What is the Difference Between Single and Double Cream?

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The main difference between single and double cream lies in their fat content. Single cream contains 18% fat, while double cream contains 48% fat. This higher fat content makes double cream generally thicker and richer than single cream.

Here are some key differences and uses for each type of cream:

  • Single Cream:
  • Contains 18% fat.
  • Primarily used for pouring or enriching dishes, such as soups and sauces, without being boiled.
  • Not suitable for whipping.
  • Not suitable as a substitute for double cream in recipes that call for whipping or higher fat content.
  • Double Cream:
  • Contains 48% fat.
  • Can be whipped and used for decorating desserts or topping fruit.
  • Can be used in cooking to make thick sauces.
  • Thicker and richer than single cream.

In summary, single cream is a thinner, lower-fat alternative to double cream, and they cannot be substituted for each other in recipes that require different fat contents or specific properties like whipping.

Comparative Table: Single vs Double Cream

The main difference between single and double cream lies in their fat content. Here is a table comparing the two types of cream:

Property Single Cream Double Cream
Fat Content 18% 36%
Texture Thinner Thicker
Uses Pouring or enriching dishes, such as soups, sauces, and desserts Whipping cream, topping cakes, pies, puddings, and as a thickener for sauces, soups, and fillings

Single cream contains 18% fat and is primarily used for pouring or enriching dishes without being boiled, such as serving over fruits, cakes, sweet pies, and tarts. Double cream, on the other hand, contains 36% fat and is generally thicker and richer than single cream. It can better withstand higher temperatures and is able to be boiled and whipped.