Heavy cream powder is a handy ingredient that adds richness and flavor to all kinds of dishes.
By removing the moisture from heavy cream, cream powder has an impressively long shelf life compared to refrigerated dairy products.
This makes it perfect for whipping up creamy sauces, soups, baked goods, and more anytime you want.
What Exactly is Heavy Cream Powder?
Heavy cream powder starts with fresh heavy cream that's been separated from whole milk. The water is then removed through a dehydration process, leaving behind just the fat and milk solids. This transforms the perishable liquid cream into a shelf-stable powder.
Most cream powders contain around 70-75% butterfat, giving them an ultra-rich taste and creamy texture when reconstituted. Many brands also add in dried skim milk to contribute extra protein and nutrients. Vitamin C or vitamin E are sometimes included too as natural preservatives.
How to Cook and Bake with Heavy Cream Powder
The possibilities are endless when it comes to cooking with heavy cream powder! Here are 8 delicious ways to use this versatile ingredient:
1. Make Silky Smooth Soups and Sauces
Heavy cream is a classic ingredient for making luscious soups and sauces, but cartons of perishable cream often go bad before you can use them up. Heavy cream powder solves this problem!
For rich cream soups, simply whisk the powder right into your pot of hot broth or soup base. It blends smoothly without clumping. Cream powder also shines in pasta sauces, gravies, chowders, and more, adding body, richness, and tang.
Key Takeaway: Whisk heavy cream powder straight into hot liquids for instant creamy sauces and soups without curdling. It eliminates waste from spoiled cream cartons.
2. Prepare Fluffy Whipped Cream
It's easy to make freshly whipped cream whenever you want from heavy cream powder.
Simply mix together one part powder and one part cold water until uniform. Chill for at least 2 hours, then pour into a cold metal or glass bowl and use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment to whip the cream.
Within minutes, clouds of billowy whipped cream are ready to top pies, cakes, waffles, hot chocolate, milkshakes, sundaes, and more!
3. Mix Up Delectable Desserts
The high fat content of heavy cream powder makes it an ideal addition to all types of baked goods and desserts. Fold it into cake, quick bread, muffin, scone, and cookie batters to make them extra moist and tender. The powder also enhances flavor complexity.
For cream pies and other no-bake desserts like puddings, mousses, cheesecakes, and ice cream, reconstituted heavy cream delivers the ideal rich yet airy texture and tangy dairy taste.
Key Takeaway: Fold heavy cream powder into batters or reconstitute it for the perfect creamy texture in all kinds of desserts from cookies to cheesecake.
4. Create Luscious Frostings and Fillings
Heavy cream is often featured in creamy frostings and fillings, but getting the consistency just right can be tricky with perishable dairy. Heavy cream powder makes it easy.
For frosting, beat the powder into room temperature butter along with powdered sugar and extracts until smooth and spreadable. For fillings, mix it with sweetened cream cheese or mascarpone cheese for heavenly cream-filled layer cakes and pastries.
5. Make Richer Scrambled Eggs and Omelets
Even eggs can benefit from the richness of heavy cream powder! For extra creamy scrambled eggs, omelets, frittatas, and other egg dishes, stir a bit of cream powder right into the beaten raw eggs before cooking.
The powder blends smoothly into the eggs without clumping. As the eggs cook, the cream powder adds a lush velvety texture along with a tangy flavor boost.
6. Prepare Specialty Drinks
Heavy cream powder has many uses in beverages too. Add it to hot chocolate, chai tea, coffee drinks, milkshakes, smoothies, and more.
The powder incorporates seamlessly into hot and cold liquids for a refreshing creamy treat. It also thickens up the texture of blended drinks nicely. Sweetened cream powders marketed specifically for coffee and teas make flavoring hot beverages even easier.
7. Make Homemade Cream Substitutes
Don't have any half-and-half or evaporated milk on hand? No problem! Heavy cream powder can stand in for a variety of cream products.
- Half-and-half: Use 2 parts water + 1 part heavy cream powder
- Light cream: Use 3 parts water + 1 part heavy cream powder
- Evaporated milk: Use equal parts water and heavy cream powder
These easy substitutions work great in recipes when you find yourself short on fresh cream.
8. Whip Up DIY Creamer Blends
Homemade creamers using heavy cream powder allow you to customize flavors to your taste. Simply mix together powder, sweeteners, and dried milk powder if desired, then store the dry blend in an airtight container.
When ready to use, reconstitute with water or milk, shake vigorously until smooth, and enjoy! You can create sweet flavors like vanilla, caramel, or maple pecan or go savory with options like sea salt caramel.
Heavy Cream Powder vs. Heavy Cream: Key Differences
While heavy cream powder perfectly mimics regular heavy cream in many ways, there are some key differences:
- Shelf life: Powder lasts 12+ months stored properly, cream lasts 2-3 weeks refrigerated
- Convenience: Powder is easier to store and always on hand to reconstitute when needed
- Flavor: Cream often tastes fresher and more complex, powder tastes mildly cooked
For baking, the differences between powder and cream are negligible. But for uses where fresh dairy flavor shines, like topping actual fresh berries or cream soups, refrigerated heavy cream is hard to beat. Powder works better as an everyday cooking and baking cream.
FAQs
How long does reconstituted heavy cream last?
Plan to use reconstituted heavy cream within 5 days. It will last a bit longer than regular cream since powder starts out shelf-stable. Store reconstituted cream covered in the fridge.
What is the best way to reconstitute heavy cream powder?
For most uses, mix equal parts powder and cold water, chill thoroughly, then shake or whisk vigorously until smooth. For whipping, use a 1:1 ratio by volume instead of weight. Using ice cold ingredients helps the powder incorporate better.
Can you use heavy cream powder to make butter?
Yes! Reconstitute the powder with very cold water at a 1:1 ratio, chill overnight, then churn in a blender or food processor until the fats separate and form butter. This works great in a pinch when you're out of real butter.
Is there a non-dairy version of heavy cream powder?
Some brands offer "dairy-free whipping cream" made from vegetable oils instead of dairy. However, these generally don't mimic the flavor and texture of real dairy as closely.
Conclusion
Heavy cream powder is the ultimate convenience product for effortless creamy cuisine.
With its impressive shelf life and versatility, cream powder eliminates waste and expands options in your kitchen.
Use it to quickly prepare lush soups, sauces, baked goods, beverages, and other dishes anytime the inspiration strikes without worrying about dairy products expiring prematurely.