Bored of black coffee, but don't want the typical milk or coffee creamer? Looking for a keto coffee option? Then having heavy cream in coffee drink may be the perfect solution.
A coffee cream combination makes your drink smoother, richer, and less harsh on the pallet. However, heavy cream doesn't work for every coffee and it can ruin your beverage if you don't get it right.
In this guide we'll show you the best options for drinking heavy cream in coffee, and explore all the pros and cons for doing so.
Coffee & Heavy Whipping Cream: Is It A Good Mix?
Dalgona Coffee
This has become an internet phenomenon recently. It uses heavy cream as the main ingredient, along with water, coffee, and added sugar. The coffee enhances the flavored creamer and leaves you with a wonderfully rich and foamy heavy cream drink.
Simply whip these ingredients together until it has a foamy texture. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, and it has a sweet flavor with a smooth consistency.
Espresso Con Panna
This is a fairly common variation of espresso, and it can be found in many coffee shops. Preparation is simple: extract a single or double espresso shot, and top with heavy cream.
The heavy cream in the hot coffee retains the strength of the espresso while also taking some of the bitter flavors out, making it the perfect cup of coffee for those on a low carb diet.
Iced Coffee
Iced lattes are made with cold milk instead of steamed, and the espresso shot is poured over milk on ice. Simply replace the milk in the iced coffee with heavy whipping cream, and you’ll have a heavy cream iced coffee!
Because of its sweet flavor, heavy cream in iced drinks will use less sugar syrups. It's worth taking the whipped cream off the top though because the heavy cream is probably enough.
Bulletproof Coffee
Bulletproof coffee is a substitute for keto diets that helps in the increase in fat intake. It’s made by whipping coffee with heavy cream, grass-fed butter, and coconut oil (but it can be done with MCT oil).
This butter coffee aids in weight loss because it suppresses your appetite, and it's rich in K vitamins, which help fight against heart disease.
Cold Brew
Cold brew is very strong coffee with a smooth coffee flavor that true coffee lovers enjoy. It isn't typically served with milk, or with coffee creamers, but it works well with heavy cream.
Cold brew coffee with heavy cream helps to give it a bit of richness and a creamy mouthfeel, while keeping it cold and smooth.
Dark Roasts
It’s best to use a dark roast with heavy cream. A light to medium roast isn’t as strong, and the flavor will be overpowered by the heavy cream.
A dark roast already has a robust and bold flavor which coffee enthusiasts love, which won’t be suppressed as much by the cream. Keep the strong taste you love with a smooth, rich addition.
Heavy Whipping Cream Explained
There are many different types of cream that you'll find in stores, each with its own uses.
Heavy whipped cream is a vital tool to any chef; it’s used in sauces, soups, baking, and to make butter.
It's made from the thicker fats of fresh milk, giving it a high-fat content.
Don’t let that fool you, as the fat content also contains a lot of nutrients and vitamins that can do good for your body.
Heavy cream is different from lighter whipping cream, which will be used for more delicate dishes.
So, can you use heavy cream in your coffee? What does it taste like?
What Does Coffee Taste Like With Heavy Whipping Cream?
If you've frequented a Starbucks, you'll notice a lot of drinks come with whip cream on top, which will have been made from whipping cream.
It's a common ingredient in most hot drinks and often used instead of whole milk, skim milk, fat free milk, or coffee creamer.
Because of its thickness, you'll notice straight away that it's smoother and creamier. Most heavy cream is made without sugar, so it gives you free rein to add other syrups (caramel, hazelnut, vanilla, etc.) you may enjoy. You'll also notice a change in its texture and will have a softer feel in your mouth.
In short, when you add heavy cream it’ll give extra flavor to your coffee, in a good way.
Benefits & Concerns Of Heavy Whipping Cream In Coffee
With any milk-based drink, there are pros and cons to its consumption. Understanding what they are with heavy cream will help us to enjoy it in moderation.
PROS
CONS
How Much Heavy Cream Should You Use In Your Coffee?
Heavy cream in hot coffee is a match made in heaven, but you need to get the ratios right. If you drink heavy cream in your coffee drinks then there's no hard and fast rule, but you don't want to over do it.
Proper coffee etiquette says there should be about 1.5oz for every 16oz of coffee. However, you don't need to get the measuring jug out to see how much cream you're adding, because it's all about personal taste.
When you add heavy whipping cream start with a teaspoon full first. Then, keep putting heavy cream in until your drink reaches the right flavor and consistency,
How To Make Heavy Whipping Cream For Coffee
If you can’t get to a coffee shop or just crave some whipped cream on your coffee, then you’ll be glad to know the heavy cream recipe is pretty simple!
Making it involves whipping off the fat from whole milk and combining it with sugar. You can also try combining skim milk with the heavy cream to make it a bit less rich.
You’ll need these three ingredients:
Make sure you have chilled the cream in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before starting. You will also want to chill a glass bowl for 10 minutes beforehand, too.
- 1Pour the heavy cream into the bowl along with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- 2Use a whisk or blend by hand vigorously to create the whipped cream. An electric whisk will be much easier. It should create soft peaks when ready.
- 3Scoop a dollop into your coffee and enjoy!
You can also add a dusting of chocolate or cinnamon for an extra twist to your coffee.
Frequently Asked Cream In Coffee Questions
Does heavy whipping cream curdle in coffee?
It depends on the acidity – the milk will curdle on its own as it creates lactic acid. A light roast will already be very acidic and will have an instant curdling effect on your cream. Use a darker roast and fresher cream to avoid curdling.
What can you substitute for heavy whipping cream in coffee?
There are several options circling the internet – mix butter and milk together for a similar result of heavy whipping cream. You can also use evaporated milk, coconut oil, dairy-free milk (like soy milk), cashew cream, or purified tofu for substitutes.
How many calories are in heavy whipping cream?
In just one tablespoon of heavy whipping cream, there are 51 calories. It’s a very caloric milk substitute and shouldn’t be consumed daily.
Does heavy whipping cream in your coffee help you lose weight?
Yes and no – if you’re on a ketogenic diet, then the heavy whipping cream in your coffee will act as an appetite suppressor due to its heavy nature. However, because of its high-fat content, it should not be drunk regularly, as it will only lead to weight gain. Enjoy in moderation.
Does light cream in coffee taste good?
Light cream has only 20% fat content, so while it won't whip, it will still have the smooth and creamy texture of heavy cream and provide a sweeter taste to your coffee.
Conclusion
The next time you fancy some flare in your morning java, think about adding some heavy cream!
It's perfect for those who are looking to cut down their sugar intake and also provides a brilliant low-carb option for those on the keto diet. So don't miss out on a smoother, creamier coffee; give yourself a treat once in a while!
References:
1. https://www.nutritionix.com/food/heavy-cream