Single Cream: The Smooth Secret to Light and Creamy Dishes

What Is Single Cream?

Single cream is a silky, pourable dairy product with a fat content of around 18%. Known for its light texture and delicate richness, it’s a popular choice in British and European kitchens. Whether you're adding it to sauces, soups, or desserts, single cream brings a gentle creaminess without overwhelming heaviness.

How Single Cream Enhances Your Cooking

Its mild richness makes single cream the perfect addition to everyday dishes. Use it to enrich soups, blend into mashed potatoes, stir into pasta sauces, or drizzle over fruit and desserts. It's especially ideal when you want a creamy texture without the full-fat punch of double cream or heavy cream.

Single Cream vs. Other Creams

Wondering how single cream differs from double cream or whipping cream? The main difference is fat content. Single cream has less fat, making it unsuitable for whipping but perfect for pouring. Double cream, with around 48% fat, is thicker and more indulgent. Whipping cream falls in between, typically around 35% fat, and can be whipped into soft peaks.

Can You Cook with Single Cream?

Yes—but with care. Single cream is not suitable for boiling, as it may curdle. Instead, add it towards the end of cooking or use it in low-heat recipes. For dishes requiring high heat or thick consistency, opt for double cream or a stabilized alternative.

Light and Lovely in Desserts

Single cream shines in desserts. Pour it over warm puddings, fresh berries, or a slice of cake for an instant touch of indulgence. It also works beautifully in custards, panna cotta, and chilled fruit soups.

Substitutes for Single Cream

Can’t find single cream? You can create a similar consistency by mixing whole milk with a small amount of butter or using half-and-half. Greek yogurt or crème fraîche can also work in certain recipes, depending on the flavor and texture you're aiming for.

Simple Elegance, Every Time

Single cream brings elegance and ease to both sweet and savory dishes. Its subtle richness and versatility make it a must-have ingredient in any kitchen, perfect for everyday cooking or adding a smooth finish to special meals.

Light, creamy, and endlessly useful—single cream is the quiet hero of the kitchen!