What to Do with Heavy Cream Dessert: A Full Guide

Heavy cream is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of desserts. It adds richness and creaminess to recipes, making them irresistibly delicious. In this article, we will explore several ways to use heavy cream in desserts, from simple classics to more complex creations. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or an indulgent treat, there are plenty of ways to incorporate heavy cream into your desserts.

What is Heavy Cream?

Before we dive into the recipes, it’s important to understand what heavy cream is. Heavy cream, also known as heavy whipping cream, is a dairy product with a high-fat content, usually around 36-40%. This high fat gives it a smooth, velvety texture that can enhance both the flavor and consistency of desserts. It is often used in whipped cream, sauces, and custards.

1. Whipped Cream for Desserts

One of the most popular uses for heavy cream is to make whipped cream. It’s simple to make and can be added to nearly any dessert. The process is easy and requires just heavy cream, sugar, and a bit of vanilla extract.

How to Make Whipped Cream:

• Chill your mixing bowl and whisk or beaters.
• Pour the heavy cream into the bowl.
• Begin whisking on medium speed.
• Gradually add sugar (about 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup of cream) and a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Continue whisking until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or it could turn into butter!

Whipped cream can be served on top of cakes, pies, hot cocoa, or fresh fruit. You can also flavor it with chocolate, cinnamon, or other extracts for variety.

2. Rich Custards and Puddings

Heavy cream is a key ingredient in custards and puddings. The cream adds a luxurious texture and richness that can’t be achieved with milk alone. Custards can be made on the stovetop or in the oven, while puddings are usually cooked on the stove.

Classic Vanilla Custard:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is warm but not boiling.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
3. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This tempers the eggs and prevents them from scrambling.
4. Gradually pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk.
5. Cook over low heat while stirring constantly until the custard thickens.
6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
7. Allow the custard to cool and serve with fresh berries or as a filling for pastries.

This custard can be served as a standalone dessert or used as a filling for tarts or cakes.

Chocolate Pudding:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together heavy cream, milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat until warm.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks.
3. Slowly add a small amount of the warm cream mixture to the egg yolks to temper them.
4. Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat while stirring until the mixture thickens.
5. Stir in vanilla extract and allow to cool.
6. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

This rich chocolate pudding can be served with whipped cream or grated chocolate on top for added indulgence.

3. Ice Cream and Sorbet

Heavy cream is also a key ingredient in making homemade ice cream. The cream gives ice cream a creamy, smooth texture, and you don’t need an ice cream maker to make it.

Simple Vanilla Ice Cream:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Pour the mixture into a shallow pan and place it in the freezer.
3. Stir every 30 minutes with a fork until the mixture reaches a creamy, scoopable consistency (about 4 hours).

This vanilla ice cream is delicious on its own or can be paired with fruit, pies, or crumbled cookies.

Chocolate Chip Ice Cream:

For a twist, you can add chocolate chips to the vanilla ice cream base. Simply fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips once the mixture is almost frozen.

4. No-Bake Cheesecake

A no-bake cheesecake is another great dessert that uses heavy cream. The cream helps create a smooth and velvety texture in the filling.

No-Bake Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
4. Pour the mixture into a prepared graham cracker crust and smooth the top.
5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Top with fresh fruit, fruit compote, or chocolate ganache before serving.

5. Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate ganache is a rich, glossy topping made from heavy cream and chocolate. It’s perfect for drizzling over cakes, tarts, or cupcakes.

Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Stir until smooth and glossy.
4. Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over cakes or desserts.

You can also use ganache as a filling for cakes or cupcakes, or whip it to make a fluffy frosting.

6. Cream-Filled Pastries

Heavy cream can be used to make delicious cream fillings for pastries like eclairs, cream puffs, and Danishes.

Pastry Cream Filling:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and sugar over medium heat.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and cornstarch.
3. Gradually add the hot cream to the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
6. Cool the pastry cream completely before filling eclairs, cream puffs, or other pastries.

7. Fudge and Caramel Sauces

Heavy cream is an essential ingredient in making rich, indulgent sauces like caramel and fudge sauce. These sauces are perfect for drizzling over ice cream, cakes, or brownies.

Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it turns a golden caramel color.
3. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream (it may bubble up).
4. Stir in butter until smooth.
5. Let the caramel sauce cool before drizzling it over desserts.

8. Creamy Fruit Desserts

Heavy cream pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits, making it an ideal ingredient for fruit-based desserts. You can create fruit salad with a creamy dressing, or make a fruit mousse.

Fruit Mousse:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh fruit (berries, mango, or peaches)

Instructions:

1. Whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Gently fold in pureed fruit or chopped fruit.
3. Spoon the mousse into individual serving dishes and refrigerate until firm.

Conclusion

Heavy cream is a fantastic ingredient to elevate your desserts. From whipped cream and ice cream to rich custards and decadent ganache, it can be used in many ways to create indulgent treats. By using heavy cream, you can add depth, texture, and flavor to your desserts. Whether you’re making a classic cheesecake, a simple fruit mousse, or a luxurious chocolate pudding, heavy cream will make every bite a delightful experience.

Related topics

• What Can I Bake for Valentine’s Day?
• Is Whole Grain Brown Rice Good for Diabetics?
• Is Green Apple Good for Diabetic Patients?