What is the difference between single, thickened and double cream? - Ingredient Guide

by Holly Berckelman

Jun 26, 2026

Not all creams are created equal. Here's how to tell the difference between single, thickened and double cream – and when to use each one.

Standing in the dairy aisle of your local supermarket, trying to decipher a wall of cream products with a half-loaded recipe on your phone and a basket weighing down your arm can be one of the more frustrating parts of the cooking process.

But while you might choose to throw caution to the wind and grab whichever is closest, we suggest… not doing that. There are some key differences between each variety of cream, and brushing up on your knowledge of each can save you from disappointment in the long run.

Here’s how to tell the difference between single, thickened and double cream, plus when you can – and can’t – use them interchangeably. Because, when it comes to cooking – and especially baking – the devil really is in the details.

Cauliflower cheese soup — Single or pure cream adds a beautiful velvety smooth texture to soups.

What is single or pure cream?

Single cream (also referred to as pure or thin cream) is a pourable cream containing around 18 percent milk fat. It’s best used to add richness to sauces and soups, or poured over desserts.

Unlike thicker varieties, single cream cannot be whipped. Instead, think of it as a richer version of milk that adds flavour and silkiness without significantly thickening the consistency. It’s ideal for dishes where you want a creamy finish, without added heaviness.

Recipes using single/pure cream include:

Raspberries and cream sponge cake — Thickened cream is the perfect light, airy filling for sponge cakes.

What is thickened cream?

Thickened cream contains around 35 percent milk fat, along with added stabilisers that help it hold its shape – making it ideal for whipping.

Its versatility makes it a kitchen staple, and it’s commonly used for dolloping onto desserts, stirring through sauces or adding body to soups or pastas.

Recipes using thickened cream include:

Polish apple tea cake — A dollop of double cream is the ultimate topping for simple fruit-based cakes.

What is double cream?

Double cream is a rich cream containing between 45 and 60 percent milk fat. It can be whipped, but its high fat content means it can quickly become over-whipped (into butter) if you don’t keep a close eye on it.

Its sweetness and thick texture make it ideal for serving with fruit, cakes or puddings, but it can also be stirred into savoury sauces for added richness.

Recipes using double cream include:

Can you use single, thickened and double cream interchangeably?

You usually can’t use single or pure, thickened and double cream interchangeably, as their different fat contents mean they react differently in recipes – particularly when whipping or baking.

In a pinch, you can get away with using thickened and double cream in place of each other, but double cream will result in a richer, thicker end result. Plus you’ll need to be careful not to over-whip double cream.

If you can, it’s worth finding the right kind of cream when cooking to achieve the very best outcome.

Mont Blanc coffee cake — Thickened cream is your best bet for whipping.

Which cream is best for whipping?

Thickened cream and double cream can both be used for whipping, due to a higher fat content. Thickened cream and some commercially produced double creams also contain stabilisers (like gelatine) to help retain shape.

Thickened cream is the best for whipping due to its stable structure, which forms light, fluffy peaks that hold their shape. It’s also highly versatile, which makes it the best kind of cream to keep on hand for cooking.

Double cream can also be used for whipping, but it’s easier to over-whip into butter, and also leads to denser, heavier overall texture – which isn’t suitable if you’re looking for a lighter, airy finish.

If you’re after light, fluffy peaks that hold their shape, thickened cream is generally your best best.