What Is Table Cream & How to Use It?

We use cream in everything from a cup of coffee to sumptuous treats like tiramisu and cheesecake. And you’ll note that various varieties of cream are used for different recipes. Table cream is one such type. So, just what is a table cream product?

Table cream is a kind of cream with 18 to 30% milk fat. This is the cream that most people use in their coffee. As a result, this item is also known as coffee cream or light cream. You may also sprinkle this cream over a piece of cake or pie.

Table cream or light cream has a distinct purpose than other varieties of cream. And understanding the distinction can assist you in selecting the best one for your requirements. So, in this post, we’ll dissect table cream and explore how it’s manufactured, when it’s used, and what you may use in its place.

What Is Table Cream Used For? 

Table cream is another term for light cream, which has a milkfat content of 18 to 30% by weight. This cream is widely used to enhance the richness and creaminess of coffee. As a result, many people refer to this product as coffee cream. Because it is a liquid, you may add it straight to your coffee or other beverage without having to melt or process it.

Table cream is also used to prepare various curries and sauces. Pour this milk, for example, with butter chicken for a very indulgent dinner. As a result, table cream is a product that complements both sweet and savory foods.

When it comes to sweets, light cream may be used to puddings and custards. If your recipe asks for whole milk or condensed milk, replace it with light cream for a fuller flavor. Just keep the added fat and calories in mind.

By infusing it with melted butter, table cream may be used as a replacement for heavy cream. The butter raises the fat content of the cream, making it more comparable to heavy cream.

Can You Use Table Cream for Cooking? 

Table cream may be used in the preparation of sauces, soups, and curries. However, one thing to keep in mind is the temperature. You don’t want the cream to reach boiling temperature. Otherwise, the cream may separate and destroy the consistency of your sauce.

If you wish to add cream to a sauce or curry, do it while it is barely boiling on the burner. Cooking the sauce gently and without stirring too much will keep the cream intact.

Alternatively, before removing the sauce from the heat, whisk in the cream for a minute or two. This manner, you may have a super-rich texture without causing the sauce to curdle.

How to Use Table Cream? 

Table cream is a lighter alternative to heavy cream. Table cream, despite its name, has much more fat than half-and-half or evaporated milk. However, the fat content is about half that of heavy cream and whipped cream. This difference is critical to understand when using table cream.

Table cream is only available in liquid form. As a result, you may immediately pour it into coffee and other beverages. Similarly, you may pour it on top of a piece of cake or pie to enhance the flavor.

However, since most types of table cream are less than 30% fat, you won’t be able to whip it. As a result, you won’t be able to prepare items like meringue or tiramisu.

To generate stable whipped cream, for example, a cream product must include at least 30% milk fat. So you can simply whisk heavy cream to make it more firm. Whipped heavy cream is really more stable than whipping cream. However, if you attempt to whip light cream, it will not bubble up.

Whipping cream products, for example, comprise at least 30% milkfat and, in most cases, more. Similarly, heavy cream, clotted cream, and double cream all contain enough fat to produce a stable froth.

This is why heavy cream is required to prepare delicacies like cheesecake and tiramisu. Because whipping the cream requires the cream to retain its form. Light cream is preferred to coffee creamer since it may be poured straight into the drink.

You may use this cream to make soups and sauces creamier. But take cautious not to overheat the cream. Otherwise, the cream may curdle owing to its low fat content. So, when adding this cream to your sauce, add it at the end and boil it gently.

What Is Table Cream Made Of? 

Most edible creams are traditionally manufactured from milk, often cow’s milk. The cream, in particular, is the layer of fat found in milk. Depending on how much of this fat remains in the manufacturing process, you get various varieties of cream with varied labels.

Table cream is a cream that has ranging from 18 to 30% milk fat. That means, 18 to 30% of its whole weight is made up of milk fat. The remainder of the cream is water, milk protein, carbs, and so on. The majority of producers eliminate protein and salt from their table cream.

If the cream included more than 30% fat, it was categorized as whipping cream. Any less than 18% and you’ll get sour cream or half-and-half. In many respects, the final two are identical to table cream. The important thing to note is how much fat is in it.

What Are Table Cream Substitutes? 

Light cream is a quick and simple method to add richness and flavor to a cup of coffee or a batch of butter chicken. But what if you don’t have any on hand, and what is a table cream substitute? You may, however, try any of the options listed below:

Half-and-Half 

In coffee or any other beverage, half-and-half is the finest alternative for light cream. It has a similar consistency but far less fat. Half-and-half has between 12 and 18% fat. As a result, it is one grade below table cream.

However, half-and-half will retain its rich and creamy flavor. And the quantity you use is almost same.

Whole Milk and Butter 

Whole milk does not contain nearly as much fat as table cream. But here’s where the butter comes into play. By combining whole milk and melted butter, you significantly increase the fat content of the milk solution. You may then safely use this solution to your sauces and curries!

8 cup full milk.As a general guideline, add 3 tablespoons of butter to every cup of light or table cream.

Evaporated Milk 

When you remove the majority of the water from whole milk, you obtain evaporated milk or unsweetened condensed milk. The end product is a thick, creamy liquid that effectively mimics the properties of cream. You will not get the same quantity of fat. However, this alternative is ideal for achieving that rich and creamy flavor in coffees and desserts.

Full-Fat Coconut Milk 

In full-fat coconut milk, we now have a dairy-free equivalent for table cream. This is particularly beneficial for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant.

Keep in mind that this alternative will have a coconutty flavor, while traditional table cream tastes more like milk. This adds a new layer of flavor and texture to coconut milk. However, this implies that it is not always the best option for table cream.

Is Media Crema Table Cream Evaporated Milk? 

Media Crema is a Nestle product that is their version of table cream. According to the label, each 15 mL serving of Media Crema contains 4 grams of fat. That is, it has a fat level of roughly 27%, making it light cream or table cream. This is distinct from their Carnation range, which consists of evaporated milk.

Is Table Cream the Same As Heavy Cream?

Despite certain similarities in culinary uses, heavy cream and table cream are not the same product. In heavy cream, there has to be at least 36% milk fat or else it will not be classified as such. Table cream or light cream, on the other hand, has 18 to 30% milk fat, with the average being about 20%.

Can You Whip Table Cream? 

To whip cream into a stable froth, the cream must have at least 30% milkfat. And, although theoretically table cream may contain up to 30% fat, most such products fall well short of that mark. As a result, standard table cream cannot be whipped. If you continue to whisk it, the cream will curdle instead of foaming up.

Can You Use Table Cream for Pasta? 

Table cream may be used in a pasta meal, especially while creating the sauce. However, as previously said, you must be cautious not to overheat or boil the cream. To make the sauce richer and creamier, gently integrate the cream into the sauce.

To summarize, table cream is a fantastic alternative to have on hand. You may add it to a variety of recipes, from savory to sweet, and your palette will be rewarded with a rich and luxurious taste.