What can i use heavy whipping cream for

One of our most popular posts at A Well Advised Life is about what to do with leftover half and half cream. While half and half is great and versatile in the kitchen, it’s time to also give some love to its decadent, higher-calorie, higher-fat cousin: heavy whipping cream. I love heavy whipping cream. Rich, creamy, and indulgent, it’s the main component of homemade whipped cream. It also can go into soup, coffee, tea, and more.

How is heavy whipping cream different from milk or from half and half? It’s all about fat content. Here are the stats, according to The Spruce Eats:

• skim milk = less than 0.5% butterfat
• 1% milk = (as the name suggests) 1% butterfat
• 2% = 2% butterfat
• whole milk = 3.5% butterfat
• half and half = about 12% butterfat
• heavy whipping cream = around 38% butterfat

While heavy whipping cream is higher in calories and fat than its dairy cousins, current science suggests it’s a healthy fat that is tied to lower weight and reduced risk of diabetes, so go ahead and drop a carton guilt-free into your cart during your next shopping trip. It’s a great part of a balanced diet.

And if you have some heavy whipping cream in your fridge and you aren’t sure what to do with it, here are some ideas.

20 Ways to Use Up Leftover Heavy Whipping Cream:

1. Make whipped cream. All you need is some heavy whipping cream, just a little sugar, and some vanilla if you want. This tastes much better than the fake “whipped topping” stuff in the plastic tub in the grocery store freezer, and it’s better than the canned whipped cream at the store, too. It’s great on desserts like apple crisp or pumpkin bread, or enjoy it simply on top of fresh berries or homemade applesauce. It’s easy to make. Read how to do it here. (Also, you can freeze leftover whipped cream to use later. Read how to do it here.)
2. Pour a splash into your coffee. It’s delicious and less processed than traditional coffee creamers, with no added sugar. It also is better for your blood sugar and can reduce the jitters that can come with consuming caffeine.
3. Pour a dash into your tea. I drink tea every day, and it’s a treat to splash a bit of cream into my Chai or Earl Grey. It gives my tea a smooth, velvety taste that can’t be beat.
4. Add some to your favorite hot chocolate. Take your favorite creamy cocoa drink to the next level.
5. Make half and half. Did you know half and half is just equal parts whole milk and heavy whipping cream?
6. Make butter. It’s easy, and here’s how to do it.
7. Use it in place of milk or half and half in your favorite soup recipes. One of my favorite ham bone soup recipes actually calls for heavy whipping cream as part of its broth base, and it is wonderful.
8. Use it to make alfredo sauce. Who needs to eat at restaurants when you can make decadent pasta dishes at home?
9. Make caramel sauce. If you have sugar, heavy whipping cream, and salted butter, you can make your own fresh caramel sauce and skip the jarred stuff at the store. Here’s a recipe.
10. Make homemade ricotta cheese. That’s right. With a little heavy cream, whole milk, salt, and vinegar or lemon juice, you can make your own ricotta for lasagna or stuffed shells. Here’s a recipe.
11. Use it instead of milk in pancake or waffle batter. 
12. Add it to instant or homemade oatmeal in place of milk. For an indulgent breakfast.
13. Add a dash to your egg batter for French toast. 
14. Add a little to your scrambled eggs. Simply pour a dash into your beaten egg mixture before pouring it all onto the skillet to cook.
15. Use it instead of milk when making quick breads like banana bread and other baked banana treats. 
16. Add a dash to homemade or instant mashed potatoes. Give your spuds some extra pizzazz.
17. Use it instead of milk when making homemade or boxed macaroni and cheese. 
18. Use it to make homemade biscuits. You can use heavy whipping cream in place of milk in any biscuit recipe, but here’s a recipe that specifically calls for cream.
19. Make ice cream by hand. Place cream, vanilla, and sugar in a small resealable plastic bag. Place the small bag inside a large resealable bag with ice and some salt, and shake for 10-15 minutes. This is a great activity for kids. Here are more details about how to make it.
20. Freeze it into cubes in an ice cube tray. Heavy whipping cream freezes and thaws better than lower-fat varieties of cream. By freezing it into cubes, you can drop individual cubes into your sauces, soups, or iced coffee drinks. This is great for using up small amounts of leftover heavy whipping cream.

What are your favorite ways to use up leftover heavy whipping cream? Let us know in the comments below.

Kelli is a Senior Contributing Food Editor for Kitchn. She's a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and author of the cookbooks, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, The Probiotic Kitchen, Buddha Bowls, and Everyday Freekeh Meals. She lives in New Jersey.

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updated Nov 2, 2022

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Credit: Joe Lingeman

All too often I buy a carton of heavy cream for a recipe and, after using a small portion, the leftovers get pushed to the back of the fridge and forgotten about. Sound familiar? I’ve learned that the best strategy for making sure I use up the leftovers is keeping a roster of easy ideas of what to do with heavy cream. It’s an extremely versatile ingredient, and can be used in a pretty wide variety of sweet and savory recipes.

