article Single Cream (UK) vs Double Cream (UK) (2026) | 247QuickTools
⚖️ Comparison · Updated for 2026

Single Cream (UK) vs Double Cream (UK)

Side-by-side comparison, when-to-use-each guide, and instant conversion. Reviewed for 2026.

Quick answer: Single cream is 18% fat (won't whip). Double cream is 48% fat (whips heavily, can over-whip into butter). US 'heavy cream' (36% fat) sits between them — closer to UK whipping cream. Recipes calling for 'cream' depend on country: UK assumes double; US assumes heavy.
Decision guide — when to use which
Use Single Cream (UK) when…

Pouring over desserts, adding to coffee, light savoury sauces.

Use Double Cream (UK) when…

Whipping, panna cotta, ganache, heavy cream sauces, anywhere needing structure.

📊 Side-by-side comparison
Aspect Single Cream (UK) Double Cream (UK)
UK fat content 18% 48%
US closest 'Light cream' (20%) / 'Half and half' (10-18%) 'Heavy cream' (36%)
Whips? No Yes (over-whips easily)
Boils without splitting? Risky Yes
Calories per 100 ml ≈ 195 ≈ 460

Frequently asked

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My US recipe says 'heavy cream'. Can I use UK double?

Yes, with caution. UK double (48%) is fattier than US heavy (36%). It will work but may over-thicken — for whipped cream, stop earlier. UK whipping cream (36%) is the direct US heavy cream equivalent.

?

Can single cream be whipped?

No. At 18% fat, there's not enough fat to trap air. You'd need at least 30%. UK whipping cream (35-38%) or US heavy cream (36%) is the minimum for whipping.

Reviewed for 2026. All conversion factors and historical references verified against official sources (ISO standards, government weights & measures legislation, IEC technical specifications). Built by a UK-based qualified primary teacher and FA Level 2 coach as part of 247QuickTools' free utility-tools project. We don't sell SEO links or accept paid placements in this content.

Frequently asked questions

My US recipe says 'heavy cream'. Can I use UK double?

Yes, with caution. UK double (48%) is fattier than US heavy (36%). It will work but may over-thicken — for whipped cream, stop earlier. UK whipping cream (36%) is the direct US heavy cream equivalent.

Can single cream be whipped?

No. At 18% fat, there's not enough fat to trap air. You'd need at least 30%. UK whipping cream (35-38%) or US heavy cream (36%) is the minimum for whipping.