Cream is one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. It can be used to create rich, indulgent desserts, from light and airy mousses to decadent cakes. If you’re wondering what dessert you can make with cream, you have many options to explore. In this article, we’ll dive into some delicious desserts that use cream as a main ingredient, and how you can make them at home with ease.
Types of Cream
Before we jump into the desserts, it’s important to know that there are different types of cream, and the type you use can affect the texture and richness of your dessert. Here are the common types of cream used in dessert making:
Heavy Cream (or Double Cream): This is the thickest cream, with a high fat content. It whips well and is perfect for making whipped cream, sauces, and custards.
Whipping Cream: This cream has slightly less fat than heavy cream, but it can still be whipped and used for making light, fluffy desserts.
Clotted Cream: A thick, rich cream that is often used in British desserts like scones.
Single Cream: A lighter cream, commonly used for pouring over desserts, but it doesn’t whip as well as heavy cream.
1. Whipped Cream and Berries
One of the easiest and most delicious desserts you can make with cream is whipped cream and fresh berries. This dessert is light, refreshing, and perfect for any season.
How to make:
- Start with heavy cream or whipping cream.
- Pour the cream into a chilled bowl and use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream until soft peaks form.
- Add a bit of sugar and vanilla extract to sweeten the cream.
- Serve the whipped cream with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
You can also add a drizzle of honey or sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra flavor.
2. Cream Puffs
Cream puffs are a classic dessert made from choux pastry filled with whipped cream. These light and airy treats are perfect for special occasions.
How to make:
Make the choux pastry: In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, then add flour and stir until the dough forms. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time and mix until smooth.
Bake the puffs: Scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Make the filling: Whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Assemble the puffs: Once the choux pastry has cooled, cut them in half and fill them with whipped cream. Top with powdered sugar for an extra touch.
3. Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate mousse is a creamy, velvety dessert made with cream and chocolate. It’s rich, indulgent, and perfect for chocolate lovers.
How to make:
Melt the chocolate: Chop dark chocolate into small pieces and melt it in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave.
Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
Combine: Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream until fully combined.
Chill: Spoon the mousse into serving glasses and refrigerate for a few hours to set.
You can top the mousse with chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or fresh berries for a nice touch.
4. Crème Brûlée
Crème brûlée is a rich and creamy French dessert made with egg yolks, cream, and sugar. It has a crisp caramelized sugar top and a silky custard center.
How to make:
Make the custard base: Heat cream in a saucepan until just simmering. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the warm cream to the egg mixture while whisking to prevent curdling.
Bake: Pour the custard mixture into ramekins and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 40-45 minutes or until the custard is set.
Caramelize the top: Once the custards have cooled, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize it until golden brown.
Crème brûlée is a fantastic dessert to impress your guests with its luxurious taste and elegant presentation.
5. Panna Cotta
Panna cotta is an Italian dessert that is smooth, creamy, and can be flavored with vanilla, chocolate, or fruit. It’s simple to make and perfect for dinner parties.
How to make:
Prepare the gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for a few minutes. Then heat it until dissolved.
Make the cream mixture: In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat the mixture until it just starts to simmer.
Combine: Add the dissolved gelatin to the cream mixture and stir until fully combined.
Chill: Pour the mixture into ramekins or glasses and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
You can serve panna cotta with a berry compote, caramel sauce, or chocolate ganache for extra flavor.
6. Ice Cream
Cream is a key ingredient in homemade ice cream. Whether you’re using an ice cream maker or making it without one, cream adds richness and creaminess to the ice cream.
How to make:
Prepare the base: Whisk together cream, milk, sugar, and any flavorings like vanilla or chocolate.
Chill the mixture: Refrigerate the mixture for a few hours to chill.
Churn: If you have an ice cream maker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn the mixture until it thickens.
Freeze: Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for several hours until firm.
For added flavor, you can mix in chopped fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts.
7. Banoffee Pie
Banoffee pie is a delicious no-bake dessert that combines bananas, toffee, and whipped cream in a biscuit base. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion.
How to make:
Make the base: Crush digestive biscuits or graham crackers and mix with melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a pie dish and refrigerate to set.
Make the toffee: Heat condensed milk and butter in a saucepan, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a toffee sauce.
Assemble the pie: Once the base is set, spread a layer of toffee over it. Top with sliced bananas and whipped cream.
Chill: Refrigerate the pie for a couple of hours before serving.
Banoffee pie is a perfect dessert for a sweet tooth craving something indulgent.
8. Eclairs
Eclairs are another classic French pastry made with choux pastry and filled with cream. They are topped with a chocolate glaze, making them the perfect bite-sized treat.
How to make:
Make the choux pastry: Follow the same method for cream puffs to make the choux pastry.
Make the cream filling: Whip heavy cream with vanilla extract and sugar until stiff peaks form.
Fill the eclairs: Once the choux pastry has cooled, slice them open and fill with the whipped cream.
Add the glaze: Melt chocolate and butter together, and drizzle over the filled eclairs.
Eclairs are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for a short time.
9. Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a popular Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder. The creamy filling includes whipped cream for extra richness.
How to make:
Prepare the coffee mixture: Brew strong coffee and mix with a little sugar and rum (optional).
Make the mascarpone filling: Whip together mascarpone cheese, whipped cream, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Assemble: Dip the ladyfingers into the coffee mixture and layer them in a dish. Spread the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Repeat the layers until the dish is full.
Chill: Refrigerate for several hours or overnight to let the flavors meld together. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.
Tiramisu is a delightful dessert for any occasion, with the perfect balance of creamy and coffee flavors.
Conclusion
Cream is a versatile and delicious ingredient for making a wide range of desserts. Whether you prefer simple whipped cream with berries or more complex desserts like crème brûlée and tiramisu, there are endless possibilities to explore. By using cream, you can create rich, indulgent, and satisfying desserts that everyone will enjoy. So next time you have some cream on hand, try making one of these desserts and treat yourself and your loved ones to something sweet!
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