Heavy Cream in Coffee — How It Can Enhance Coffee
Maybe you’ve never considered using heavy cream in coffee, but it pairs surprisingly well with some brews. It’s not suitable for every cup of java, but if you enjoy adding milk or creamer to your joe, consider using heavy cream as a decadent treat.
We all know that heavy cream is richer in both fat and calories, so you’ll need to go easy on the amount you add. Too much can completely mask the flavor profile of your coffee. Certain roasts and brew methods are better suited to heavy cream, too.
Whether you’re using a dollop of cream or whipping it to make it more airy, you’ll enjoy that velvety rich texture that comes from heavy cream. Remember, everything in moderation!
As we’re exploring the ins and outs of using heavy cream, we’ll cover topics like:
What Is Heavy Cream?
Heavy cream is the part of milk that contains the most fat and calories. It naturally rises to the top, then is separated from milk when it’s being processed. By heating the cream and applying high pressure to it, that cream is pasteurized and homogenized.
To qualify as heavy cream, it must contain at least 36% milkfat. According to USDA, heavy cream contains 408 calories per cup, which equals about 100 calories per ounce.
Can You Add Heavy Cream to Coffee?
In short, yes, sometimes cream in coffee works well. However, there’s a time and a place for it, because it’s easy for heavy cream to take over everything.
How Does Heavy Cream Affect Coffee?
Heavy cream can change the texture, color, and flavor profile of your brew.
- Because heavy cream is bright white, adding it to coffee will make it look paler, often turning it more of a beige color.
- You can expect a creamier flavor when adding cream to coffee, plus it will cut some of the bitterness that comes with dark roasts. Heavy cream also gives coffee a thicker feel, with a silky smooth texture.
- As heavy cream is, well, heavy, it will sink to the bottom of a cup, so it’s best to use it as your bottom layer. However, if you whip it, heavy cream will become airier and can be used as a middle or even top layer.
Types of Coffee Drinks Suitable for Heavy Cream
Is heavy cream good in coffee?
Heavy cream doesn’t play well with all types of java. It complements a strong brew, particularly darker roasts, espresso, or even cold brew coffee. However, heavy whipping cream in coffee can easily overpower light and medium roasts, so it’s best to stick with milk or a lighter cream for those.
Pros and Cons of Heavy Cream in Coffee
Can you put heavy cream in coffee? Yes, but there are some definite positives and negatives that come with using coffee and heavy cream.
Pros
- Heavy whipping cream for coffee can create a visually appealing beverage.
- It can balance out the bitter flavor of some coffees.
- Using heavy cream in coffee is appropriate for Keto diets, which feature foods high in fats and low in carbs.
Cons
- It’s easy to overdo the extra calories and fat that come with heavy cream.
- Too much can cover up your brew’s natural flavor, rather than just mellow it.
Recapping
While most people prefer a lighter cream or milk for their java, heavy cream can also have its rightful place. It can add creaminess to its flavor while giving a smooth, rich feel to the texture of coffee.
Heavy cream is the fattiest part of milk, containing at least 36% milkfat, and it rises to the top of fresh milk. It’s then separated from the milk for processing and pasteurization. And, although it’s high in both calories and fat, heavy cream can be used in moderation to enhance dark roast coffee.
You can use heavy cream to mellow out some of that bitterness common with dark roasts. Just remember, a little goes a long way, and heavy cream in coffee should be used in moderation.
Heavy Cream in Coffee FAQs
Why Do People Use Heavy Cream for Coffee?
People make coffee with heavy cream in order to create a smoother, richer drink. Heavy cream can help balance out the bitterness that sometimes happens with dark roasts. If you’re wondering, ‘Can I put heavy cream in coffee?’ you should give it a try.
Is Heavy Cream Healthy?
Heavy cream is high in fat and calories, so it’s not going to be the healthiest option you could choose. However, only a small amount is used when adding it to coffee. So, it’s okay to treat yourself once in a while!
Is Heavy Cream the Same as Half and Half?
No, heavy cream is not the same. Ideally, heavy cream should be only cream with no additives. Half and half is half milk, half cream. The latter has around 36-37 calories per ounce, while the amount of calories in heavy cream is about 100 per ounce.
Can You Use Heavy Cream in Coffee for Weight Loss?
Many people follow the Keto diet to lose weight. This is a low-carb, high-fat diet, and for that reason, heavy cream is considered acceptable to use.
Does Heavy Whipping Cream Curdle in Coffee?
It can. But, you can prevent this by making sure your cream is fresh, and brewing coffee that’s lower in acidity.
How Much Heavy Cream Should You Put in Coffee?
Regarding how to use heavy cream in coffee. I suggest using around one tablespoon of heavy cream for every 8 ounces of coffee. You can adjust that to your own preferences.
