Last Updated on November 30, 2021
If you’re wondering, can you put heavy whipping cream in coffee? Yes, of course, you can! But first, let’s take a look at what exactly heavy whipping cream is and how it can affect the taste of your java.
Heavy whipping cream is simply regular whipping cream with more fat added to it. It’s typically around 36% milkfat which means that it has over twice the calories as standard “whipping” cream. Take note of that, my friend. Your waistline certainly will.
Although there are certain cases where putting heavy whipping cream to your coffee may not be the best idea, for strong coffees that beg for a full, rich body this substitute is fantastic.
Let’s take a closer look at what heavy cream is, the nutritional benefits it contains, and how to add it as cream in coffee.
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- What is heavy whipping cream?
- Where does heavy whipping cream come from?
- What is heavy cream used for?
- What does heavy whipping cream taste like?
- The Benefits of Adding Heavy Cream to Coffee
- How Do You Add Heavy Whipping Cream to Coffee?
- What to Avoid When Adding Heavy Whipping Cream to Coffee
- Does Heavy Whipping Cream Contain Any Nutrients? Are There Health Benefits?
- Sum It Up: Can You Put Heavy Whipping Cream in Coffee?
What is heavy whipping cream?
Heavy whipping cream is just regular whipping cream with more fat added. It’s typically around 36% milkfat which means that it has over twice the calories as standard “whipping” cream.
Heavy whipping cream can also be referred to as heavy cream, as they are the same product, sold by different brands under different names. We may use these terms interchangeably in this article, but are referring to the same product!
Heavy whipping cream is pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized, and may also be homogenized.
Where does heavy whipping cream come from?
The cream is simply the fatty part of milk.
Fresh, raw milk naturally separates into cream and milk. As a result of its high fat content, the cream rises to the top. It’s then skimmed off before being processed further.
This raw cream is pasteurized and homogenized before being used to make heavy whipping cream.This entails heating and applying high amounts of pressure to the cream in order to destroy germs, extend shelf life, and improve stability.
What is heavy cream used for?
Well, in addition to being amazing in coffee it’s also fantastic with fruits, on desserts like pies and trifles, or even in savory dishes.
It can be combined with fruit preserves for a quick jam or infused with any number of flavorful ingredients like vanilla beans for an easy homemade pudding.
What does heavy whipping cream taste like?
To some extent that depends on the brand. There are so many brands of heavy creams with such a wide range of fat percentages and flavor additives that it’s difficult to generalize.
Just make sure to read the label before adding it to your coffee. Some heavy whipping creams are also manufactured with flavor additives and sweeteners that can change the taste of your cup drastically.
Heavy cream with nothing added to it is not inherently sweet, unlike many coffee creamers that may have artificial sweeteners and thickeners added to them.
The Benefits of Adding Heavy Cream to Coffee
Why would you want to put heavy whipped cream in coffee?
Well, one of the best things you can add to your coffee is a touch of cream. That’s true, even if “cream” in this case means heavy whipping cream!
It can be substituted for other types of cream such as whole milk, half and half, almond milk, skim milk, or coffee cream in regular coffee, iced coffee, coffee drinks, or cold brew.
Simply put: it tastes amazing and adds an incredibly silky smoothness and body to your cup of joe. You’ll experience a richer taste than with a typical coffee creamer or milk product.
There is no added sugar to most heavy whipped cream products, so if you aren’t after a sweeter taste it could be just the right amount of richness for your cup of joe.
If you want a touch of sweetness, add some vanilla to your coffee along with the heavy whipped cream.
And, take note if you follow a Keto diet. Putting heavy cream into your coffee can be a tasty way to gain the extra fat that is part of the keto way of eating.
How Do You Add Heavy Whipping Cream to Coffee?
How much heavy cream should you add to your coffee? There are several ways to get this done, my friend:
- If you want to add it straight to your cup that’s what the “whipping” in heavy whipping cream is for! How much heavy cream should you add? Just pour some in, starting with a small amount (less than you would use if it were regular milk or coffee creamer), and give it a stir.
- You’ll find the heavy cream to be a little thicker if you use it straight from the frig without letting it sit out at all. So if you prefer a thicker texture, remember this!
- You can beat the heavy cream with a mixer to the soft peak stage. Remember to chill your bowl and beaters first, and whip on high until the soft peaks form.
- In a hurry? Grab a can of heavy whipping cream, shake it well, point the nozzle, and squirt some into your coffee. Just be careful that the velocity of the cream doesn’t make the coffee fly out of the cup!
Will heavy cream curdle?
Yes, it can curdle when added to your hot cup of coffee.
This happens when lactic acid has built up in the heavy cream as it ages, and it can also occur when your cup of coffee is quite acidic.
If your coffee is quite hot (as it most likely is), and the heavy cream has been around for a while, the likelihood of curdling increases.
It won’t hurt you to drink this coffee, though, so don’t feel compelled to toss that fresh cup of java.
Of course, there is an exception, and that is if your heavy cream has been left out of the frig for hours, or is well past the expiration date. Always pay attention to both of these factors.
What to Avoid When Adding Heavy Whipping Cream to Coffee
Heavy cream isn’t for everyone and in fact, too much heavy cream can be detrimental to your health if you get carried away.
First, if you are watching your calorie intake and macros, be aware that heavy whipping cream is mostly fat, and is very high in calories. One-half cup has about 400 calories and 43 grams of fat. And, most of the fat content is saturated fat. Yep, that’s the bad kind of fat. It is not weight loss friendly. Yikes!
You might find that an alternative type of creamer is healthier, such as one made from nuts or oats. Consider coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk.
If you’re really adventurous, give black coffee a try. It might take a little getting used to the bitter taste you’ve been covering up with all that heavy cream or other types of coffee creamer. But you might find that pure, un-creamed, and un-sugared coffee is amazing!
It’s also important to note that many people who are lactose intolerant may find the addition of heavy whipping cream makes their stomachs churn a bit. So, if you’re lactose intolerant, you might want to look for another coffee creamer alternative.
Does Heavy Whipping Cream Contain Any Nutrients? Are There Health Benefits?
The answer is yes. Heavy cream contains some fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, D, E and K.
One-half cup also contains about 3 grams of protein, and 7% of the RDI of calcium as well as phosphorus.
Sum It Up: Can You Put Heavy Whipping Cream in Coffee?
Yes, you can, in a variety of ways. You might grow to love the silky smoothness of your coffee when a small amount of heavy whipped cream is added.
Just be aware of the fat and calories that you’re enjoying along with the coffee, and consider that dollop of heavy cream to be an occasional treat!
Resources:
- https://www.mashed.com/163812/why-does-cream-curdle-in-coffee/
- https://treatdreams.com/how-to-thicken-heavy-cream/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/heavy-whipping-cream
- https://food52.com/blog/26778-heavy-cream-vs-half-and-half
Candi Randolph is a coffee lover, blogger, and content creator who loves to share her knowledge with the coffee-drinking world. You’ll often find her tending to her coffee bar at home, deciding which method to use to brew her next cup of java. Life is full of important decisions. ☕
