Double cream, a culinary treasure originating from Europe, has captivated taste buds with its exceptional richness and versatility. This luxurious dairy product, boasting a higher butterfat content than its counterparts, has earned a prominent place in both sweet and savory creations.
Understanding Double Cream
Double cream is essentially the cream that rises to the top of unhomogenized milk. Unlike regular cream, which undergoes homogenization to evenly distribute the fat, double cream retains its natural separation, resulting in a thicker, more decadent texture. Its butterfat content typically ranges from 48% to 50%, making it one of the richest cream varieties available.
Culinary Applications of Double Cream
Double cream’s exceptional richness and texture make it a highly sought-after ingredient in various culinary applications. Here are some of its most notable uses:
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Whipped Cream: Double cream’s high fat content makes it an ideal base for whipped cream. When whipped, it transforms into a light and airy topping, perfect for desserts, beverages, and fruit salads.
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Custards and Puddings: The richness of double cream adds a velvety smoothness and depth of flavor to custards and puddings. It creates a luxurious texture that elevates these classic desserts.
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Sauces and Soups: Double cream can enrich sauces and soups, adding a creamy and decadent touch. It can be used to create creamy pasta sauces, velvety soups, and flavorful gravies.
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Baking: Double cream can enhance the texture and flavor of baked goods. It adds richness to cakes, pastries, and scones, resulting in a moist and indulgent crumb.
Availability and Substitutions
Double cream is a popular dairy product in Europe, but its availability in other regions may vary. In the United States, heavy cream is often used as a substitute for double cream. While heavy cream has a slightly lower butterfat content (36-38%), it can still provide a similar richness and texture in most applications.
Homemade Double Cream
For those who have difficulty finding double cream in their local stores, there are two methods for making it at home:
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Stovetop Method: Heat whole milk in a saucepan until it reaches a delicate boil. Skim the fat that rises to the top and place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for a day, then blend to smooth out the cream.
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Countertop Method: Pour heavy cream into a jar with a tight lid and add buttermilk. Shake vigorously for one minute. Wrap the jar in a towel and let it sit at room temperature for 12 hours. The cream will thicken but remain liquid.
Double cream, with its exceptional richness and versatility, has become a staple ingredient in the culinary world. Its high butterfat content imparts a luxurious texture and depth of flavor to a wide range of dishes, from desserts to savory creations. Whether used for whipping, enriching sauces, or enhancing baked goods, double cream elevates culinary experiences with its delectable charm.
How to Store Double Cream
Double Cream is best stored in the refrigerator. I usually eat it even a week after it is past its expiration date and disregard the best before date. As long as there’s no mold growing on it. Avoid freezing, as the fat crystals become granular upon defrosting.
The Best Dairy-Free Double Cream Substitutes
Coconut cream is the closest dairy-free substitute for double cream, despite having a different flavor. Before using, I usually place it in the refrigerator so that it’s simple to remove the runny liquid and use the creamy, rich white portion.
I adore preparing this light and fluffy sauce with cashews and lime juice as a plant-based substitute for sour cream. To approximate double cream, you can use the same recipe but substitute water for the lime and unsalted cashews.
A variation on the cashew sauce recipe above that uses pine nuts Recipe here. Once more, you want to omit the garlic and substitute water for the lemon for a sweeter option.
When double cream isn’t an option, almond and cashew butter can still impart a lovely richness because they have a similar fat content to double cream despite having a nuttier flavor and appearance.