Cream is a key ingredient in many recipes, from cakes to soups. It contains fat that helps to create a rich and creamy texture in your desserts, making it an essential addition to any kitchen.
You can make your own creamy ice cream at home by using heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. However, it can be hard to duplicate the creaminess of traditional ice cream without churning it in an ice cream maker. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your ice cream:
1. Chill Your Cream before Whipping It
When whipping whipped cream, it is important that the cream be chilled to prevent the cream from losing its volume and texture. This also allows the cream to maintain a firm structure while it is whisked, which helps it hold its shape for longer.
2. Use Cold Utensils and Cold Cream
When whisking whipped cream, it is important that the bowl of the electric mixer be chilled to prevent the cream from losing its structure and texture. This also allows the cream to retain a firm structure while it is whisked, providing it with a richer flavor.
3. Add a little Gelatin to Your Cream
This is an easy trick that will thicken your whipped cream and give it a more firm structure. It is especially useful for filling pastry recipes or forming stiff peaks on top of a cake.
4. Combine Cornstarch With Your Milk
Another simple and effective way to thicken whipped cream is by combining cornstarch with your milk. This is a great option if you want a thicker texture, but don’t need as much fat in your recipe.
5. Mix in Egg Yolks
If you want to add a bit of creaminess to your whipped cream, try mixing in a couple egg yolks. This is a classic way to thicken heavy cream, but it can take some practice to get it right.
6. Add a Few Flavorings
If your whipped cream isn’t the flavor you’re looking for, try adding a few additional ingredients to enhance it’s sweetness and creaminess. It’s also a good idea to mix in some vanilla, chocolate, or other flavorings.
7. Use Low-Fat Alternatives
If you don’t want to add extra fat or need a lower-fat option, consider skim or low-fat half and half. These products can be used in place of heavy cream in a variety of recipes, and the fat content will vary depending on the brand.
8. Substitute Dairy-Free Options
There are a few dairy-free alternatives you can choose from to substitute heavy cream in your recipe, including soy milk, almond milk, and coconut milk. All three are popular choices, and the plant-based milks can offer a different flavor than their traditional counterparts.
9. Add More Sugar
You can make your ice cream more creamy by increasing the amount of sugar it contains, and if you’re planning on using it in a sundae or other dessert, it is best to increase the sweetness of the recipe by at least a half cup. But if you’re planning on using it for a non-sweet dish, like a fruity sorbet or a savory dip, then you’ll probably only need to add a few tablespoons of sugar.
