Can You Use Whipping Cream For Coffee?

This article answers, “can you use whipping cream for coffee?” and covers the information you need to know about whipping cream in coffee.

Whipping cream for coffee
Whipping cream makes coffee creamier

It’s happened to all of us. We’ve made a succulent, hot cup of coffee – only to reach into the fridge and find an empty container of half-and-half or skimmed milk. 

Luckily, if you have heavy whipping cream lying around, you can use that in your coffee. In fact, many people prefer heavy whipping cream, as it leaves the cup creamier. It is higher in fat, which can be a problem for those watching their weight. 

If you’re an overachiever, you can whip the whipping cream into a satisfying topping. Of course, this won’t actually change the taste of the coffee until it dissolves, but it can make the cup feel quite fancy

Looking to impress a guest? Just add some whipped whipping cream to their cup of joe. 

Whipping Cream For Coffee Vs. Milk

coffee, cup, whipped cream
Whipping cream is fattier than milk

For the most part, whipping cream won’t taste all that much different from half-and-half or milk. However, it is fattier, which will cause the coffee to become creamier. 

Heavy whipping cream is the fatty part of the milk that rises to the top during processing. If you want the fattiest milk product, then you’re looking for whipping cream. 

Many people prefer heavy whipping cream over coffee for this reason. It just tastes better! It is especially good with strong coffee, as it can cut through the bitterness in ways that regular milk just can’t. 

The fat content may be a problem for some – though others count it as a boon. The extra fat content is praised by some on the keto diet, as it makes coffee fit better into their daily routine. If you’re looking for extra fat in your diet, this is an easy way to accomplish it. 

You can also whip whipping cream to make a visually appealing topping for your coffee. It will need some time for the cream to dissipate before you taste a difference in the coffee, though. You can make multi-layered drinks as well since whipping cream is heavier than coffee. 

You might also find our explainer on how to dissolve cinnamon in your coffee.

What Does Whipping Cream Taste Like In Coffee?

Heavy whipping cream does have a specific flavor and texture, which it can bring to your coffee. Like any whipped cream recipe, it tends to make your beverage heavier. It also has a richer flavor since it’s higher in fat. 

You can typically add less whipping cream to coffee than you would need to with milk. It’s creaminess makes it more effective at diluting the bitterness of coffee. 

Most whipping creams do not contain added sugar. Therefore, it won’t actually make your drink sweeter. It’ll still taste exactly like coffee – only creamier. 

Many people use whipping cream as a vehicle for their flavorings and syrups. Since it doesn’t taste like anything, it won’t get in the way of other flavors

If you’re looking for lots of extra flavors, plain whipping cream probably isn’t what you’re looking for. It doesn’t add any extra flavorings. 

What Is Coffee With Whipping Cream Called?

coffee, cream, iced coffee
You can call it anything you want

At home, you can call coffee with whipping cream anything you want! However, there really isn’t a phrase that sets this type of coffee apart from other types of coffee. 

Coffee made with heavy cream is called a creme. However, whipping cream and heavy cream are different. They are fairly similar, so you’ll likely end up with a similar cup of coffee. However, they are slightly different. 

The taste won’t be exact, though they will be very similar nutritionally. 

Most of the time, you can easily switch out whipping cream in a recipe that calls for heavy cream. Heavy cream is slightly fattier, but the difference often isn’t enough to matter. 

Can You Use Whipping Cream In A Latte?

No. If you did, it technically wouldn’t be a latte! A latte is a coffee with whole milk. That’s the definition of a latte.

If you use half and half, it’s a breve. If you use heavy cream, it’s a creme. There is no particular term for whipping cream, but it is going to be closer to a creme than a latte. 

Of course, many people who enjoy lattes also enjoy cremes – so it probably won’t completely ruin your cup of coffee. 

Just be aware that you technically won’t be making a latte when using whipping cream. 

Resources

What Else Can I Use Coffee Creamer For? 

Can You Put Coffee Creamer in Tea?

Can You Use Coffee Creamer in a Milk Frother?

Coffee Creamer Vs. Syrup: Why Choose?

Can You Freeze Coffee Creamer?

Coffee Creamer Vs. Milk And Sugar: What Should You Use?

Coffee Creamer Vs. Milk Powder: Which One Is Better?

Coffee Creamer Vs. Half And Half: What’s The Best Choice?

Can You Use Evaporated Milk for Coffee Creamer?

Can You Put Heavy Cream in Coffee?

Author

  • Kristin Hitchcock

    Kristin first fell in love with coffee on a trip to Brazil - where she learned that the ground coffee found on American shelves was not the end-all. Today, she loves educating other coffee-lovers on how to make the best cup of coffee, no matter what you enjoy. Find Kristin on LinkedIn.