When it comes to baking with cream, there are lots of recipes where cream isn’t just the star ingredient but also the secret behind silky textures and rich flavours that make every bite memorable. Beyond being simply delicious, cream is also used to create dishes that are as tempting to the eyes as they are to the taste buds.
Knowing how to use cream in baking isn’t complicated. The science behind it is simple, but once you know the basics, you’ll better understand how and why cream transforms simple recipes into moreish masterpieces.
Baking with sour cream vs thickened cream
Sour cream is made by adding lactic acid bacteria to regular cream, which thickens it and gives it a tangy flavour as it ferments. While this tangy flavour is perfect for complementing savoury dishes, it can also help to balance sweeter ingredients such as chocolate or berries. Sour cream is also slightly acidic, which can help activate baking powder, resulting in lighter and fluffier cakes and muffins.
On the other hand, thickened cream is made by adding gelatine to regular cream, which makes it richer and gives it a smooth, stable texture ideal for whipping. In essence, thickened cream is the go-to for whipping, custards and ganache, while sour cream is ideal for creating moist, fudgy cakes, fluffy muffins and light biscuits. Sour cream also has much less fat than thickened cream, so if you’re creating dietary-specific dishes, this reduced fat content may be beneficial. However, an extra dash of oil can take sour cream recipes to the next level with enhanced texture that maintains the wonderful acidic tang that keeps appetites wanting.
The roles that cream plays in baking can essentially be broken down into a few categories: adding moisture and richness to create wonderful textures, as a filling or custard and for glazes and ganaches.
Using cream to add moisture and richness
The moisture and richness that cream adds to baking recipes comes down to its fat content. Fat will emulsify with the other ingredients, creating a smooth texture and better mouthfeel. It can also coat the flour and prevent cakes, biscuits and muffins from becoming too dry or crumbly. The fat in cream is also a flavour carrier – especially for aromatic, sweet and salty ingredients – helping food linger on your taste buds and making everything taste better for longer. Chocolate cake is an iconic example of how sour cream adds moisture, richness and tang.
Creating textures with cream
Cream is already naturally rich and smooth with a familiar, comforting texture. When other ingredients like eggs and gelatine – or emulsifiers and stabilising agents – are added, you can capture and incorporate this consistency. Think chocolate mousse, pavlova or ice cream.
Cream is also the secret ingredient in knockout sausage rolls. By soaking the breadcrumbs in thickened cream before adding them to the meat and vegetable mix, they become super rich and hydrated, causing them to plump up while remaining light and delicious.
Using cream as a filling or custard
One of the most well-known uses for cream is making silky custards and fillings. Few pleasures compare to a zingy lemon slice or the crumbly, smoked pork pleasure of a quiche lorraine. Another classic custard-based dish is the European classic, crème brûlée. Here, the contrast in textures of a luxurious, set cream filling with the cracking caramel top delights all our senses.
Glazes and ganaches
Cream is also a cook’s secret weapon for creating glossy baked goods and shiny chocolate desserts. Use a pastry brush to apply thickened cream to sausage rolls or scones before baking for a bright, smooth sheen. Chocolate ganache is another baking favourite that shines because of the cream. To make a quick and easy ganache, pour an equal quantity of hot thickened cream onto solid chocolate pieces in a blender and mix until it looks velvety and makes an even, subtle, whirring sound.
Simply delicious creamy solutions for your menu
With 35% milk fat, Yarde Farm thickened cream is a great choice for easier whipping, dolloping and mixing – the higher fat content adds to the indulgent eating experience by enhancing smooth textures and rich taste. In contrast, the lower fat in Yarde Farm light sour cream allows tangy taste to shine through in richer recipes. This magic of both options extends beyond traditional baking to also elevate sauces, soups and other cooking recipes.
Add a dollop of deliciousness to your next baked delights with indulgent creams from Yarde Farm.
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