If you have a carton of leftover cream in your fridge and are wondering what to do with it, you are in luck. It’s an extremely versatile ingredient and can be used in a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes. Whether you have a spoonful or more than a cup, here are 45 recipes with heavy cream, including tender cream biscuits, a richly-flavored frittata or quiche, creamy pasta, no-bake pie, and more.

All the Types of Cream Decoded

Whether you have a container labeled heavy cream, whipping cream, or simply cream, you can use any of the recipes below, unless otherwise noted.

Learn the difference: What’s the Difference Between Half-and-Half, Light Cream, Whipping Cream, and Heavy Cream?

• Eggs, Biscuits, and Breakfast Treats
• Dinner Recipes with Heavy Cream
• Desserts with Heavy Cream

Eggs, Biscuits, and Breakfast Treats

Bring that leftover cream to the breakfast table. Just a spoonful is all it takes to make the most lush and tender scrambled eggs, or give your bowl of oats a hint of richness. A splash of cream is also my favorite way to top off my mug of coffee.

1 / 12

Hammy Breakfast Hotdish

Molly Yeh's hammy breakfast hotdish is cheesy, creamy, and topped with tater tots.

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2 / 12

Tiramisu Pancakes

This recipe transforms the Italian classic dessert into a stack of slightly boozy, slightly caffeinated pancakes.

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3 / 12

Challah French Toast

Challah French toast made with a rich, vanilla-scented custard.

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4 / 12

Sweet Corn Blueberry Muffins

These muffins are everything you love about cornbread and blueberry muffins, crammed into one colorful summery treat.

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5 / 12

Spinach and Feta Frittata

While frittatas are fair game for any veggie scraps and cheese nubs hiding in the fridge, we’d argue that few combinations are better than spinach and feta.

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6 / 12

Totally Foolproof Quiche

Once you know the ratio of eggs to cream, you can make quiche — for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! — like a pro.

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7 / 12

Frozen French Toast Sticks

Frozen French toast sticks aren’t just some novelty frozen food, but rather a legitimately warm and filling breakfast perfect for little eaters even on the most harried school mornings.

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8 / 12

Fast and Fancy Lemon Biscuits

With a touch of sunny citrus and coarse sugar, these pillowy lemon biscuits skew slightly sweet, feel instantly fancy, and come together in a single bowl.

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9 / 12

Slow-Cooked Scrambled Eggs

These are not just any soft and creamy scrambled eggs; these are the softest and the creamiest scrambled eggs of all time.

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10 / 12

The Best Cream Biscuits

These simple cream biscuits are a take on the ever-delicious and classic buttermilk biscuits. And just as you’d expect with any biscuit, these are slightly crisp on the outside and pillow-soft on the inside.

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11 / 12

Loaded Blueberry Cheesecake Breakfast Bake

This is 100% a Saturday brunch casserole — toasted golden bread baked with cascades of juicy blueberries and deep, rich swirls of cream cheese.

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12 / 12

Slow Cooker Creamy Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

When you think of oatmeal, you most likely think of weekday mornings. Weekends are reserved for pancakes and eggs, right? Well, we encourage you to set aside a Saturday for this particular oatmeal, as it’s as special as that short stack.

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Dinner Recipes with Heavy Cream

From sauces and soups to pastas and casseroles, use that leftover cream to make tonight’s dinner even more delicious.

1 / 17

Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese

This irresistible stovetop mac and cheese is made with all white cheese.

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2 / 17

Chicken Riggies

This fiery Italian American pasta dish tosses al dente rigatoni and cubes of juicy chicken breast with a creamy tomato sauce laced with a duo of hot and sweet peppers.

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3 / 17

Southern-Style Grits with Okra, Corn, and Goat Cheese

We're big “grits for dinner” type of people — why should breakfast have all the fun? These creamy stone-ground grits are topped with crisp roasted okra, buttery sautéed corn, and tangy goat cheese.

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4 / 17

Turkey Swedish Meatballs

A plate of Swedish meatballs, complete with creamy gravy and tender egg noodles, is the perfect quick-yet-satisfying dinner that’ll please everyone. This version is made entirely in one pan, with less than 10 ingredients, and is ready in under an hour.

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5 / 17

Creamy Wild Mushroom One-Pot Pasta

In this fast and easy one-pot pasta recipe, you'll add linguine, chicken broth, and heavy cream directly to a pot with sautéed mushrooms, then boil until the noodles are al dente and the liquid has thickened into a silky sauce.

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6 / 17

Tomato Tortellini Soup

What’s not to love about bite-sized nuggets of pasta filled with cheese? Skip the usual sauce, though, in favor of cooking up a rich and creamy tomato soup that comes together in 20 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights!

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7 / 17

Spanakopita Stuffed Shells

A brightened-up version of the classic comfort food, featuring the flavors of Greek spanakopita: spinach, feta cheese, fresh dill, and lots of lemon.

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8 / 17

Skillet Creamy French Mustard Chicken

Shallots, white wine, and two kinds of mustard make this braised chicken dish a beautiful combination of many French favorites.

