQs
  • Other Facts About Four Creams That Can Surprise You!
  • References

Is heavy cream different than heavy whipping cream?

There is no difference between heavy cream and heavy whipping cream. They are the exact same product, just sold by different brands under two different names. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), heavy cream must contain at least 36 percent milk fat.

Does heavy whipping cream taste the same as heavy cream?

The main difference between the two is their fat content. Heavy cream has slightly more fat than whipping cream. Otherwise, they are nutritionally very similar. You can use them interchangeably in recipes without affecting the taste, although they may lead to different consistencies.

Can you use heavy whipping cream instead of heavy cream for Alfredo?

Yep! To us, this sauce is meant to be indulgent, so we go all out and use heavy whipping cream, but if you want to lighten it up and cut back on calories a little, we get it! Regular heavy cream, half-n-half, or whole milk can definitely be used.