Both creams are traditional ingredients in all types of recipes ranging from pies to eggnog to brownies and pound cakes. So, it may be difficult to tell the differences between these two creams. Heavy cream vs condensed milk; which is a better option for you?
Read on to see the differences and similarities between them.
What Is Heavy Cream?
Heavy cream is a cream with no less than 36% to 40 % milk fat. It may also be called heavy whipping cream. However, because of its milk fat content which is slightly lower, we can call it light-heavy whipping cream.
Heavy cream with 36% fat content is typically found in grocery stores. The ones with 40% fat content can be found in restaurants.
SEE: See How You Can Make Milk From Heavy Cream
What Is Condensed Milk?
Condensed milk, on the other hand, is from cows. It is cow milk with 60% of its water content removed. It is mostly processed with sugar added. That’s why the term sweetened condensed milk is used interchangeably with condensed milk.
It’s very thick and has a long shelf life when canned. Canned condensed milk can last years without putting it in a fridge.
SEE: Can You Drink Heavy Whipping Cream
Heavy Cream vs Condensed Milk
Heavy cream and condensed milk have many benefits and advantages and can be used interchangeably. They are both rich in content, nutritional benefits, and uses.
Condensed milk is low in milk fat and high in sugar. It’s very sweet, and is a thick milk syrup, while heavy cream has a very high milk content which includes milk fat. So, when deciding which is better for you, consider what you plan to use heavy cream or condensed milk for.
It’s also important to understand their differences and how they affect your recipes.
SEE: Can You Drink Condensed Milk?
Are Condensed Milk and Heavy Cream the Same?
No, they’re not the same. The difference is in the ingredients and process of making.
All you need to make heavy cream is whole milk and butter. It’s pretty affordable to get these items too.
To make one cup of heavy cream, mix a cup of milk and 1/3 cup of butter- melting the butter to make it easier for you. Then mix it, that’s all. You have your heavy cream.
Condensed milk contains all-natural ingredients. It’s made from two natural ingredients- fresh whole milk and natural sugar. The process of making condensed milk is amazing and fascinating.
To make the milk, mix the fresh whole milk and sugar in a saucepan or small pot. Place the pot over heat and leave it to boil. Once it boils, turn the heat down and leave the milk to simmer and cook without stirring until the mixture reduces, thickens, and is creamy.
Once it’s creamy, remove it from heat and let it cool down. Get rid of any crystalized sugar on the corner of the pot and transfer it to a jar, bowl, or whatever you’d like to use. Cover and refrigerate as needed.
SEE: Does Sweeten Condensed Milk Go Bad
Can You Use Condensed Milk Instead of Heavy Cream in Desserts?
Yes, you can. A small drizzle of condensed milk on any dessert can transform it into the most special dish ever.
- You can transform your morning tea or coffee with condensed milk. Adding the sweetened condensed milk can make it creamier and sweeter than ever.
- Turn it into a one-ingredient caramel sauce by placing an unopened can of condensed milk into a pot of boiling water and letting it cook for about an hour. Once this is done, you can remove it with tongs and let it cool before pouring it into a bowl. The sauce can be served with ice cream.
- Make tres leches cakes. The cake is made with three different types of milk- that’s why it has the name. Using condensed milk will help maintain a rich, creamy, and moist texture. It will also improve the taste.
- Condensed milk, in its versatility, can be eaten with fresh fruits. All you have to do is drizzle the sweet milk on the fruit and enjoy. You can try it with strawberries.
SEE: Enjoy $2 Off At Moe’s Southwest Grill
Can You Use Condensed Milk Instead of Heavy Cream in Ice Cream?
Yes, you can. The thick creamy sweetness of condensed milk acts as a softener for the ice cream allowing you to scoop easily.
Best the ice cream with a mixer until it thickens, add your desired flavor and gradually add the condensed milk while beating or mixing until it thickens and becomes a nice cream.
Can You Use Condensed Milk in Cheesecake Instead of Heavy Cream?
Yes, you can. All you need to do is regulate the sugar quantity because of how sweet condensed milk is. This cheesecake is perfect for dessert and fairly easy to make. You need sugar, butter, condensed milk, vanilla, and cream cheese.
SEE: Can Diabetics Eat Cheesecake Without a Sugar Spike?
Can You Use Heavy Cream and Condensed Milk Together?
Yes, you can. This combination is for all kinds of desserts. An example is a maple whipped cream which is easy to make with four ingredients.
All you have to do is use a hand mixer to combine heavy cream, pure maple syrup, condensed milk, and vanilla extract until it has that soft, creamy whipped cream texture. You can let it chill or serve it immediately.
Nutritional Benefits of Both Creams
Condensed milk contains sugar, protein, fat, and a range of vitamins and minerals. The cream is extremely energy-dense due to the various classes of food it contains.
An ounce of condensed milk provides 90 calories, 15.2 grams of carbs, 2.4 grams of fat, 2.2 grams of protein, and much more. These ingredients make condensed milk excellent for people trying to gain weight.
Using condensed milk to boost calorie content is even more beneficial than sugar alone since the product provides protein, fat, and bone-healthy minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
Heavy cream, on the other hand, contains fat and vitamins. Half a cup has 400 calories, 3 grams of protein, 43 grams of fat, and 3 grams of carbs. It also contains soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K.
FAQs
Can you mix condensed milk and heavy cream?
Yes. This is very possible. It’ll end up looking and tasting like ice cream. Note that it’s best served cold.
Is condensed milk caramel?
No, it’s not. Condensed milk can only be made into a kind of caramelized milk which is called Dulce De Leche.
Can condensed milk be substituted for heavy cream?
Yes, it can. You have to note that because of the high sugar content in condensed milk, replacing heavy cream with it will mean a lack of need for extra sugar.
Conclusion
Whether heavy cream is better than condensed milk is something that will never be stated clearly. You must pay attention to the nutritional pros and cons to get the one that is best for you.
Condensed milk, as amazing as it is, is unsuitable for anyone with milk or lactose intolerance. And while some people may enjoy the very sweet taste of condensed milk, many others might find it unpalatable.
If this is you, then heavy cream is for you. However, if you don’t mind high sugar content, then condensed milk is for you.
Thank you for reading.
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