Cream is a staple in culinary arts, providing richness and depth to a myriad of dishes. Whether you’re creating a decadent dessert or a savory sauce, understanding the types of cream available can elevate your cooking to new heights.
Among these, double cream stands out for its luxurious texture and versatility. In this post, we’ll explore what double cream is, how it differs from other creams, and how you can use it to enhance your culinary creations.
What is Double Cream?
Double cream is a thick, rich cream with a high-fat content, typically around 48%. It is known for its smooth texture and slightly sweet flavor, making it a favorite choice in kitchens worldwide. Its high fat content gives it a creamy consistency that can be whipped easily, making it ideal for both cooking and baking.
Unlike other creams, double cream can be boiled without curdling, which makes it perfect for creating rich sauces, soups, and desserts. Its ability to hold shape when whipped allows it to be used in pastries and toppings, adding an indulgent finish to any dish.
Characteristics of Double Cream
High Fat Content
Double cream contains approximately 48% fat, distinguishing it from lighter creams like single cream, which has about 18% fat. This high-fat content contributes to its thick, luscious texture and its ability to add a rich mouthfeel to dishes.
The fat content also influences how double cream behaves in recipes. It can be whipped to form stiff peaks, unlike creams with lower fat content. This property makes it a popular choice for creating stable whipped toppings and luxurious fillings.
Rich Texture and Flavor
The richness of double cream is unparalleled, providing a velvety texture and a full-bodied flavor that enhances any recipe. Its creamy consistency makes it ideal for dishes requiring thickness and body, such as custards, ganache, and creamy soups.
The flavor of double cream is subtle yet impactful, complementing both sweet and savory ingredients. It adds a touch of luxury to any dish, transforming ordinary recipes into gourmet experiences.
The Versatility of Double Cream
Culinary Uses
Double cream’s versatility makes it a valuable asset in the kitchen. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta sauces to baked goods. In savory recipes, it adds richness to soups, stews, and creamy sauces. In sweet dishes, it creates decadent desserts like panna cotta, cheesecake, and ice cream.
One of the key advantages of double cream is its ability to withstand high temperatures without curdling, making it perfect for sauces and soups that require boiling.
Baking and Desserts
In the world of baking, double cream is a game-changer. It is often used to create thick, rich desserts that are creamy and indulgent. It can be whipped and folded into cakes, tarts, and pastries, or used as a base for custards and creams.
Popular desserts like trifle, mousse, and pavlova benefit from the addition of double cream, which provides a smooth, luxurious texture and enhances the overall flavor.
What’s the Difference Between Cream and Double Cream?
Fat Content Comparison
The primary difference between regular cream and double cream lies in their fat content. Regular cream, such as single cream, contains around 18% fat, whereas double cream boasts about 48%. This higher fat content gives double cream its thick consistency and rich flavor.
Usage Differences
While both regular and double cream have their place in the kitchen, they serve different purposes. Regular cream is suitable for light sauces, pouring over desserts, and adding a touch of creaminess to dishes. Double cream, on the other hand, is ideal for thickening sauces, creating stable whipped toppings, and serving as a luxurious ingredient in desserts.
Can You Make Double Cream at Home?
Homemade Double Cream Basics
Making double cream at home can be a rewarding endeavor, allowing you to create a fresh, high-quality product tailored to your needs. While true double cream is challenging to recreate without professional equipment, you can approximate its richness using heavy cream and butter.
Ingredients Needed
To make homemade double cream, you’ll need heavy cream (with at least 36% fat) and unsalted butter. These ingredients combine to mimic the high-fat content of double cream.
Step-by-Step Process
- Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt 1/3 cup of unsalted butter over low heat.
- Combine with Cream: Remove the melted butter from heat and slowly whisk in 2/3 cup of heavy cream until fully combined.
- Chill: Pour the mixture into a container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to thicken.
This homemade version won’t exactly match store-bought double cream, but it serves as a practical alternative in recipes.
What is Equivalent to Double Cream?
Comparison with Other Cream Products Worldwide
Globally, cream products vary, and equivalents to double cream may be known by different names. In the US, heavy cream (with about 36-40% fat) is the closest equivalent, while in Australia, pure cream can be used similarly.
Alternatives for Recipes if Double Cream is Unavailable
If double cream is unavailable, you can substitute it with a combination of heavy cream and butter, as outlined in the homemade version above. This substitute works well in most recipes but may lack some of the luxurious texture and flavor of true double cream.
Examples of Double Cream
Popular Brands Offering Double Cream
Several brands offer high-quality double cream, including:
- Clover Dairy: Known for its rich and creamy double cream, ideal for whipping and cooking.
- Yeo Valley Organic: Offers organic double cream with a smooth texture.
- Rodda’s: Famous for its traditional Cornish clotted cream, which is similar to double cream.
These brands are available in many stores and provide a reliable source of double cream for various culinary applications.
Recipes Featuring Double Cream
Double cream is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a range of recipes, including:
- Classic Trifle: Layers of sponge cake, fruit, jelly, and custard, topped with whipped double cream.
- Rich Chocolate Ganache: A blend of double cream and chocolate, used as a glaze or filling.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Double cream added to mashed potatoes for an extra creamy texture.
Conclusion
Understanding the role of double cream in cooking opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Its rich texture and flavor can transform simple dishes into gourmet delights, making it a must-have in any kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, experimenting with double cream can lead to delicious discoveries and enhance your culinary repertoire.
FAQs
What is the nutritional value of double cream?
Double cream is rich in calories and fat, with approximately 455 calories and 48 grams of fat per 100 ml. It also contains essential vitamins like A and D and is a source of calcium. Moderation is key when incorporating double cream into your diet.
Can double cream be used as a substitute for other creams?
Yes, double cream can be used as a substitute for other creams, especially when you desire a richer texture and flavor. Keep in mind that due to its high fat content, it’s best suited for recipes where thickening or whipping is required.
How should double cream be stored?
Double cream should be kept refrigerated and consumed within a few days of opening. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent spoilage. If you have leftover cream, consider freezing it in small portions for future use.
Is double cream suitable for those with lactose intolerance?
Double cream contains lactose, so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance. However, lactose-free cream alternatives are available for those who need them. Always check product labels and consult with a healthcare provider if you have dietary concerns.