Difference Between Heavy Cream and Whipping Cream

Heavy Cream vs Whipping Cream

Heavy Cream is a special dairy product that is made out of the top most layer of milk which is rich in butter fat. The fat is skimmed from the topmost surface of milk before it is subjected to homogenization. On the other hand, the very term ‘whipped cream’ or ‘whipping cream’ refers to cream that is subjected to a process of continuous beating till it gets fluffy and light. Whipped cream is prepared using a whisk or mixer.

Milk that is not homogenized after a span of time starts releasing the fat contents that rise to the surface. In case of large scale industrial production this fat releasing process is accentuated by introducing centrifuges called separators. In whipped cream more than 30% of the contained fat is mixed with air. As a result the colloid that is obtained is almost double the original volume of cream as it has captured air bubbles present amidst the fat droplets.

Often heavy cream is further dried to form cream or milk powder which makes exportation to distant countries a lot easier. Extended whipping causes the fat droplets in the colloid to stick together forming butter while the rest of the liquid left is the butter milk.

Heavy cream contains about 38-40% of fat whereas whipping cream has just 30 to 36% of fat content.

Some of the common uses of heavy cream are,

  • It is used to make butter
  • Whipped cream is prepared out of heavy cream through a process of severe whisking
  • Used in the preparation of sour cream and clotted cream
  • Heavy Cream is also used as a common ingredient in preparation of chocolate products, ice cream, puddings, custards, and different kinds of sauces and soups and not to forget cakes.

Whipping cream is more commonly used as a garnishing ingredient or topping for ice creams and pie, as an ingredient for the sauce to go with the dessert or coffee delicacies. Another very interesting quality of whipping cream is that it is a great conditioner. So in case you run out of shaving cream and don’t have the time to get another one, you can always use a little whipping cream from the freezer and get a nice, smooth shave. It may also be a nice moisturizer for a dry skin. Whipping cream is also at times used as a worthy substitute for sour cream with a little lemon juice added to it.

Summary:
1.Heavy Cream is a special dairy product that is made out of the top most layer of milk which is rich in cutter fat. On the other hand, the very term ‘whipped cream’ or ‘whipping cream’ refers to such cream that is subjected to a process of continuous beating till it gets fluffy and light.
2.Heavy cream contains about 38-40% of fat whereas whipping cream has just 30 to 36% of fat content.
3.Heavy Cream is also used as a common ingredient in preparation of chocolate products, ice cream, puddings, custards, and different kinds of sauces and soups and not to forget cakes. Whipping cream is more commonly used as a garnishing ingredient or topping for ice creams and pie, as an ingredient for the sauce to go with the dessert or coffee delicacies.