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9 / 17

Creamy Zucchini Fettuccine

Everyone should learn to make fettuccine Alfredo at home. It’s remarkably easy, and shockingly better than what you’re likely to get in an average restaurant. This version adds zucchini to the mix and cuts back on the butter and cream, making a lighter, more interesting flavor.

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10 / 17

Chicken and Biscuit Casserole

This recipe isn’t trying to be anything but delicious, comforting, and full of the homey flavors we love. And for those reasons alone, it’s a favorite. There’s the crown of herb-flecked biscuits, and underneath a rich mixture of shredded chicken, tender vegetables, and creamy gravy.

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11 / 17

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Spooned over some steamed rice, this easy slow cooker tikka masala is about to make your busy days very happy indeed.

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12 / 17

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

We’ve eschewed the authentic “no cream” Alfredo for a reliable take on this classic that’s just as creamy, garlic-rich, and fun to slurp up as you remember.

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13 / 17

Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken Soup

This creamy, dreamy slow cooker soup has all the comforts of chicken pot pie without any of the effort.

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14 / 17

Dauphinoise Potatoes

Dauphinoise potatoes is how the French say casserole of potatoes, heavy cream, and cheese. It’s delicious and also incredibly easy to make.

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15 / 17

Easy New England Clam Chowder

Creamy clam chowder originates from New England, but its popularity stretches across the country. This recipe relies on easy-to-find pantry ingredients that you can find at most grocery stores instead.

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16 / 17

Spinach Pizza

All the best parts of spinach dip on a crispy crusted pizza pie.

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17 / 17

Cream of Broccoli Soup

This cream of broccoli soup is lush, velvety, and savory.

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Desserts with Heavy Cream

Of course, you can always get out a whisk and whip whatever cream you have remaining into a lush and pillowy dessert topping, but that’s really just the tip of the iceberg. Cream is the starting point for simple yet decadent pots de crème, panna cotta, and ganache.

1 / 16

Key Lime Cheesecake

Combine your two favorite desserts in one zesty recipe.

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2 / 16

Coconut Ice Cream

Made up of coconut milk, whole milk, and heavy cream, this ice cream packs both coconut flavor and a smooth texture.

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3 / 16

July Flame Peach Pie

The interior of a ripe July Flame peach is the color of a dramatic summer sunset. Use the best, juiciest, and most vibrant peaches you can find for this pie.

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4 / 16

No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie with Chocolate Whipped Cream

All three components of this pie — the crust, the filling, and the topping — are made in the food processor, meaning it's all prepped and assembled and ready to chill in the fridge in just 10 minutes.

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5 / 16

Horchata Ice Cream

Horchata ice cream is just as cool and refreshing as the drink it's inspired by. Here, we're giving you one base recipe and three flavor variations: Horchata de Coco, Dulce de Leche Swirl, and Dirty Horchata.

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6 / 16

Easy Banana Pudding Cake

In our opinion, banana pudding is the perfect dessert. This cake is everything we love about the quintessential Southern dessert, reimagined into a simple layer cake fit for a celebration.

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7 / 16

Classic Crème Brûlée

Crème brûlée is really one of the simplest desserts to make. But like French onion soup, it seems to be a dessert that many people don’t realize they can make at home.

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8 / 16

Dark Chocolate Pots de Crème

Looking for the most luxurious chocolate pudding you’ve ever had? This is for you, the most serious of chocolate-lovers. Dive in and you’ll be rewarded with creamy, dark chocolatey richness in every bite.

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9 / 16

Classic Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate ganache, that amazing chocolate concoction we use for everything from truffles to glazes and layer cakes, is a simple enough thing. After all, it’s just cream and chocolate, right? Well, yes and no!

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10 / 16

Creamy Panna Cotta

Let’s talk about how luscious panna cotta is, how perfectly creamy, in a way that belies its utter simplicity. And let me walk you through making panna cotta, step by step.

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11 / 16

Banoffee Pie

Make no mistake — this British classic is a sweet slice, one that will make you fall back in love with toffee flavors and ripe bananas.

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12 / 16

Flourless Chocolate Almond Layer Cake

This cake has magical synergy. With no flour at all, this delicate and tender almond cake is based on the taste of ancient recipes, yet it’s made with modern cake-baking techniques.

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13 / 16

New England Spider Cake

In this quirky recipe, heavy cream is poured over a sweetened cornbread batter, creating a distinct multi-layered cross-section as it bakes and yielding textures ranging from crisp crust to tender crumb to earthy corn custard, all in one bite.

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14 / 16

Millionaire's Shortbread

This euphoric rhapsody of flavor and texture is composed of distinct layers of buttery shortbread, chewy milk caramel, and a thick top hat of chocolate.

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15 / 16

Banana Pudding Cheesecake

This no-bake banana cheesecake employs a pastry chef's secret ingredient in order to achieve a firm, sliceable texture. Get ready to go in for second, third, fourth helpings.

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16 / 16

Peanut Butter Pie

This luscious peanut butter pie is saturated with peanut flavor and you can whip it up in less than 20 minutes.

What can I do with heavy whipping cream?

Can you freeze heavy whipping cream?

Can you use heavy whipping cream in coffee?

What is heavy cream used for cooking?