Heavy Cream vs. Thickened Cream: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Heavy cream is a high-fat dairy product used in cooking and baking, while thickened cream is similar but has added thickeners for stability.
Key Differences
Heavy cream, primarily used in American cuisine, contains about 36-40% milk fat, making it rich and suitable for whipping. Thickened cream, common in Australian recipes, also has a high-fat content, comparable to heavy cream, but includes added thickeners like gelatin or vegetable gums to stabilize and prevent separation in dishes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
Heavy cream is versatile, ideal for making whipped cream, sauces, soups, and desserts. Its high-fat content allows it to whip well and hold shape. Thickened cream, due to its stabilizers, is also used in similar applications, offering more consistency and stability in hot dishes and fillings, reducing the risk of curdling or separation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
The texture of heavy cream is naturally thick and smooth, becoming even more so when whipped. Thickened cream, on the other hand, has a slightly firmer texture due to the thickeners, providing a more consistent performance in recipes where texture is key, like toppings or pastry fillings.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
Heavy cream is readily available in North America and is a staple in many classic American recipes. Thickened cream, while similar, is more commonly found in Australia and some parts of Europe, catering to specific culinary traditions and preferences in these regions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
While heavy cream and thickened cream can often be used interchangeably in recipes, the added stabilizers in thickened cream can affect the outcome in certain delicate preparations, such as light sauces or custards, where the pure flavor and texture of heavy cream are preferred.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Fat Content
About 36-40% milk fat.
Similar fat content with added thickeners.
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Dec 08, 2023
Culinary Use
Whipping, sauces, soups, desserts.
Similar uses, with added stability for heat.
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Dec 08, 2023
Regional Availability
Common in North America.
More common in Australia and Europe.
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Dec 08, 2023
Interchangeability
Preferred for pure flavor/texture.
Can alter outcomes in delicate dishes.
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Dec 08, 2023
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Heavy Cream and Thickened Cream Definitions
Heavy Cream
A base for creamy sauces and soups.
Heavy cream is the key ingredient in my Alfredo sauce.
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Dec 02, 2023
Thickened Cream
Ideal for stable whipped toppings.
For the pavlova, I whipped thickened cream for a firmer topping.
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Dec 02, 2023
Heavy Cream
A high-fat dairy product for adding richness.
Heavy cream added a luxurious richness to the pasta sauce.
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Dec 02, 2023
Thickened Cream
A versatile cream for various recipes.
I prefer thickened cream for its versatility in both baking and cooking.
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Dec 02, 2023
Heavy Cream
Essential for creamy textures in baking.
The recipe called for heavy cream to ensure a moist cake.
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Dec 02, 2023
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Thickened Cream
Cream with added thickeners for consistency.
Thickened cream was perfect for the cake filling, holding its shape beautifully.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Heavy Cream
A cream used for whipping into a fluffy texture.
I used heavy cream to make the whipped topping for the pie.
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Dec 02, 2023
Thickened Cream
Suitable for hot and cold culinary applications.
I used thickened cream in the stew to prevent curdling.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Heavy Cream
Used in desserts for creaminess and flavor.
I incorporated heavy cream into the custard for added smoothness.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Thickened Cream
Enhances texture in desserts and pastries.
Thickened cream gave the trifle layers more structure.
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Dec 02, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Does heavy cream curdle easily?
It can curdle if overheated or mixed with acidic ingredients.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
What is heavy cream?
Heavy cream is a high-fat dairy product, used for its richness in various dishes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
Can I use heavy cream for whipping?
Yes, heavy cream is excellent for whipping due to its high fat content.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
Is thickened cream good for baking?
Yes, it's great for baking, providing stability and texture.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
Can I substitute heavy cream for thickened cream?
Generally, yes, but the outcome may vary slightly in some recipes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
Is thickened cream suitable for lactose-intolerant people?
Like heavy cream, it contains lactose and may not be suitable.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
How should I store heavy cream?
Keep it refrigerated and use it before the expiration date.
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Dec 08, 2023
Can I make butter from heavy cream?
Yes, by over-whipping it until it separates into butter and buttermilk.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
What is thickened cream?
Thickened cream is similar to heavy cream but includes added stabilizers.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
Does thickened cream whip better?
It whips well, often holding its shape longer due to stabilizers.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
What are the thickeners in thickened cream?
Commonly gelatin or vegetable gums.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
Can I freeze thickened cream?
Freezing may alter its texture, so it's not recommended.
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Dec 08, 2023
How long does heavy cream last once opened?
About a week if refrigerated properly.
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Dec 08, 2023
What makes thickened cream different?
The added thickeners in thickened cream provide more stability.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
Is heavy cream the same as double cream?
Not exactly, double cream has a slightly higher fat content than heavy cream.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
Can I use thickened cream in coffee?
Yes, but it's richer and thicker than regular cream.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
Does thickened cream have a different taste?
The taste is similar to heavy cream, but the texture differs.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
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