Is Heavy Cream the Same as Whipping Cream?

Let’s be real: Classic pumpkin pie without a dollop of whipped cream just looks lonely. And let’s not even talk about strawberry shortcake without the whipped cream.

But what if you’re craving whipped cream but you only have heavy cream in the fridge? Read on to learn about the differences between whipping cream and heavy cream — and how to make delicious whipped cream with either of them.

Heavy cream vs. whipping cream

Heavy cream and whipping cream are similar, in that they’re both high-fat forms of dairy. Both contain enough fat to whip into whipped cream. However, heavy cream is slightly higher in fat — about 36 percent fat, versus 30% for whipping cream — it imparts a slightly different texture to the whipped cream.

Whipped cream made with heavy cream will retain its shape longer, so it’s ideal if you’re worried about your whipped cream deflating by dessert time. But it’s also fattier, heavier and richer, which may be too much for some dishes. Whipping cream will produce a whipped cream that’s light and fluffy, though it will start to deflate if you leave it out for too long.

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When to use heavy cream

Heavy cream is versatile in the kitchen. It can add some serious creaminess to curries and sauces, creating an ultra-rich mouthfeel. If you’re looking for a rich, creamy texture, go with heavy cream over whipped cream.

Heavy cream makes excellent ice cream — whether you’re craving classic Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream or trying out the unexpected, like this Savory Buttermilk Ranch Ice Cream. It can also add richness to baked goods, like these Vanilla Thumbprint Cookies.

You can also use heavy cream for savory dishes, like this Slow Cooker Rosemary Ricotta Creamed Corn, as well as sauces, including this fiery Triple Heat Horseradish Cream Sauce. Thanks to its high fat content, heavy cream will make each bite rich and delicious.

Can you use heavy cream to make whipped cream?

You can. It may not be as light and fluffy as if you used whipping cream, but it’ll taste deliciously rich and keep its shape longer. Our classic Homemade Whipped Cream recipe calls for heavy cream, since a whipped cream that holds its shape for longer makes for easier entertaining.

When to use whipping cream

Whipping cream is your best bet when you need light and fluffy whipped cream, like the perfect airy dollop for your pie or your bowl of summer berries. You can sub in whipping cream for heavy cream in any whipped cream recipe — just whip the cream soon before serving for the fluffiest results.

You can also use whipping cream instead of heavy cream in sauces, though it may slightly impact their texture. Since whipping cream contains less fat, the end result won’t be quite as rich. Similarly, ice cream made using whipping cream may taste lighter, with a less rich and satisfying mouthfeel.