15 Heavy Cream Recipes to Use Up That Carton (2024)

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Lizz Schumer

A journalist, writer, and author, Lizz Schumer has 10+ years of experience covering food and drink for a wide variety of well-known print and online publications.

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Updated on 01/18/23

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15 Heavy Cream Recipes to Use Up That Carton (2)

Some ingredients just languish in the fridge or pantry unless you find a creative use for them: That last little bit of pumpkin puree after your holiday pie, a few wilting scallions, and that carton of heavy cream that never comes in a small enough size. We've got a solution to use up at least one of those in these sweet and savory recipes that all use heavy cream. Don't substitute it for light cream, milk, or nondairy creamers unless the recipe specifically says you can. Otherwise, you can end up with an unusual texture at best, or a ruined dish. You'll have both dinner and dessert taken care of in no time.

How to Freeze Heavy Cream

01 of 15
Cream Biscuits
If you don't have a sweet tooth but want a fun baking project, try these easy cream biscuits. They come out tender and fluffy and taste great split and topped with butter, creme fraiche and jam, or alongside a hearty soup or stew for a warming meal.
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02 of 15
Sweet Cream Cake
The addition of heavy cream in the batter gives this simple cake base a lovely rich crumb. Use it however you would a basic white cake: Fill and frost it with buttercream, dollop your favorite fruit jam (we like raspberry) or lemon curd between the layers, or use it in a decadent trifle.
03 of 15
Brussels Sprouts Gratin
With just six ingredients, this easy and creamy gratin puts a new twist on Brussels sprouts that will get even the most avowed sprouts-haters interested. Feel free to omit the bacon if you avoid meat or leave off the crumb topping to keep it lower in carbs.
04 of 15
Crab and Seafood Bisque
Start off a special meal with this seafood-studded bisque or serve it with crusty bread and a green salad for a lighter meal. Two kinds of seafood give it heft, while both heavy cream and milk create that creamy consistency. Add a third seafood for an even heartier soup or substitute the seafood for another firm white fish.
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05 of 15
Coffee Ice Cream
Homemade coffee ice cream has a sweet, slightly bitter taste similar to a cup of Joe in a cone. Using instant espresso granules gives this recipe an assertively caffeinated flavor, without needing to brew any coffee. You also don't need an ice cream maker for this recipe, but give it at least six hours to freeze up before serving.
06 of 15
Butterscotch Pie with Whipped Topping
This Southern-style butterscotch pie has a sweet, sugary filling and a tower of whipped topping that looks as good as it tastes. A pre-baked pie shell or graham cracker crust forms a delicious base. For extra pizzazz, drizzle with caramel or butterscotch sauce or crumble toffee bars on top before serving.
07 of 15
Cream of Wild Rice Soup
See Also
Homemade French Vanilla Coffee Creamer Recipe
Chock full of vegetables, hearty whole grains, diced ham, and shredded chicken or turkey, this simple and versatile cream of wild rice soup makes a warm and comforting meal. Swap out the ham for pancetta if you prefer, or leave it out entirely. Thyme doesn't appear in the traditional preparation, but adds a nice herbal note.
08 of 15
Pineapple Cream Pie
Taste the tropics any time of the year by whipping up this easy pineapple cream pie. Use a prepared graham cracker or cookie crust for a pie that comes together in a snap.
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09 of 15
Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake
For a dessert that looks impressive as you cut into it, try a layered pumpkin cheesecake that takes just minutes to prepare. You don't even need a springform pan; it bakes up in a regular deep-dish pie tin and it doesn't expand much as it bakes, so feel free to fill 'er up. Allow for at least 4 hours of chilling time before serving.
10 of 15
No-Bake Cherry Cream Dessert
When you don't want to turn on the oven, toss together this easy cherry dessert. A sweet, rich cream layer complements slightly tart cherry pie filling perfectly, while a crunchy graham cracker base provides textural contrast. Choose a high-quality pie filling or make your own if you've got time.
11 of 15
Easy Cheese Quiche
Everyone should have a basic quiche recipe in their back pocket for a simple and elegant meal. This one requires just a handful of ingredients and a pre-made pie crust. But, once you master this recipe, you can customize it to no end. Add your favorite chopped vegetables or meat for a great fridge-clearing dish.
12 of 15
Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara
Even though this creamy, smoky spaghetti carbonara sauce has spaghetti right in the name, it also works with fettuccini, angel hair, or any long pasta shape. Start with this recipe, then try customizing it by adding frozen peas, mushrooms, or topping with grilled chicken.
Continue to 13 of 15 below.
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Easy Cream Sauce
This versatile cream sauce tastes like a richer bechamel and will elevate just about any dish. Try it with chicken, shrimp, fish fillets, or over pasta with a side salad and a starch for a simple dinner that tastes like anything but.
14 of 15
Sherry Crab Sauce
Turn any dinner into an occasion with this crab and sherry cream sauce that tastes amazing over fish fillets, chicken, or steak. Sherry gives it an earthy flavor that works beautifully with delicate lump crabmeat.
15 of 15
Maple Whipped Cream
Dessert really doesn't get easier than this 2-ingredient maple whipped cream. Once you have it, you'll want to put it on everything. Try it on french toast or pancakes, atop cheesecake or pound cake, spooned over chocolate or coffee ice cream, or even dolloped into your coffee.