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Homemade Heavy Cream

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

A jar of white homemade heavy cream

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

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.
A mason jar of homemade heavy cream.

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A jar of homemade heavy cream

Homemade Heavy Cream

5 from 1 vote
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Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • cup whole milk
  • cup unsalted butter - (5 Tbsp)

Instructions

  • In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt ⅓ cup unsalted butter.
  • 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.

Recipe Notes:

  • If the ingredients begin to separate, just stir together before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 66mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 539IU | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 0.01mg

The nutritional information provided is an estimate and is per serving.

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Recipe Rating




Chris Hodges

Thursday 5th of December 2024

Can you use almond milk along with evaporated milk

Andi

Sunday 15th of December 2024

Probably not. I don't think you'll get the same results.

Pamela

Saturday 30th of November 2024

Can you use this recipe to make homemade ice cream? It calls for heavy cream

Andi

Sunday 15th of December 2024

I'm not too sure because I've never tried it. If you do, let me know how it goes so I can add it here.