Quick answer: yes. Heavy cream freezes well for cooking and baking, though thawed cream should be shaken or whisked since the butterfat separates into small flecks, and it is unreliable for whipping, so use fresh cream for that. Whipped cream also freezes: freeze individual dollops on a tray and bag them.
How to freeze heavy cream
- In the carton: only if it is unopened and has room at the top; liquid expands as it freezes. Otherwise pour off a little first.
- In a container or freezer bag: leave about an inch of headspace.
- In ice cube trays: freeze, then move the cubes to a bag. A standard cube is roughly 2 tablespoons, handy for sauces and coffee.
- Label with the date and amount.
How to thaw it
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Shake or whisk well: the butterfat separates into small flecks.
- Drop frozen cubes straight into soups and sauces.
What thawed cream is good for
| Use | Works? |
|---|---|
| Soups, sauces, casseroles | Yes |
| Baking, scones, biscuits | Yes |
| Mashed potatoes, creamed vegetables | Yes |
| Ice cream bases and custards | Yes |
| Coffee | Yes, though it may leave flecks |
| Whipped cream | Unreliable; use fresh |
Ideas: cream sauce for pasta, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes with heavy cream and cream biscuits.
How to freeze whipped cream
- Whip the cream with a little sugar to firm peaks.
- Pipe or spoon mounds onto a parchment-lined tray.
- Freeze until solid, about 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Use within a month or two. Put them frozen onto hot chocolate, coffee or warm pie; they soften in minutes.
Or avoid the question
Cream that is close to its date can be turned into something that keeps: butter, caramel sauce, no-churn ice cream or crème fraîche. Cream in a charged whipped cream dispenser also stays fresh in the fridge for days; see how long whipped cream lasts and how long heavy cream lasts.
Frequently asked questions
Can you freeze heavy cream?
Yes. Freeze it in an airtight container with room to expand, or in ice cube trays. It separates when thawed, so it is best for cooking and baking.
Can you whip heavy cream after it has been frozen?
Sometimes, but not reliably. Thawed cream is often grainy and whips to a lower volume. For whipped cream, use fresh cream.
Can you freeze whipped cream?
Yes. Pipe or spoon mounds onto a lined tray, freeze until solid, and store in a freezer bag. Use them straight from the freezer on hot drinks and desserts.
How long does frozen heavy cream last?
Quality is best within about 3 months. Label the container with the date.
