{"id":8406,"date":"2022-10-20T17:16:01","date_gmt":"2022-10-20T21:16:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/?p=8406"},"modified":"2022-10-20T17:16:28","modified_gmt":"2022-10-20T21:16:28","slug":"buttermilk-vs-heavy-cream","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/buttermilk-vs-heavy-cream\/","title":{"rendered":"Buttermilk Vs Heavy Cream: All Similarities & Differences"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This post contains affiliate links.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to cooking, different types of dairy products are used. Two popular choices are buttermilk and heavy cream. But what’s the difference between the two?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main difference between buttermilk and heavy cream is the way they are made. Buttermilk is made by inducing fermentation in milk, while heavy cream is made by skimming the cream off the top of milk that has been allowed to sit. This makes buttermilk tangy and heavy cream thick and creamy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

\"Buttermilk<\/figure>\n\n\n

I have put together more similarities and differences below. So read on for a complete guide to buttermilk vs heavy cream so that you know which one you need to use and for what.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are The Differences Between Buttermilk And Heavy Cream?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While they are both made from milk, buttermilk and heavy cream differ in a few ways, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Differences<\/th>Similarities<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
How They Are Made<\/td>They Are Both Made From Milk<\/td><\/tr>
How They Taste<\/td>They Can Both Be Used In Baking<\/td><\/tr>
Their Texture<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Their Fat Content<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Their Uses<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can do this by either using an OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk<\/a><\/strong> or by using a KitchenAid K45WW Wire Whisk Attachment for Tilt-Head Stand Mixer<\/a><\/strong> depending on whether you have a KitchenAid mixer or not.<\/em> Either way you choose to whisk, you can check out both of these tools on Amazon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How They Are Made<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Buttermilk is made by inducing fermentation in milk. Fermentation is induced by adding bacteria to milk, which causes the milk sugars to break down and produce lactic acid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This process thickens the milk and gives it a slightly sour taste.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heavy cream is made by skimming the cream off the top of milk that has been allowed to sit. The cream rises to the top when milk sits due to its higher fat content. This cream is then collected and used to make heavy cream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How They Taste<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Buttermilk has a slightly sour taste due to the fermentation process. It is tangy and acidic. Heavy cream has a rich, buttery taste with a hint of sweetness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each unique process of creation gives both of them a different taste. Buttermilk has a tangy taste, while heavy cream becomes thick and creamy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Texture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Buttermilk is thinner than heavy cream. It has a slightly runny consistency. Heavy cream is thick and creamy. It has a rich, velvety texture. It is also much smoother than buttermilk.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why it’s pretty easy to tell these two apart. However, buttermilk and regular milk are often hard to tell apart!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fat Content<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Buttermilk has lower fat content than heavy cream. Since it is made from fermented milk, some of the fat is broken down during the fermentation process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heavy cream has a higher fat content because it is made from the cream that rises to the top of milk.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This difference in fat content can create a huge discrepancy in the recipe that you’re making. The addition of excess fat will create a much creamier recipe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Buttermilk can be used in baking or as a drink. It is often used in pancakes, biscuits, and cakes. Heavy cream can be used in baking, cooking, or as a topping. It is often used in soups, sauces, and desserts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, buttermilk and heavy cream still have a bunch of similarities that you should know about. Below, I will break down all the similarities between these two types of milk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are The Similarities Between Buttermilk And Heavy Cream?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are two main similarities between buttermilk and heavy cream:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Are
Are Buttermilk & Heavy Cream Similar?<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

*By the way,<\/strong> I wouldn’t be able to fix my runny buttercream frosting if I didn’t have the right type of mixer. <\/strong>For this situation, I used a 5-Speed Electric Hand Mixer<\/a><\/strong> which can get the job done! You can check out the Hand Mixer I use on Amazon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They Are Both Made From Milk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned earlier, both buttermilk and heavy cream are made from milk. More specifically, they are both made from cow’s milk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is what gives both of them a similar texture even though one has more fat than the other. I’m not even mentioning the fact that they’re both white in color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They Can Both Be Used In Baking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common uses for buttermilk and heavy cream is baking. They can both be used to make baked goods like cakes, cookies, and bread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This, however, depends on the recipe of each one of these baked goods. Some recipes will specify exactly which one of these two you should use for baking. So keep a look out for that in the recipe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Substitute Buttermilk For Heavy Cream In A Recipe?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While you can use buttermilk instead of heavy cream in some recipes, it is not always a good idea to do so. When substituting one for the other, you will also need to switch out the baking soda in the recipe for baking powder. It will depend on what you want to achieve with your recipe.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if you are trying to get some tanginess in your recipe, then you cannot substitute buttermilk with heavy cream. This is because heavy cream will not provide the same tangy taste as buttermilk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, it is best to use buttermilk in recipes that call for it.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you have a little leftover buttermilk left, you can use it with heavy cream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“You can easily substitute buttermilk for heavy cream in most recipes without changing the overall outcome. Just add a few tablespoons of buttermilk for every cup of heavy cream called for in the recipe.”<\/p>thebrilliantkitchen<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Baked goods such as cake or pancakes are examples of recipes where buttermilk is often used and it is always a good idea to stick to the recipe. If a recipe calls for heavy cream, say, in making frosting, then it is fine to substitute buttermilk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*By the way,<\/strong> I recently wrote an article comparing Condensed Milk Vs Evaporated Milk.<\/a><\/strong> This article breaks down all the similarities and differences between condensed milk and evaporated milk as well as how to convert one into the other.<\/strong> You can check out this article here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Use Heavy Cream Instead Of Buttermilk In A Cake?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Generally speaking, it is sometimes okay to use heavy cream instead of buttermilk in a cake. Heavy cream has a higher percentage of fat in it which changes the texture of the cake. If you want your cake to be moist and have a slightly dense texture, then using heavy cream is a good idea.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if your recipe specifically calls for buttermilk, then it is best not to substitute buttermilk with heavy cream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note that the taste will also be different if you use heavy cream instead of buttermilk.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fat content of these two ingredients is also different, with heavy cream having a higher fat content. This means that if you use heavy cream instead of buttermilk, your cake will be denser and have a richer taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a video that breaks down the 2 best substitutes for buttermilk:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n