Discover a clever twist on a kitchen staple with this simple two-ingredient blend that mimics the luxuriously rich texture of heavy whipping cream. Perfect for creating a silky alfredo sauce or enhancing other favorite recipes, this quick method yields smooth Homemade Heavy Cream—an unexpected treat for everyday dishes.

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I’m always looking for simple yet clever ways to tackle recipes and this heavy whipping cream hack is one of my favorites. I’ve played around with making butter from milk and even experimented with ideas similar to how to make butter from dry milk, and believe me, this two ingredient method is a total game changer when you’re in a crunch or just feel like mixing it up.

I started with 2/3 cup whole milk because it works best and 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted, which gives just the perfect richness that you might usually get in homemade heavy cream or even when trying out certain heavy cream recipes. This trick is also pretty handy if you want to whip up something like a homemade alfredo sauce or even try making homemade whipped cream recipe.

It reminds me a bit of my adventures in making homemade ice cream without a machine and with Kitchen Aid so its definitely worth a shot if youre into creative cooking substitutions.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe cause it’s super simple and doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients. I love that I can use stuff I always have in my kitchen, like whole milk and butter, which saves me both time and money. I also dig that it works as a neat hack when im out of heavy whipping cream – it makes a great substitute for things like homemade alfredo sauce. And honestly, the process of slowly mixing melted butter into the milk makes cooking feel less intimidating even if I mess up a bit sometimes.

Ingredients

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Heavy whipping cream can be made at home with a few simple ingredients.

This easy recipe uses whole milk and unsalted butter to achieve that thick, creamy consistency found in store bought products.

The ingredients bring distinct benefits and flavors that make the cream both delicious and versatile for many recipes.

Below is a quick summary on what each adds.

Whole Milk: Offers proteins and fats for creaminess and a natural, slight sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, healthy fats that melt smoothly to enhance texture.

Ingredient Quantities

2/3 cup whole milk (it works best if its whole milk)

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

How to Make this

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1. Start by gatherin your ingredients: you need 2/3 cup whole milk and 1/3 cup unsalted butter so sample you got everything ready.

2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan or in the microwave until it’s liquified but not too hot.

3. Allow the melted butter to cool down slightly, so it doesn’t cook the milk when you mix them together.

4. Pour the whole milk into a bowl that’s big enough for mixing.

5. Slowly drizzle the melted butter into the milk, stirring as you go along so they get well combined.

6. Keep stirring until the mixture looks smooth and uniform, with no butter clumps left behind.

7. Use this substitute immediately in your recipe like for a homemade alfredo sauce, or any dish that calls for heavy whipping cream.

8. If you’re not using it right away, store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir before using it later.

Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan or a microwave-safe bowl to melt the butter
2. Microwave if you choose to melt the butter that way
3. Large mixing bowl for combining the milk and melted butter
4. Stirring utensil (spoon or whisk) to blend the ingredients thoroughly
5. Airtight container for storing any leftover mixture

FAQ

What exactly is heavy whipping cream?

It’s the thick cream used for whipping that has a high fat content. This recipe uses whole milk and melted butter to mimic that texture when you dont have the real thing.

Can I substitute low fat milk or any other kind of milk?

No, its best to use whole milk because it gives the proper richness and the right consistency for your cream.

Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

You can, but its not ideal. Salted butter might alter the flavor, so if you use it, reduce any other salt you add to your recipe.

How long can I keep this homemade heavy whipping cream?

Make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge and use it within 1-2 days for the best results.

Will this mix whip up to stiff peaks like traditional heavy cream?

Not really, since it’s a substitute. It works well in most recipes but it might not whip up as fluffy as the storebought version.

How To Make Heavy Whipping Cream Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For whole milk, you can use 2% milk instead; just be aware it might make the cream a lil thinner.
You could also substitute half-and-half for whole milk, though it may add a bit more richness.
If you dont have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, but remember to cut back on any extra salt.
A vegan butter or margarine melt can work too, though the flavor may end up slightly different.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you let the melted butter cool enough so it doesn’t end up cooking the milk. Too hot and you’ll change the taste and texture, trust me on that.
2. When mixing the ingredients, stir continuously as you drizzle the butter in slowly. It really helps in getting a nice smooth consistency without any clumps.
3. If you plan on storing the mixture for later use, cover it in an airtight container and stir it well before using it again so that everything stays evenly mixed.
4. Using whole milk and unsalted butter gives the best flavor, so double check your ingredients so you’re not using any low fat or salted versions by accident.