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While cream is usually best fresh, there may be times when you need to freeze it for longer keeping. It's possible to freeze it well and to reconstitute it in a usable way.


Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Just cream

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Cream
    Cover with a strong plastic bag that seals (in fact, two bags is recommended), to prevent fridge odours from entering.
    • Leave at least 1.5cm/1/2 inch space between the lid and the top of the cream. This allows for expansion when it freezes.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Sweetened cream

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This method is useful for baking and desserts; the added sugar also helps preserve the cream slightly better than without it.

  1. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Cream
    Only whip until it's just stiff.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Cream
    For each 125ml/ 1/4 pint of cream, add another 1 level teaspoon.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Cream
    Cover with a strong plastic bag that seals (in fact, two bags is recommended), to prevent fridge odours from entering.
    • Leave at least 1.5cm/1/2 inch space between the lid and the top of the cream. This allows for expansion when it freezes.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Whipped cream dollops

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These can be useful for adding direct to a cupcake or as a small cake filling. The sweet cream recipe above can also be prepared this way if preferred.

  1. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Cream
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Cream
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Cream
    Cover with a thick freezer bag that seals. [1]
  4. When frozen, remove and slide into a storage container or bag. [2] To avoid being bumped, a rigid sided container is again best.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Thawing

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  1. : Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. [3] Or, if the food is bubbling away already, add straight to a cooking dish (such as a soup or stew), as if adding fresh cream and let the heat melt it through. Be aware that the cream will be runny and won't whip after freezing.
  2. : For using as a cake or dessert filling or topping, thaw in the refrigerator overnight first. As with the previous cream, this frozen cream can't be whipped again; unlike that one though, it should keep its already whipped texture suitable for baking or adding to desserts. Plus, you could try combining it with freshly whipped cream to make a filling go further.
  3. : Jiggle the cream inside its container (lid on) if you find too much separation has occurred. This can help to reconstitute the cream by mixing the fat solids and water solids back together again.
    • It can also be shaken inside the sealable bag if that's easier.
  4. : Allow to defrost on the kitchen counter (it'll take about 10 minutes). [4] Use exactly as you'd use whipped cream. The dollops should act like whipped cream already divided into small, usable portions.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I make butter from cream that has been frozen and thawed?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Freezing will not affect the cream, and many professional bakers use this technique.
  • Question
    How long will the cream keep after it has thawed in a fridge?
    Community Answer
    15 minutes. The freezing process increases the amount of bacteria in the cream, so thawing it can lead to it spoiling extremely fast. Just be sure to boil it within 15 minutes of full defrosting and it will be fine!
  • Question
    Can I freeze cooked cream?
    Community Answer
    It's not recommended as freezing will likely affect the consistency.
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      Tips

      • Some people suggest freezing cream in ice cube trays. [5] While this sounds convenient, it will cause the cream to separate more than when it's frozen in one solid mass.
      • Cream can be frozen for up to 2 months.
      • Low fat or single cream won't freeze well and will become quite watery.
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      Warnings

      • Frozen cream is never as good as fresh cream. This measure is intended to salvage cream due to expire or be wasted and isn't something you'd do with cream most of the time.
      • Cream will readily take on odors it comes into contact with. If improperly stored, it will taste exactly like the odors it has been exposed to. Which can be fairly unpleasant! Store in an airtight container.
      • It's recommended that you only freeze pasteurized cream.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Mixing bowl
      • Mixer or egg whisk to beat
      • Rigid sided container, such as a used, clean ice cream container/yogurt container/ricotta cheese container, etc.
      • Plastic bag with seal (suitable for freezing), maybe 2


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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To freeze cream, start by pouring it into a ridged-sided container. Leave at least 1/2 inch of space at the top of the container so the cream has room to expand when it freezes. Then, cover the container with 2 strong plastic bags that seal, which will help keep freezer odors out of the cream. Finally, place the container of cream in the freezer. To learn how to freeze sweetened cream or whipped cream dollops, scroll down!

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      • Rod Lewis

        Dec 31, 2016

        "This article answered my question about freezing cream. I shall buy some cream with a suitable fat content and ..." more
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