Putting Heavy Whipping Cream in Coffee: Can You and How To

If you’re a coffee buff, you know how exciting it can be to wake up in the morning and get a whiff of a piping hot brew. But what add-ins might make your morning brew even better? While there are many ingredients one might consider adding to coffee, you may wonder if putting heavy whipping cream in coffee is a feasible option. We’ll answer that here along with what exactly heavy cream is and how to prepare your coffee using this rich and delectable liquid.

Can you use heavy whipping cream in coffee?

So, can heavy cream be used in coffee? Or can heavy whipping cream be used in coffee? Yes, both can!

First, heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are essentially the same thing. One of them, the heavy cream, has a slightly higher fat content making it richer and able to hold its form better after being whipped when compared to heavy whipping cream.

Both types of cream are made up of at least 36% fat, and both were gathered from milk, having been skimmed off of the top of milk during processing.

The result is a rich, full-bodied flavor that serves to add a lot of goodness to your next cup of coffee, if done correctly.

Can you drink heavy cream?

So, aside from “Can I use heavy cream in coffee?” you may also wonder if you can drink heavy cream, straight.

While it would be rich, robust and quite a “mouthful”, the answer is yes, but be prepared.

Despite heavy cream’s thick texture and the fact that the term “cream” or “creme” is typically associated with robust sweetness, it is imperative that you know that drinking heavy cream won’t taste sweet.

Other considerations? Though heavy cream is full of “good” fats and nutrients, it is also dense with calories. Drinking a lot of heavy cream will almost certainly lead to weight gain if consumed too often.

Moreover, those with lactose intolerance will likely want to steer clear of this creamy goodness, although heavy cream is known to contain much less lactose than that of fresh milk.

Is it bad to put heavy cream in your coffee?

As mentioned, heavy whipping cream for coffee can be a major no-no for those counting calories or watching their weight. However, those on keto might see heavy cream as the perfect coffee addition.

More on that later.

But in general, putting heavy cream, or any milk derived cream or creamer, in your coffee isn’t bad provided you know what you’re doing and you know what flavor doing so will yield.

Remember, heavy cream is not sweet, and neither is half-and half or just plain milk. Nevertheless, heavy cream is going to add a rich and bold flavor unlike any other milk addition to your milk.

Interested in knowing the fine-tuned differences between heavy cream, half-and-half and coffee creamer? Check out Heavy Cream vs. Half-and-Half vs. Coffee Creamer.

How much cream to add to coffee?

How much heavy cream should you put in coffee?

When it comes to heavy whipping cream coffee, how much cream you put in will vastly change the richness and general flavor. For most, a dash of heavy cream in coffee will do wonders to bring out subtleties in coffee flavor, without being too rich to consume.

Bear in mind that heavy cream coffee is going to be very rich, much like throwing butter or oil in your morning brew. For this reason, you may only wish to top off your coffee with heavy cream, rather than make a latte with it, for example, to add a creamy non-sweet, yet robust, flavor to your next cup.

You may also add a dollop of prepared whipped cream to your coffee, for a fun and easy twist!

Does heavy whipping cream curdle in coffee?

It can. Because coffee is acidic, pouring heavy cream in coffee can go south quickly.

In fact, most times if you pour heavy cream straight into a piping hot cup of coffee, you’ll see the heavy cream coffee begin to separate and curdle leading to an unappetizing mess.

Instead, you may wish to allow your coffee to cool and then throw it in a blender with your heavy cream, and perhaps a bit of sugar or syrup, to get things sweet and well-blended. If you want a solid swirl of whipped cream atop your coffee, cooler coffee (cold, actually) wins as well, as the whipped cream won’t melt into the coffee.

If hot coffee is your jam, you’ll want to gently warm the heavy cream over low heat before pouring it into your coffee. And even then, some prefer to use the back of a spoon to slow down the cream’s descent, making for easier incorporation of the cream into the coffee.

Another tip is putting cream in the cup first, before the coffee. We’re used to the image of a dollop of cream sitting atop a cup of joe, but doing it in reverse actually helps the cream blend better into your drink. Though there may still be curdling, it won’t be as much. You should do this when your coffee is as hot as possible as well, to ensure the smoother blending of the two.

Keep in mind, too, that the closer your cream is to expiring, the more likely it is to curdle in your coffee. As much as is possible, use fresh heavy cream.

Heavy cream instead of

Can you use heavy whipping cream instead of half and half?

Coffee and heavy cream pair well together, but half and half might be feasible for those looking to cut calories. Half and half is half milk and half cream which serves to provide richness without extra calories.

Can I use heavy cream instead of milk in my coffee?

Again, milk is going to be a less fattier option for many weight watchers, while adding plain milk won’t have near the robust mouthfeel as using heavy cream does.

Can I use heavy cream in my coffee on keto?

Yes! Despite all of the warnings about not drinking heavy cream on a weight-loss diet, heavy cream is often the go-to for those on keto. This is because keto is founded on the basis of consuming high fat foods without the addition of sugar and carbohydrates to incite weight loss.

In this way, heavy cream is the perfect fit as it contains no added sugar yet is high in fat, making it a rich and popular coffee addition amongst keto dieters, everywhere.

Coffee with heavy cream recipe

Looking for a basic recipe for heavy cream coffee? Try this:

Ingredients

• ¾ cup coffee
• ¼ cup of heavy cream
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
• A tsp of added sugar or sweetener of choice (optional)

Prepare your coffee the way that you normally would, and then gently heat your heavy cream in a small pot. Mix any sweeteners into the coffee while still warm, then slowly add your warmed heavy cream to the mix. Stir gently and top with a pinch of cinnamon, if using. Enjoy!

Heavy Whipping Cream in Coffee Is Delicious!

For many, heavy whipping cream in coffee is an unmatched and full-bodied indulgence that they can’t live without. And while heavy whipping cream might make your coffee taste a bit different than you’re used to, you may be able to add a bit of sugar, ice and other toppings to whip up something that tastes like it is fresh out of your favorite coffee place.

For more ideas on how to use heavy whipping cream in coffee, try answering a few questions to find your ultimate heavy whipping cream in coffee recipe.

Are you a certified foodie? If so, you’ll love these posts:

• Can You Reuse Coffee Grounds
• Is Earl Grey Tea Healthy