What's The Difference Between Whipping Cream And Heavy Cream, Anyway?

You're not the only person who's reached for cream at the grocery story only to wonder, whipping cream or heavy cream? What's the difference anyway? We have all been there, at one point in our lives. Today, the uncertainty of which cream you should really be buying ends. Here's your answer: heavy cream has a high fat content than whipping cream. And that's why it's better. (Whoops, did I just say that?) Heavy cream has a fat content of at least 36 percent and whipping cream has at least 30 percent.

While one cream is not really better than the other, each one serves its purpose in our kitchens. Whipped cream and heavy cream will both whip into totally acceptable and delicious homemade whipped creams but whipping cream makes a lighter, fluffier and more voluminous end product. Heavy cream on the other hand will still make great whipped cream, but it's high fat content is most appreciated in sauces since its high fat content will prevent any curdling and requires less time to cook down.

And for the record, you cannot make whipped cream out of half and half. With only 12 percent fat, you're not going to get anywhere. There you have it -- it all comes down to fat.

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