This homemade heavy cream recipe is an easy-to-make alternative using two simple ingredients.

Homemade Heavy Cream

You can make homemade heavy cream at home with just two simple ingredients, whole milk and unsalted butter.

This recipe will not make whipping cream (see my easy homemade whipped cream recipe here). Instead, heavy cream is great for enriching sauces, soups, and gravies. It adds a rich, creamy texture and can be used in recipes like Alfredo sauce, cream-based soups, or for making cakes.

You can also use it to make rich, creamy coffee or tea drinks, like lattes or cappuccinos.

The process to make this is very simple. First, butter is melted in a saucepan, and then the milk is stirred in. The cream will separate a bit as it sits, but just needs a quick stir and it's ready to use.

A bowl of whole milk, and a plate with a stick of unsalted butter.

Recipe Ingredients

⅔ cup whole milk
⅓ cup unsalted butter - (5 Tbsp)

Kitchen Equipment Used

8 oz Mason jar
Saucepan
Silicone spatula
Measuring spoons - this is a magnetic set that sticks together in the drawer to keep organized.

Four images grouped together. First is saucepan with a stick of butter. Second is melted butter in pot. Third is butter and milk stirred together in pot. Fourth is a mason jar with heavy cream inside.

How To Make Heavy Cream

Full ingredients and instructions are also in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.

STEP 1: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt ⅓ cup unsalted butter.

STEP 2: Once melted, stir in ⅔ cup whole milk. Continue to stir for about 20 seconds, then remove from heat and let it cool. Now it's ready to use in any recipes or place in the fridge sealed with a lid.

A mason jar with a white layer and yellow layer of heavy cream that's separated.

Recipe Tips

If the ingredients begin to separate, just stir together before using.
Make sure to use whole milk for this recipe.
This heavy cream recipe is not to be used for whipping cream recipes where you are trying to create a light and fluffy whipped cream texture. Instead, use this recipe for creamy sauces and soups, or to make creamy beverages.

How To Store Leftovers

Refrigerate – Leftover heavy cream can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Shake again before using.

Grab Your Free Recipe Guides

Hey, foodie friends! Don’t miss my Free Recipe Guides featuring all my popular dishes, ready for you to print and enjoy! Sign up for my member's library for instant access to over 20 delicious guides, and I’m always adding more!

✨ And while you're at it, come hang out with me on Pinterest and Facebook for even more tasty inspiration!

Tried this recipe? I’d love it if you shared it with your friends! ? And don’t forget to leave a review using the stars in the recipe card below—I can’t wait to hear what you think! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