
Cream
Dairy◎ Good year-round
Used in 12 of 45 cuisines (27%)
Cream offers a luxurious, velvety texture with a rich, buttery flavor that elevates both sweet and savory dishes. Its smooth, thick consistency makes it a versatile ingredient in both desserts and sauces.
Where it comes from
Widely used across global cuisines, cream has been a staple in cooking for centuries, prized for its ability to enrich dishes and create indulgent desserts.
In the kitchen
Used in sauces, soups, and desserts, cream enhances dishes with its richness, often whipped to create airy toppings or incorporated into custards for a silky finish.
Nutrition (per 100g)
340kcalCal
2.1gProtein
35.0gFat
4.0gCarbs
0.0gFiber
Values are AI-estimated, not from a laboratory database
Pairs well with
Vanilla
Simmer together gently. Vanilla's floral notes lift cream's richness, creating a lush, aromatic base for desserts.
Lemon
Add lemon juice off-heat. The acidity cuts through cream's richness, brightening the flavor without curdling.
Nutmeg
Simmer gently with cream. Nutmeg's warmth lifts the richness, adding depth to sauces or soups.
Passionfruit
Whip cream to soft peaks, fold in passionfruit. The cream softens the tartness, creating a lush, tropical mousse.
Pastry
Bake the pastry first, then fill with cream. The crisp shell and smooth filling create a delightful texture contrast.
Leek
Sauté leeks until soft, then add cream. The richness wraps around the leeks, enhancing their mild sweetness.
Sherry
Add sherry to cream sauce off-heat. The sherry's nutty warmth lifts the cream's richness without curdling.
Chanterelle
Simmer in cream. The richness envelops the chanterelle, enhancing its texture and deepening the umami.
Berry
Whip cream to soft peaks, fold in berries. The cream's richness softens the berry's tartness, creating a lush texture.
strawberries
Whip cream until soft peaks. The rich, smooth texture wraps around the strawberry's juicy bite.
gelatin
Mix cream into warm gelatin for a silky texture. Chill slowly for a smooth set, avoiding grainy layers.
powdered sugar
Whip together for a frosting. The cream's richness balances the sugar's sweetness, creating a smooth, fluffy texture.