What Is Double Cream and How to Use It in Cooking?
💭 Introduction: The Secret Ingredient That Elevates Every Dish
Have you ever tasted a sauce so rich it lingered on your tongue? Or a dessert so silky it felt like a hug?
Behind many of those moments is a quiet hero: double cream.
Whether you’re whipping up Sunday roast trimmings or baking a celebratory cake, this luxurious ingredient holds a magic that transforms ordinary meals into something unforgettable.
Let’s explore what double cream really is, why chefs love it, and how you can use it in your own kitchen.
Table of Contents
🥛 What Is Double Cream? A Rich Dairy Delight Explained
🗞️ Definition and Characteristics
- High-fat cream (48% fat content)
- Originates from cow’s milk
- Thick texture, ivory color
- Can be whipped, boiled, or folded
📈 Nutritional Profile (per 100ml)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Fat | ~48g |
| Protein | ~1.6g |
| Carbohydrates | ~2g |
Source: USDA & UK Food Standards Agency
✅ Unique Properties
- Doesn’t curdle at high heat
- Creates velvety sauces
- Holds shape when whipped
🔀 Double Cream vs. Other Creams: What’s the Difference?
| Type of Cream | Fat Content | Can Be Whipped | Best Use |
| Double Cream | 48% | Yes | Cooking, desserts, sauces |
| Heavy Cream | 36-40% | Yes | Whipping, ganache |
| Single Cream | ~18% | No | Pouring, light sauces |
| Whipping Cream | 30-36% | Yes | Desserts, toppings |
| Clotted Cream | ~55% | No | Scones, spreads |
🍝 How to Use Double Cream in Cooking: Delicious Ideas
🍽️ In Savory Dishes
- Add richness to soups and stews
- Use in pasta sauces (e.g., carbonara or Alfredo)
- Stir into mashed potatoes for creamy texture
- Thicken gravies and casseroles
🎂 In Desserts
- Whip for cakes, trifles, and pavlovas
- Make chocolate ganache or caramel sauce
- Fold into mousses or no-bake cheesecakes
☕ Beverages and Sides
- Swirl into coffee or hot chocolate
- Add to fruit bowls or compotes
🫑 3 Simple Recipes with Double Cream
1. Classic Whipped Double Cream
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Double Cream | 250ml |
| Icing Sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
Instructions:
- Chill your bowl and whisk.
- Add all ingredients.
- Whip until soft peaks form.
2. Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Pasta (your choice) | 250g |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Mushrooms (sliced) | 200g |
| Double Cream | 150ml |
| Parmesan | 30g |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste |
Steps:
- Sauté garlic & mushrooms in butter
- Add cream and cheese, simmer until thickened
- Toss in pasta and season
3. No-Churn Double Cream Ice Cream
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Double Cream | 500ml |
| Sweetened Condensed Milk | 1 can (400g) |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tbsp |
Steps:
- Whip cream until thick
- Fold in condensed milk & vanilla
- Freeze for 6 hours
🧶 How to Store and Handle Double Cream Properly
🧊 Storage Tips
- Refrigerate immediately after opening
- Use within 3-5 days
- Keep sealed to prevent odor absorption
❄️ Can You Freeze It?
- Yes, but:
- May separate after thawing
- Best frozen in whipped form or in prepared dishes
🛍️ Where to Buy Double Cream and Best Substitutes
🏫 Availability
- Found in dairy aisle (UK, some EU countries)
- Rare in North America – may need to visit specialty or British stores
🥒 Substitutes for Double Cream
- Heavy Cream + a little butter
- Whipping Cream (lower fat, but still works)
- Crème fraîche (for cooking)
- Coconut cream (non-dairy alternative)
❓ FAQ: Everything You Wanted to Know About Double Cream
What is double cream used for in cooking?
Double cream is perfect for making rich sauces, creamy desserts, and luxurious toppings. It withstands heat and whips up beautifully.
Is double cream the same as heavy cream?
Not quite. Double cream has more fat (~48%) than heavy cream (~36–40%), making it thicker and richer.
Can I substitute heavy cream for double cream?
Yes, but results may vary. For whipped toppings or ganache, add butter to heavy cream to mimic the fat content.
How do you whip double cream?
Use a chilled bowl and whisk. Beat on medium until soft or stiff peaks form depending on your need.
Can you cook double cream?
Absolutely! It doesn’t curdle easily and works well in hot dishes.
📝 Conclusion: Add a Touch of Luxury to Your Everyday Cooking
Whether you’re crafting a velvety pasta sauce or decorating a decadent cake, double cream is your best friend in the kitchen. Its richness, versatility, and ease of use make it a must-have for both home cooks and pros alike. Once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. 🧱