Can You Freeze Whipping Cream? (YES! Here’s How to Do It)

Whipping cream usually comes in large cartons that many people don’t use in one go. If you don’t want to throw out your leftover whipping cream, you might be wondering if you can freeze it instead. 

You can freeze whipping cream by placing small portions on a flat tray and freezing it for a few hours. Once frozen, you can transfer the portions into a freezer bag. Whipping cream can remain frozen for around three months before the quality begins to deteriorate. 

In this article, I will discuss freezing whipping cream in greater detail. I will also discuss the best ways to defrost it, so be sure to keep reading to learn more! 

Freezing Whipping Cream (Heavy & Light Cream)

The process for freezing whipping cream is quick and easy. Below is a brief guide on how to do it: 

1. Remove the cream from its original container. You want to remove it from the container because it’s best to freeze your whipping cream in smaller portions rather than one large portion. 
2. (Optional) Place it in a piping bag. This step isn’t necessary, but it makes the process easier. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can skip this step. 
3. Place small dollops on a flat tray. This is by far the best way to organize your cream (and many other things) for freezing because it allows you to defrost small portions of whipping cream as you go. 
4. Place the whipping cream in the freezer and wait a few hours. If you want, you can also leave it overnight. 
5. Remove the frozen whipping cream from the flat tray and transfer it to a freezer bag or container. Once it’s fully frozen, you can place all the sections into a freezer-safe container. You can then defrost each portion as you need.

This process is the same for all types of cream, whether heavy or light. You can freeze it all together in one container right from the start, but you’ll need to defrost it all simultaneously. This could lead to waste, which I’m sure you’d like to avoid! 

Properly Defrosting Whipping Cream

It’s essential to understand the best and safest way to defrost whipping cream. Doing it incorrectly could lead to bacterial growth and food poisoning, so it’s vital to do it safely. So now, let’s discuss the best way to defrost all types of cream, including whipping cream! 

Defrost Whipping Cream in the Refrigerator

The best way to defrost whipping cream is always in the refrigerator. Since the temperature is cool there, bacteria won’t grow as rapidly as they would at room temperature. And once it’s defrosted, you don’t need to use it right away. 

The amount of time it will take to defrost will depend on how much cream there is. If you’re only defrosting a few small sections, it shouldn’t take more than a few hours. But if you’re thawing a large portion, it could take a day or two. 

You Can Also Defrost Whipping Cream in Cold Water

Another useful way to defrost whipping cream is by using cold water. This method is safe for other perishables like meat and chicken, so it’s also safe for whipping cream. It’s essential to use cold water rather than hot water. 

Although hot water might seem to make more sense, it’s dangerous to use because it causes the outer part of the food to defrost while the inside remains frozen. It’s hazardous for meats, but it’s also dangerous for whipping cream. 

Using hot water will also likely bring the temperature of some parts of the food up to 40°F (4°C), which is the temperature microbes begin to thrive. To avoid this hassle, always use cold water. 

To defrost whipping cream in cold water, here’s a brief guide: 

1. Ensure the cream is sealed in a bag or container. 
2. Place the container in a cold water bath. 
3. If it’s still frozen after 30 minutes, replace the cold water. 
4. Once thawed, remove the container from the bath. 

For whipping cream, the time it will take to defrost in a cold water bath depends on the amount of cream. It shouldn’t take longer than an hour in most cases, and it may only take a few minutes for small portions. 

Can You Freeze Cream Before Whipping?

You can freeze cream before whipping, but you can also freeze it after whipping. If you want to save yourself time and effort later on, you should whip it before freezing. In general, though, it doesn’t make much difference to the taste or texture, so either is fine. 

If you want to freeze the entire carton before whipping, you can freeze it directly in the carton. However, it’s best to transfer it into a freezer container because the carton might burst once the cream begins to freeze. 

Pay Attention to the Use-By Date

Before freezing your cream and throwing away the carton, check the use-by date. This will give you an idea of how long you can keep it once it’s defrosted. 

For example, let’s say you froze your whipping cream on 1st March, and the use-by date on the carton says March 4th (leaving a gap of three days for consumption). Then, you decide to defrost it on March 6th. 

Since the use-by date was three days away on the day you froze it, you’ll have until March 9th to consume the whipping cream once it’s defrosted. 

https://youtu.be/dcYCAA5_vuQ

Can You Freeze Whipping Cream – Conclusion

You can freeze whipping cream by placing it directly in the freezer or organizing it into smaller portions. This allows you to defrost only the amount you need. 

The safest way to defrost whipping cream is in the refrigerator, but you can also use the cold water method. Always pay attention to the date on the carton before freezing.