Whipping cream is a key ingredient in many delicious desserts and dishes. Its creamy, rich texture takes recipes to the next level. However, since recipes rarely require an entire carton, you may wonder if you can freeze the leftovers for later use.
Fortunately, yes you can freeze whipping cream! With proper storage methods, frozen whipping cream maintains its quality and taste for 2-3 months.
Read on to learn everything about freezing whipping cream so you can enjoy creamy recipes whenever you want without waste!
How to Freeze Whipping Cream
Freezing whipping cream is easy. Here are the best techniques to try:
Freeze in Ice Cube Trays
For small portions, use ice cube trays. Simply pour whipping cream into the compartments, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. Place the trays in the freezer until solid, then pop out the cream cubes and transfer them to freezer bags.
Label the bags with the date. Each cube equals about 2 tablespoons of cream. Now you have the perfect pre-measured amount to add to recipes!
Freeze in Muffin Tins
Similar to ice cube trays, muffin tins work great for freezing whipping cream in batches. Grease the cups first so the cream comes out easily after freezing. Fill 3/4 full and freeze until hard.
Then wrap each cream disc in plastic wrap and store together in a freezer bag. Thaw what you need as you go!
Freeze Whole Carton
Got lots of cream leftover? Simply freeze it right in the original carton or container. Leave about 1 inch open at the top so the cream has room to expand as it freezes without bursting the package.
Once solid, cover the carton with foil or place it inside a freezer bag for extra protection. Date the package and return it to the freezer.
Freeze Freshly Whipped Cream
For whipping cream already whipped, spoon or pipe dollops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Grab a dollop to top hot cocoa or let sit briefly to soften before using it on cakes and pies. It thaws faster than cream frozen before whipping.
Use Vacuum Sealer
Using a vacuum sealer removes air and seals in freshness longer. First freeze measured portions in ice cube trays or muffin tins. Then vacuum seal the cubes or discs in bags for the freezer.
The vacuum sealer compresses the frozen cream so you can stack bags efficiently. The airtight environment keeps whipping cream fresh for months.
How Long Does Frozen Whipping Cream Last?
Frozen properly, whipping cream stays fresh for 2-3 months in the freezer before quality declines. For the best flavor and texture, use within 1 month.
Whipping cream is highly perishable, even when frozen, due to its high-fat content. Always label packages with the date so you know when to use by.
How to Thaw Frozen Whipping Cream
Thaw frozen whipping cream overnight in the fridge. Microwaving or leaving on the counter risks dangerous bacterial growth.
Expect some separation after thawing - the fat separates from the liquid. This is normal. Gently stir or whisk the whipping cream to reincorporate before using.
Smaller portions thaw quicker, so ice cube trays or muffin tins make whipping cream fast and easy to use straight from the freezer.
If still grainy, add a teaspoon of powdered sugar while whipping. The crystals help smooth it out.
Can You Whip Thawed Cream?
Yes, thawed frozen whipping cream whips up fine for dessert toppings or coffee drinks. However, it won't be as thick and fluffy as fresh cream. The texture won't hold its shape as well either.
For best results whipping thawed cream, use within a couple of days after defrosting. And add powdered sugar while whipping to improve stiffness.
For piping whipped cream decorations, making whipped cream from scratch is best. Use thawed frozen whipping cream as a topping that doesn't require precision.
Uses for Frozen Whipping Cream
The possibilities are endless for frozen whipping cream! Here are some great ways to use it:
- Add to soups, sauces, casseroles
- Mix into oatmeal or overnight oats
- Spoon over waffles, crepes, and pancakes
- Dollop on pies, cakes, cupcakes
- Sweeten coffee, tea, hot chocolate
- Blend into smoothies
- Make homemade ice cream
- Whip with fruits for dessert
- Stir into chowders and bisques
Basically, use thawed frozen whipping cream anywhere you'd use fresh cream. The subtle change in texture won't impact most recipes.
Just avoid using frozen whipping cream raw or uncooked. Best practices are to heat it, whip it, or blend thawed cream with other ingredients.
Tips for Freezing Whipping Cream
Follow these tips for best-frozen whipping cream results:
- Freeze fresh whipping cream before the "Sell By" date expires
- Always leave headspace in containers for expansion
- Work quickly when handling thawed cream
- Seal packages tightly to prevent freezer burn
- Label packages with contents and freeze date
- Store at 0°F or below
And no matter what, never refreeze thawed whipping cream. Refreezing greatly affects texture and risks food safety issues.
Storing Frozen Whipping Cream Safely
To keep frozen whipping cream safe:
- Use clean utensils and containers
- Portion into small batches for faster thawing
- Freeze immediately after purchase
- Avoid temperature fluctuations during storage
- Check for signs of freezer burn before use
- Follow the suggested freezer storage times
Discard frozen whipping cream that smells, tastes, or looks off in any way. Do not taste questionable cream. When in doubt, throw it out.
FAQ
Does freezing change the taste of whipping cream?
Freezing itself does not alter the flavor of whipping cream. However, storage over long periods may allow absorption of other flavors in the freezer, leading to off-tastes. Using fresh cream and following proper storage limits this.
Can you whip cream after freezing?
Yes, thawed frozen whipping cream can be whipped. But expect a softer texture and less fluffiness compared to fresh. Add powdered sugar while whipping thawed cream to help stiffen it up.
Is it safe to freeze cartons of whipping cream?
Yes, you can safely freeze unopened cartons or containers of whipping cream. Just leave room at the top for the cream to expand as it freezes. Once frozen, use within 2-3 months for best quality and food safety.
Can I freeze whipping cream in a glass?
Glass is not the best choice for freezing whipping cream. Rapid temperature changes can cause the glass to break. Opt for plastic containers or ice cube trays instead. If using glass, freeze first in a safer container, then transfer to glass for short-term fridge storage.
How do I thaw frozen whipping cream fast?
For quick thawing, place the sealed container of frozen whipping cream in a bowl of cool water. Change the water every 15 minutes to keep it cool. Smaller portions thaw faster, so cream frozen in ice cube trays or muffin tins thaw quickly.
Conclusion
Freezing whipping cream allows you to save leftovers and make the most of each carton purchased. Follow the techniques above to freeze whipping cream correctly. Store it flat in the freezer and use it within 1-2 months for best quality and food safety.
Thaw frozen whipping cream slowly in the fridge before use. Then whip it, blend it, cook it, or enjoy it straight from the freezer. With proper handling, frozen whipping cream acts similar to fresh cream in recipes.
So next time you have extra, freeze it for later! Frozen whipping cream makes recipes quick and easy for months to come.